A Hermeneutical Investigation of Super-Primary Meaning in the Dvaita Vedanta of Madhva

This work is an in-depth study on the philosophy of Madhva, the Dvaita Vedanta. The Dvaita tradition, which chronologically comes after Advaita and Visistadvaita, is one of the great Vedantic schools. Madhva was a Hindu philosopher of the 12th century belonging to the Vaisnava tradition, and emphatically established that Visnu alone is the focal point of entire Vedic writings by employing an unparalleled hermeneutical technique known as parama-mukhya-vrtti (the super-primary meaning) in all his writings. This study unearths this singular concept with the help of Madhva’s commentaries and related Dvaita literature.The book explores Madhva’s method of hermeneutics and exegetical patterns. It focuses on the first chapter of Brahmasutras and Madhva’s application of parama-mukhya-vrtti. It further discusses the hermeneutical issues in some commentaries and independent works of Madhva. The work suggests steps to apply parama-mukhya-vrtti to different religious texts, taking into account many Western continental thinkers who strike a chord with the thinking of Madhva. It employs an exegetico-interpretative method, and approaches Madhva’s original writings, particularly the notion of parama-mukhya-vrtti, through exegesis, showing its relevance through interpretation.This research will open up wide horizons by providing a new methodology to interpret the sacred texts of any religious traditions. It will also contribute to Madhva scholarship by stimulating scholarly exchanges, discussions and deliberations. Moreover, it will facilitate inter-religious dialogue and understanding, particularly in the multi-religious context of India.