Shree Raghotham Peeta

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Shree Raghotham Peeta is a Hindu monastic establishment in Ashoka, Gokarna, Karnataka State of India. It was established around A.D. 800 by Adi Shankaracharya. It is the oldest of Shankaracharya Peeta's established as per Archeology Department of Karnataka ( Karnataka Purattava Ilake ). The study in relevance to this has been published by the Department in 3 volumes Shree Ramachandrapura Matha Ithihasa Vaibhava, with study by Mr.Gunda Joisa, the archaeologist.

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 Peethadhishas. The first Peethadhisha 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 twelfth 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 with the name Shree Ramachandrapura Matha. Historical documents state that the Math was revered and held in great esteem by the Emperors of Vijayanagara, Keladi and Mysore.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, such as 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 Gita, 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.

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