The four monasteries of Shankaracharya
Shankaracharya selected four mathas to govern the Hindu Sant Samaj. To understand the harmony and structure of Hinduism, one must be familiar with the teachings of the four great monasteries.
Only four monasteries keep the guru-disciple tradition alive and well. The Hindu tradition does not include the practise of designating someone as a guru outside of the four monastic communities.
When Shankaracharya ji founded monasteries, he also appointed the monks who would eventually become known as Shankaracharyas to lead them. Sannyasins follow one of the Dasnami Sampradayas, even if they did so under a different Math. You can find the following four monasteries in India: — Vedanta Gyanmath
Rameswaram, in the southern part of India, is home to Vedanta Gyanmath. Sannyasins of the Vedanta Gyanmath sect are distinguished by the addition of the Saraswati, Bharati, or Puri sampradaya name at the end of their given names.
‘Aham Brahmasmi’ is the math’s Mahavakya, and Yajurveda is considered part of the maths. Formerly known as Mandan Mishra, Acharya Sureshwarji was the first abbot of this monastery.
Govardhana Mathematica
Govardhan Math is found in Jagannath Puri, which is in the eastern Indian state of Orissa. Monks who undergo ordination at Govardhan Math add the sect name ‘Aranya’ to the end of their given names as an indication that they are members of that particular order of Buddhists.
Pragyan Brahma is the Math’s Mahavakya, and Rigveda is part of the Math’s canon. Padmapada, the first student of Adi Shankaracharya, founded this monastery and served as its first abbot.
Sharda Algebra
Gujarat’s Dwarkadham is the site of the Sharda (Kalika) Math. Sannyasins who have been initiated into Sharda Math are identified as such because the sect name and the adjective “Teerth” are added to the end of their given names.
This Math’s Mahavakya is “Tattvamasi,” and “Samveda” has been placed under it for safekeeping. Hastamalak (Prithvidhar) was the first abbot of Sharda Math. Hastamalaka was one of Shankaracharya’s four most prominent students.
Jyotirmath
Badrinath, Uttaranchal, is home to Jyotirmath. Sannyasins who take diksha in the Jyotirmath tradition have the designations “Giri,” “Parvat,” and “Sagar” appended to their names. This Math’s central teaching is known as the “Ayamatma Brahma” Mahavakya. This monastery has been the safe haven for Atharvveda. Jyotirmath’s first abbot, Acharya Totak, was given the title.
It is widely held that Shankaracharya founded the aforementioned four Maths, however his role in the founding of the Kanchi Math in Tamil Nadu is less certain. Swami Jayendra Saraswati is the current abbot of this Math.
Initiation into the Hindu faith is only valid when performed at one of the aforementioned monasteries or one of the sub-monasteries that falls under them. In Hinduism, this is akin to the stream of saints.
Shankaracharya established a ritual involving the four temples. The harmony and structure of Hinduism rely heavily on this practise. The Hindu Sant Samaj, which oversees these mathas, works to preserve the guru-disciple relationship and verify the authenticity of the Hindu saint stream.
Vedanta Gyanmath, Govardhan Math, Sharda Math, and Jyotirmath are the four most revered Hindu temples in India. They have done a lot to preserve and disseminate the teachings of Hinduism.
TourTripX understands the significance of these Hindu temples and the rituals that take place within them. We value the traditions they uphold and welcome visitors interested in the deep religious heritage of these sites.
TourTripX aspires to increase respect for Hindu culture and provide people with the opportunity to experience the transformational effect of these monasteries by educating them about their traditions and practises.
Use TourTripX to organise a trip to one of these holy monasteries so you can witness firsthand how they preserve ancient traditions and teachings. Follow us as we take you on a journey of self-discovery and insight into the profound teachings of Hinduism.
