Vidyaraṇya
Vidyaraṇya was a prominent Indian philosopher, scholar, and statesman during the 14th century. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire and served as a chief minister under its first ruler, Harihara I. His contributions to literature and philosophy are significant, particularly in the fields of Advaita Vedanta and Sanskrit literature.
Vidyaraṇya is also known for his work, the Panchadasi, which explores various aspects of Vedanta philosophy. He was instrumental in promoting the Dvaita and Advaita schools of thought, fostering a rich intellectual environment in South India. His legacy continues to influence spiritual and philosophical discourse in the region.