Ahobila Mutt
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Ahobila Mutt (also called Ahobila Matam) is a Sri Vaishnava religious institution established 600 years ago at Ahobilam in South India by Srimad Athivan Satakopan the first Jeeyar (pontiff). Since then a succession of forty-five Jeeyars or ascetics known as "Azhagiya Singar" have headed the Mutt or monastery.
Ahobila Mutt is among the organizations that follow Sri Vedanta Desika as the torch bearer of Sri Ramanuja's teachings. The others are Sri Parakala Matam, Sri Srirangam Andavan Ashramam and Sri Powndareekapuram Andavan Ashramam. Ahobila Mutt is the second oldest in this line.
As per legend, one of the nine Nrisimhas of Ahobilam called Lord Malolan jumped into the hands of Athivan Satakopan and ordered him to travel the length and breadth of the country. Thus began the institution called Sri Ahobila Matam and the travels of Lord Malolan from village to village so that devotees get a chance to undertake Pancha Samskaram (five Purifications) and perform Bharanyasam (surrender to the Lord).
The travels thus started 600 years ago continues to this very day. The unique tradition of the Lord traveling to the houses of His devotees continues.
