The influence of the 13th century preceptor on Dushyanth Sridhar is evident in this colourful volume, released on Jan 1, 2020 Vedanta Desika — The Peerless Poet-Preceptor, a coffee-table book, released to mark his 750th birth year. The book is a visual treat with pictures — of places and temples — and illustrations — of the important episodes from the life of Sri Vedanta Desika, considered an incarnation of the Ghanta (bell) of Sri Venkatesa of Tirumala. Author’s narration in a lucid flow takes the readers through the journey of one of the most venerated saints and prolific composers. It has been divided into five sections to dwell at length on each facet of Desika’s personality. The style reflects a facility acquired from osmosis — absorbing Desika for many years. "Desika was accepted by followers of other philosophies — Dvaita and Advaita — shows his greatness,” observes author Dushyanth. Appayya Dikshitar, renowned Advaita scholar and composer, was a close friend of Desika. So was Vidyaranya Tirtha of Sringeri. “When there was a debate on the meaning of Tatvamasi between Akshobhya Tirthar (dvaita) and Vidyaranya Tirthar, they chose Vedanta Desika as the judge. Desika’s verdict has been etched in a pillar at Moolabagilu in Karnataka. Such was his credibility and clear thinking. Spiritually elevated persons may not be practitioners of religious duties, etc. Desika scored in this aspect too, according to author Dushyanth. He followed the tenets of Sri Vaishnavism, was an expert in Agama sastras and totally devoted to Sri Varadaraja and Sri Ranganatha of Srirangam. He saved the deities and scriptures during invasions by lying among the corpses pretending to be dead. “But for him, many of the precious slokas and texts would have been lost,” says Dushyanth. The real epic about Vedanta Desika continues on our book, read it.