Saluva Mangu

Military career First Campaign In Tondaimandalam Savanna Odeyar, son of Kampana I and brother of Hari Hara Raya I, succeeded his father as the Viceroy of Udayagiri adopting the grand title "Lord of the Eastern Ocean." Inspired by Kampana’s fervor for conquest and restoration, Savanna embarked on a campaign in the south, echoing his father’s mission to end Muslim rule and defeat the ruler of Tundira. Historical inscriptions suggest that Savanna and Kumara Kampana coordinated their efforts, launching simultaneous campaigns Kumara Kampana advancing eastward and Savanna southward from their respective capitals.

Marching in stages, Kampana first halted at Virinchipuram to strategize before launching a decisive attack on the Sambuvaraya capital, Kanchi. The Vijayanagar forces laid siege to the city, engaging in a fierce battle with the Sambuvaraya army, referred to as the "Dramila" forces. The superior strength and strategy of the Vijayanagar army overwhelmed their opponents, forcing many Tamil soldiers to abandon their weapons and flee. The Sambuvaraya ruler, unable to withstand the onslaught, retreated to his stronghold at Padaiveedu. Kampana’s forces occupied Kanchi and paused there to regroup and prepare for their final assault on the Sambuvaraya fortress. The Madhura Vijayam provides a poetic conclusion to Kampana's campaign, stating that after his victory, he took control of Kanchi and ensured the region’s stability, preventing any further anarchy. From this strategic city, known as Maratakanagara, Kumara Kampana governed the land peacefully and effectively. This account is corroborated by an inscription which notes that Kampana Udaiyar firmly established his rule after capturing Rajagambhirarajya, solidifying his authority over the newly annexed territories and securing Vijayanagar’s influence in the region.

The death of the Sultan did not immediately lead to the capitulation of the Muslim forces in Madurai. Following their leader's demise in the battle between Kampana and Qurbat outside the gates, the Muslim defenders retreated into the fort, bolting the gates against the advancing Vijayanagar troops. Undeterred, the Hindu forces continued their assault. According to the Jaimini Bharatam, Saluva Mangu played a pivotal role in breaking through the fort's gate, forcing the Muslims to surrender. The incomplete final stanza of the Madhuravijayam mentions Kumara Kampana’s magnanimity, stating that he granted safety to the defeated warriors, though contrasting accounts like that of Shams-Siraj Afif claim that the Hindu victors committed acts of violence, particularly against women. Despite these differing narratives, Kumara Kampana's victory marked the end of Muslim rule in Madurai.

Cultural Activities After his victory over the Sultan, Saluva Mangu turned his attention to honoring his gods and religion. His first destination was the sacred temple of Srirangam, beautifully situated along the banks of the Kaveri River, which seemed to flow in devotion to Lord Ranganatha. At Srirangam, Mangu performed a ritual bath in the Kaveri and made significant offerings. He donated a thousand sacred Salagramas and performed all sixteen prescribed acts of charity. In addition, Mangu presented eight well-maintained agraharas to the temple, symbolizing his conquest of the eight directions. To further express his devotion, he endowed the temple with a generous donation of sixty-thousand madas of gold.

Saluva Mangu's devotion extended to the revered Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati, which also benefitted greatly from his generosity. As a mark of his faith and gratitude, Mangu commissioned the crafting of a golden kalasam (ornamental finial) and installed it atop the vimanam (tower) of the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Venkateswara's shrine.