The site hosts the burial of Vyasa Teertha, the royal preceptor to the Vijayanagara Emperor Krishnadevaraya.
It is believed to be the location where the first Madhva saint, Padmanabha Teertha, attained samadhi.
The island is geographically located in the center of the Tungabhadra River, requiring a boat crossing.
The cluster includes the brindavanas of nine saints, hence the name 'Nava' (nine) 'Brindavana'.
The architecture reflects the traditional stone-cut style used in 15th and 16th-century religious structures in Karnataka.
Navabrindavana is an island shrine situated in the middle of the Tungabhadra River near Anegundi, housing the moola brindavanas of nine prominent Madhva saints. The site contains the final resting places of scholars and philosophers including Padmanabha Teertha, Vyasa Teertha, and Kavindra Teertha. It is considered one of the holiest sites for the followers of the Dvaita school of Vedanta. The brindavanas are constructed of stone and are arranged in a circular cluster on a rocky river island. Access to the island is facilitated by small coracle ferry boats operated by local boatmen from the mainland bank. The site remains a functional place of worship with daily rituals performed by resident priests. The environment is characterized by large granite boulders and riverbed vegetation typical of the Hampi-Anegundi region.
From the riverbank looking toward the island or from the elevated rocks surrounding the shrine complex.
Carry drinking water and sun protection as there is minimal shade on the rocky island.
Confirm the availability of coracle operators before proceeding to the riverbank.
Maintain silence as the area is primarily a site for meditation and prayer.
Do not attempt to cross the river by walking or wading, especially during the monsoon season when water levels fluctuate rapidly.
Access is restricted during the monsoon season when river water levels are dangerously high.
Remove footwear before entering the shrine area; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is mandatory; photography of the inner sanctum is generally prohibited.
