Nārāyaṇabhaṭṭa

Nārāyaṇa Bhaṭṭa ( – ?) was a renowned scholar and author in the field of Dharmaśāstra, prosody, and Alaṅkāra, residing in Benares during the 16th century. He belonged to the Bhaṭṭa family, originally from Maharashtra, known for their dedication to the study and composition of Dharmaśāstra texts. Nārāyaṇa Bhaṭṭa's father, Rāmeśvara Bhaṭṭa, migrated from Pratiṣṭhāna in Deccan to Banaras.

It is believed that he played a role in rebuilding the famous Viśvanātha temple in Banaras, which had been repeatedly demolished by Muslim attackers in the past.

He is also the ancestor of authorities like Kamalākara Bhaṭṭa, Gāgā Bhaṭṭa, Dinakara Bhaṭṭa, and others.

Works Bhaṭṭa's notable works include a commentary on the Vṛttaratnākara of Kedāra Bhaṭṭa, Vṛttaratnāvalī, Prayogaratna, Tristhalisetu, and Antyeșțipaddhati. His work, Vṛttaratnāvalī, is mentioned in a report by F. Kielhorn.

Nārāyaṇa Bhaṭṭa's life and works provide valuable insights into the scholarly pursuits and cultural heritage of Benares during the 16th century.