Thread by @MadhvaHistory

1. Sri Vyasatirtha (Vyasaraja) donated 14,000 nar-paNams to Sri bhanDAraM (Tirumala temple treasury) on Shuddha dwAdashi of vRuschika mAsam (kArtika mAsam) in Saka 1446 i.e. 8th November, 1524. (Source: TTD Inscriptions Vol.3-Inscriptions from Krishnaraya's Time)

2. narpaNam was a popular denomination of currency widely used throughout Vijayanagara Empire. It was both in gold & copper. Vyasatirtha donated gold narpaNams to Sri Govindaraja Swamy at Tirupati.

3. Sri Vyasatirtha also donated two villages; Siyalapandur & Pashuvasam 'situated in Padainadu-siramai for the purpose of offering to Sri Govindaraja Swamy. These villages were previously donated to him by Emperor Krishnaraya.

4. The Sthanattars (Temple administrators) have stated on record that - "this sum of 14000 panam shall be spent for the excavation of tanks & channels in the temple villages & with the produce derived therefrom...articles shall be made from Sri Bhandaram on prescribed days."

5. This means that the donation made by the revered saint has been invested in irrigation & agriculture projects that brought more land under cultivation thus generating employment for people. Even today many of these tanks & channels are in use in Rayalaseema area.

6. From the produce generated from the two temple villages (i.e. the existing cultivation lands + newly developed), the Sthanattars have mentioned the list of food offerings to be made on everyday & festivals. Here is an example (incomplete list though).

7. A part of these offerings has been shared with temple servants, fuel suppliers, basket makers & temple cooks. Another part will be taken by the temple admins as a reward to their services provided to ensure the implementation of the terms put by the donor.

8. Remaining portions of the food offerings were distributed to the pilgrims through free distribution centers maintained by the temple. Sri Vyasaraya Matha, then located in north street of Govindaraja temple, was also one such distribution center of free prasAdam.

9. Likewise, the visionary saint of 15/16th century Sri Vyasatirtha contributed to the overall societal development of rural areas by selflessly donating the money given by the emperors & officers.

10. Till this day, many mAdhva maThAs are following this noble tradition and are contributing to the society's growth not only in spiritual domain but otherwise as well. May Sri Vyasatirtha keep blessing them to hold against the tirades of the agents of Kali purusha.

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