Ramachandrapura Math

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History

"Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Shree Mahasamstanam Gokarna Shree Ramachandrapura Math" was established in Gokarna by Shree Shankaracharya for the propagation of Sanathana Dharma. Intially, the Math was called as “Shree Raghotham Matt”, & subsequently came known to be the “Shree Ramachandrapura Math. Shree Math has an illustrious history of more than 1300 Years and was established by Shree Adi Shankaracharya. It is the only Math with an unbroken lineage (Avichchinna Parampara) of Peethadeeshas. The first Peetadisha Shree Vidyananda Acharya was the disciple of Adi Shankara. Shree Shankaracharya bestowed a rare Chandramouleeshwara Lingam and Idols of Shree Rama, Seetha Lakshmana and other deities to the Math. These were worshipped with great devotion and reverence by the subsequent Swamijis and to this day the worship continues. The twelth pontiff Shree Ramachandra Bharathi Swamiji built a new Math on the banks of River Sharavathi in Hosanagara, Shimoga District, Karnataka, in the 15th century and since then the Math at Hosanagara has gained prominence as the main one. Historical doccuments state that the Math was revered and held in great esteem by the Emperors of Vijayanagara, Keladi and Mysore. Even the Nawabs of Hyderabad and Nawabs of Mysore like Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan acknowledged both the temporal and spiritual sway of the Shree Math which is symbolised by the Throne and Crown of the Peeta.

The Ramachandrapura Math is a Raja Peeta/Jagadguru Peeta, (ie, blending of both Adhyatmika/Sanyasa & Royal patronage). The Gold Crown was honoured at the time of Vijayanagar Dynasty, with few of royal patronage as Adda Pallaki (Palkin), Hagalu Deevatike, Boparak ( Praise of Honour), & others. It is the peeta which conducts, Addapallaki & Keeritotsava on special occasions, since ages. It is the peeta which has seen many Dynasties, Rulers, its rise & fall, had been considered a moral guideline by many in past & even present.

The Shree Math has a stunningly beautiful ivory throne which is a feast to one’s eyes. This invaluable piece of art was carved during the period of Shree Ramachandra Bharathi Swamiji (the 34th pontiff), out of the tusks of Ramabhadra, the elephant whose love and devotion to Shree Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji (33rd pontiff) is legendary. This manually carved throne with its intricate designs, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharatha & Bhagavatha, is studded with precious stones and gold inlay work. Indeed it is a shimmering jewel in the world of art, & unique of its kind in whole world.

Prospects

Shree Shree Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji is the 36th Guru and he is greatly revered by some as the an illustrious and illuminating personality in the field of Sanskrit, Vedanta and social welfare. Shree Math under the holy & able guidance of it‘s current pontiff Shree Shree Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji is helping people to live in a better world not only by preserving and propagating the Sanathana Dharma but also by taking-up social welfare programmes.

The present pontiff, greatly revered by all as the incarnation of Adi Shankara. Shree Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji believes that the Math has to help the people live in a better world not only by preserving and propagating the Sanathana Dharma but also by taking-up social welfare programmes. Relentlessly working on his dream, Shree Swamiji has embarked on massive social welfare programmes such as Value Based Education System, Hospitals & Health Care for Rural Poor, Food distribution for poor, Cancer Research, Protecting & Preserving native Indian breed Cows, Propagation of organic farming, etc. to name a few. Some of these projects are unique and are being widely appreciated in India and Abroad. The success of these projects are already visible and people from all walks of life are involving themselves in realizing Swamiji’s dream of gifting ourselves a better tomorrow.

The Mutt has majorily in recent years concentrated on Indian breed cattle preservation ( Cows). In fact, the census by Animal Husbandry shows decline in Cattle over years, & most of Indian breed are in verge of extinction (eg., Vachuru breed of Kerala is expected around 100 Nos. in all). Of 35 Indian cattle breeds now known in India, 28 breeds are found in Math, which are preserved for future generation. It is perhaps only institution in India with single large collection of cow breed, & the present pontiff, have declared his future work to concentrate only around the protection of the Indian cow breed( Bharathiya Go Samrakshane). Furture concentration is on research, on them to give more to society of the benefits of these breeds, & also it ‘Gavyautpanna’or products from Cow, as, Gavya Arka, Doopa, Danthamanjana, Medicines, etc. In fact, the State Governments have noted the importance from here, & have anounced projects based on the work developents here.

In April 2006, the Math organized the mega festival of Ramayana - the Ramayana Mahasatra - at its premises at Hosanagar in Karnataka. It attracted 15 lakhs of devotees from all walks of life. The event was a whole bunch Ramayana Festival. All the cultural, deity forms of Ramayana as worshiped in different parts of India, was brought under the event, so that people can have the glimpse of the entire cultural events of Ramayana in India. Many of dignitaries attended the event with praise, & food was served to all with name of Maha Annasantharpana(ie, megha food charity/offerings.).

The mega festival “Vishwa Go-Sammelana - 2007”, (ie, World Conference on Indian Breed Cattle) is to be held from 21st April to 29th April, 2007. It is unique festival concetrating on anything & everything on protection of Indian cattle breed (Cow), which is on vast declining in count. Expected for a gathering of over 40 lakh people to visit the event, has a collection of events in it. Many v.i.p.’s are expected in the event. The theme of the event “Vande Gomatharam”(ie, Great bows to Cattle(in India, among animals Cattle’s are considered god.)). The Go-Sammelan is set to cross the bowndaries of cast, religion & language, & to unit the people on moral grounds on protection of the cattle breed.

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Log on for more details; Shree Ramachandrapura Math's home page [1] & http://vishwagou.org/

See also: Swarnavalli Mutt