Keshav Kashmiri

Life

Keśava Kāśmīrī, originally known as Keśavācārya, earned the epithets "Bhaṭṭa" and "Kāśmīrī Bhaṭṭācārya" in recognition of his contributions to religious propagation, his triumphs in philosophical debates, his efforts in countering heretical sects, and his time spent in Kashmir as a pilgrim. However, he would personally refer to himself simply as "Keśava" with brevity. This preference is reflected in the concluding verse of his work Kramadīpikā, a text composed in a cyclical style, where he identifies himself:"Keśavena kṛtā Kramadīpikā" (This Kramadīpikā is composed by Keśava).

According to Agrawal (2000), Keśava Kāśmīrī defeated Vidyādharācārya of the Śākta school of thought in Kaśmīra, and gave him the name Vrajeśācārya, the Yavanas of Mathurā, and the scholars of Navadvīpa. He later settled himself in Kaśmīra.

Mathura Miracle

Keśava Kāśmīri is linked with many extraordinary occurrences, The most renowned of these performing a miracle in Mathurā to free Hindus from these specific prohibitions and other conversional tactics of muslim rulers. An event famously recounted in the Nābhā dāsa Bhaktamāla chappaya 75.

Nābhā dāsa wrote that "Sri Keshava Bhatt Ji was the crown jewel of all people. His fame spread throughout the world. Due to his long residence in Kashmir, the epithet "Kashmiri" became associated with his name. He was a vanquisher of oppressors and sinners, and an ornament of the human race. With the axe of devotion to Hari, he uprooted the trees of opposing religions and eradicated them completely. In Mathura, he debated with the Yavanas (foreign rulers) and defeated those heretics. It is well known how the Qazis, who refused to yield to anyone, came to fear his spiritual power after witnessing it. This event is no secret; the saintly community bears witness to it."