Haripāda Cihnegalu

Haripāda Cihnegalu is a unique and insightful work that explores the spiritual, theological, and symbolic significance of the sacred marks adorning the divine feet of Lord Śrī Hari. Drawing upon the Vedas, Upaniṣads, Purāṇas, and the Dvaita Vedānta tradition, the book presents a comprehensive study of these auspicious symbols and their importance in meditation and devotion.

In the Third Skandha of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Mahāpurāṇa, Lord Kapila instructs devotees to meditate upon the divine form of Lord Hari from His lotus feet to His crown during the early hours of the day. Likewise, the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad, as interpreted by Śrī Madhvācārya, explains that contemplation on the sacred feet of the Lord bestows divine knowledge (jñāna), bliss (ānanda), and ultimately liberation (mokṣa).

The work examines the profound symbolism of the auspicious marks found on the Lord's feet—such as the flag (dhvaja), thunderbolt (vajra), elephant goad (aṅkuśa), lotus (padma), and many others. Their spiritual significance and the fruits of meditating upon them are explained through authoritative references from the Veṅkaṭeśa Māhātmya, the Āditya Purāṇa, and other sacred texts.

A distinctive feature of this book is its detailed treatment of the thirty-five sacred foot symbols celebrated by the great saint Śrī Vijayadāsa in his renowned Pāda Suḷādi. Bringing together scriptural citations, traditional interpretations, and reasoned analysis, the work offers readers a systematic understanding of a subject rarely treated in such depth.

About the Author

Dr. A. V. Nagasampige Acharya is a distinguished Sanskrit scholar, researcher, and authority on Dvaita Vedānta. He has devoted decades to the study of the Vedas, Upaniṣads, Purāṇas, and the philosophical works of Śrī Madhvācārya, with particular interest in the devotional and contemplative dimensions of the Vedic tradition.

In Haripāda Cihnegalu, Dr. Nagasampige Acharya has meticulously compiled scriptural references relating to the sacred marks on the feet of Lord Hari and presented them in a coherent, accessible, and scholarly manner. Where appropriate, he offers thoughtful interpretative insights firmly grounded in the principles of traditional Dvaita hermeneutics, following the guidance of Śrī Madhvācārya regarding scripturally consistent interpretation.

By combining scriptural authenticity with devotional depth, this work serves as an invaluable resource for devotees, students, researchers, and all those interested in understanding the spiritual symbolism of Lord Hari's divine feet. It stands as a meaningful contribution to the preservation and dissemination of the contemplative and devotional heritage of the Dvaita tradition.