Sri Nrisimha Bharati IV

The period of about two centuries and a half marks the relations of Sringeri with the Vijayanagar Empire during the years of its prosperity and subsequent decline. The Math acquired possessions outside Sringeri Samsthanam proper, enjoyed full rights over the mineral resources. It enjoyed the rights to cultivate supari (arecanut), grow sandal trees and create new plantations. It was exempted from royal customs and taxes and the requirement to supply labour for royal purposes. Subject to royal control, the authorities of the Samsthanam were empowered to enforce law and order within their jurisdiction. Properties of disciples, who died without heirs, were taken care of by the Samsthanam; imperial sanction was necessary only where the value of the property exceeded a certain limit. In the imperial capital, the Guru was shown all honours pertaining to royalty, including the Adda Pallakki (Palanquin).

The blessed message that emanated from the lotus-like face of Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada got diversified a thousand-fold in the expositions of the Acharya who came after him, even as the Ganga stream gets variegated while flowing over different lands. It was the task of Sri Bharati Krishna Tirtha and Sri Vidyaranya to link these variegated streams, and canalize them through several monastic establishments. And their successors added to the number of these monasteries, the heads of which were disciples of Acharyas of the Sringeri or derived inspiration and guidance from them. To these monasteries, as to Sringeri, flocked ascetics and scholars for contemplation, study and the elucidation of the truth of Advaita in its manifold aspects and refutation of the arguments of the rival schools. These Maths had also shrines and facilities for Annadana attached to them. It is no exaggeration to say that for spotless character, saintliness and depth of erudition, the Sringeri Jagadgurus commanded the highest esteem.

The Avani Math

According to tradition the Avani Math was founded by Sri Nrisimha Bharati Swami of Sringeri Math, while he was camping in Kolar, and placed in charge of one of the disciples. The head of the Math is known as Avani Sringeri Swami.