Vidyaranya (also known as Madhavacharya) is variously known as being a king maker, patron saint and high priest to Hakka and Bukka, the founders of the Vijayanagar empire. He helped the brothers establish the empire sometime in 1336 AD. He later served as a mentor and guide to three generations of kings who ruled over the Vijayanagar empire. Hampi, the capital city of the empire, has a temple dedicated to this priest. people offer their prayers to this day. He is the author of sarva-darshana-samgraha, a compendium of different philosophical schools of Hindu thought.

See also

• Sringeri Sharada Peetham
• Advaita Vedanta
• Vijayanagara Empire