Madhvacharya (Theologian)

Madhvacharya, a prominent 13th-century Indian philosopher and theologian, founded the Dvaita school of Vedanta, which emphasizes dualism between the individual soul (Atman) and the supreme being (Brahman). He argued that God (Vishnu) is distinct from individual souls and the material world, advocating devotion (bhakti) as the path to salvation. Madhvacharya's teachings challenged other philosophies by asserting the reality of differences in existence, promoting the idea that understanding this dual relationship leads to spiritual liberation. His work significantly influenced Hindu thought, particularly in South India, and he is revered as a saint and an intellectual leader in the devotional movement.