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The article discusses Hindu sectarian relations in the Vijayanagara empire during the 16th century. Particular focus is given to Vyāsatīrtha, a Mādhva Brahmin religious leader who played a significant role in promoting sectarian rivalries. According to the author, Vyāsatīrtha successfully gained greater prominence for his sect by carefully competing and cooperating with other sectarian groups and by employing polemical criticism against his rivals. It is suggested that Vyāsatīrtha's ability to influence rulers' personal religious beliefs also played a role in general shifts away from ecumenical Śaivism toward Vaiṣṇism. Other topics include the Smārta sect of Brahmins, royal patronage, and the Tuḷuva dynasty.