The Four Mathas of Adi Shankaracharya – Pillars of Sanatana Dharma
In the 8th century CE, Jagadguru
Adi Shankaracharya established four cardinal mathas (monastic centers)
across India to preserve and propagate Advaita Vedanta and Sanatana
Dharma. Each matha is associated with a Veda, a Mahavakya (great saying),
and a lineage of acharyas.
1. Jyotirmath (Joshimath,
Uttarakhand)
- Location:
Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
- First Acharya:
Thotakacharya
- Mahavakya:
Ayamatma Brahma (This Self is Brahman)
- Associated Veda:
Atharva Veda
- Sampradaya:
Nandavala
- Spiritual Role:
Northern seat of wisdom, guiding Himalayan spiritual traditions
2. Govardhan Math (Puri,
Odisha)
- Location:
Puri, near Jagannath Temple
- First Acharya:
Padmapada
- Mahavakya:
Prajnanam Brahma (Consciousness is Brahman)
- Associated Veda:
Rig Veda
- Sampradaya:
Bhogavala
- Spiritual Role:
Eastern seat, guardian of sacred coastal traditions and rituals
3. Sringeri Sharada Peeth
(Sringeri, Karnataka)
- Location:
Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka
- First Acharya:
Sureswaracharya
- Mahavakya:
Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman)
- Associated Veda:
Yajur Veda
- Sampradaya:
Bhurivala
- Spiritual Role:
Southern seat, center of Sharada worship and Vedantic scholarship
4. Dwarka Peeth (Dwarka,
Gujarat)
- Location:
Dwarka, near Dwarkadhish Temple
- First Acharya:
Hastamalakacharya
- Mahavakya:
Tattvamasi (Thou art That)
- Associated Veda:
Sama Veda
- Sampradaya:
Kitavala
- Spiritual Role:
Western seat, beacon of spiritual unity and coastal dharma
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