Sri Vadiraja Teertharu was a remarkable figure who made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy, poetry, and religion in India during the 15th and 16th centuries. As a Dvaita philosopher, he authored many works on Madhva theology and metaphysics and enriched Kannada literature by translating Madhvacharya's works into Kannada, which contributed to the Haridasa movement. He is also renowned for his humorous and poetic compositions in Kannada and Sanskrit.

Born as Bhuvaraha in the village of Huvinakere, Vadirajaru became a monk at the age of 8 and received his education from Vidyanidhi Tirtharu and later Vagisha Tirtharu. He eventually became the pontiff of the mutt at Sodhe, succeeding Vagisha Tirtha. Vadiraja wielded some influence in the court of the Nayakas of Keladi, and his successor, Vedavedya Tirtha, received grants of villages from Keladi Venkatappa Nayak.

In 1512, Vadiraja embarked on a grand tour of India's pilgrimage sites that lasted for two decades. He recorded the details of his travels in his travelogue called Tirtha Prabanda. During his journeys, he was said to have performed miracles, such as resurrecting the dead and exorcising demons. Traditional accounts also speak of his expertise in the occult, and he was known to have tamed a forest spirit called Annappa or Bhutaraja.

Vadiraja was also known for his debates with Jain scholars at Moodabidri and Karkala and for converting a sect of Brahmins of the goldsmith community to the Dvaita fold, who are now known as Daivajnya Brahmins. During this period, he restructured the organization of the temple at Udupi, established the Ashta Mathas around the temple, and renovated the temple itself.

The ecclesiastical and liturgical reforms initiated by him are still followed to this day. Although the claim that he lived for 120 years is disputed, there is no doubt that he presided over the mutt at Sodhe for many years. His mortal remains are enshrined at Sodhe.