The Madhva tradition, also known as the Brahma-sampradaya or Tattvavāda, upholds a strict dualism: Vishnu stands as the independent Supreme, while individual souls and the material world remain eternally distinct. Founded in the 13th century by Madhvacharya, its living flame is kept alight through an unbroken guru–śiṣya parampara, weaving philosophy, ritual and devotional practice into one seamless whole.

Major lineages:

1. Udupi Ashta Mathas
   • Eight monasteries established by Madhvacharya himself
   • Rotate responsibility for the famous Paryāya festival at Krishna Temple every two years
   • After a pandemic pause, Paryāya 2022 marked a triumphant revival of age-old rituals and community life

2. Padmanābha Tīrtha’s Descendants
   • Uttarādi Math: the largest Dvaita institution beyond coastal Karnataka, renowned for its scholarly output
   • Krishṇapura Math (Vyāsarāja tradition): traces its pedigree to Vyāsatīrtha and flourished under the Vijayanagara kings
   • Mantralayam/Raghavendra Math: draws thousands each Guru Pūrṇimā, keeping Saint Raghavendra’s legacy vibrantly alive

3. Saraswat Brahmin Sampradāya
   • Gaudapadāchārya, Kashi and Gokarṇa Mathas – pillars of Madhva faith along the Konkan coast
   • Chitrapur Math: melding Dvaita thought with local customs, it serves a diverse Saraswat community
   • Known for blending traditional Vedic rituals with regional art forms and festivals

4. Deśastha Madhva Brahmins
   • Centered in Maharashtra under several smaller mathas, yet all tracing back to Madhvacharya’s direct disciples
   • Play a key role in preserving liturgical texts and performing temple duties across the Deccan

Like a banyan tree whose roots run deep and whose branches spread far and wide, the Madhva Sampradāya today balances ancient ritual precision with modern outreach—digital satsangs, online commentaries and spirited debates at academic conferences—so that its message of divine dualism continues to flourish in every age.