HARMONIZING INNER DHARMA, RECLAIMING OUTER SOVEREIGNTY: THE YOGIC LEADERSHIP OF VIDYARANYA SWAMI'S VISION FOR VIJAYANAGAR

This work explores the philosophical and yogic underpinnings of Sri Vidyaranya Swami's leadership and his all-encompassing role in the discovery and development of the Vijayanagara Empire in 14th-century southern India. Due to political unrest and cultural disruption brought on by northern invasions, his rise to prominence and contributions during this time served as a catalyst for the revival of Indian culture and heritage. Vidyaranaya created a leadership model based on dharmic ethics and Advaita Vedanta. His conception of sovereignty included stewardship of cultural, spiritual, and moral order in addition to control over territory. Vidyaranaya created a type of "Yogic leadership" by fusing inner spiritual discipline with external political responsibility under the direction of Harihara and Bukka, the empire's founders. His significance influenced institutional resilience, education, governance, and cultural revival, making Vijayanagar a stronghold of civilizational continuity. This study demonstrates how leadership based on self-realization, ethical clarity, and collective welfare offers timeless importance and a framework for addressing current governance, values, and sustainability crises, highlighting Vidyaranya's enduring relevance.