Kashi Math
 | This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. (January 2013) |
| Shri Samsthan Kashi Math | |
|---|---|
 Deities of Samsthan Kashi Math | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Location | |
| Location | Varanasi |
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
Kashi Math is one of the four spiritual schools followed by Goud Saraswat Brahmins or Gowda Saraswat Brahmins (GSB). Members of the Goud Saraswat community predominantly live along the west coast of India, from Mumbai in the north to Kerala in the south. It is one of the 24 mathas of the Dvaita order. Headquartered in Brahma Ghat, Varanasi, Kashi Math has followers all over the Konkan belt, prominently in Udupi, Mangalore, Kochi, Alappuzha and other parts of Kerala and Karnataka.
History
Kashi Math was founded in 1542 AD.[1][2] Before the Kashi Math was established, most Vaishnava Gowd Saraswat Brahmins were followers of the Shri Kavindra Math of Madhvacharya. During the 15th century, Sri Ramachandra Tirtha of Moola Math (Jagadguru Sriman Madhwacharya Moola Maha Samsthana) initiated two shishyas as sannyasins: Vibhudendra Tirtha and Vidyanidhi Tirtha. The latter continued Parampara of Sri Ramachandra Tirtha called Uttaradi Math and became head of the same, while Sri Vibhudendra Tirtha started a new Math previously called Vibhudendra Theertha Mutt, now named Sri Raghavendra Math or Raghavendra Mantralaya after Sri Raghavendra of Mantralaya. Due to their proximity to South Kanara and Kerala.
Later, when Surendra Tirtha became the head of the Math at Kumbhakonam, one of his disciples, Vijayindra Tirtha undertook a Chaturmasya (a religious event lasting four months) at Kochi in 1539–1540. Here, he selected Sri Vittalacharya and was given deeksha as Yadavendra Tirtha. Yadavendra Tirtha went on to become head of the new Kashi Math at Varanasi established in 1542 AD. Kumbhakonam Math gave two idols of Vyasa and Rama (Raghupati) to Shrimat Yadavendra Tirtha along with the rights to guide the Gowd Saraswats.
Deities
Main Deities of Samsthan Kashi Math are charaprathishta (literally, a moving installation) idols of Lord Shri Veda Vyasa and Lord Shri Rama (Raghupati) also popularly known as Sree Vyasa Raghupathi.
Guru system
The Kashi Math follows a Guru system, wherein the head of the Math appoints a shishya, who succeeds the Guru. According to the Math's tradition, the shishya should be unmarried, and is selected at a very young age.
Shri Kashi Math are followers of the Dwaita school of Vaishnavite philosophy founded by Maadhwacharya, but subtle differences exist between the Maadhwa Siddantha followed by Sri Kashi Math and the main-line Maadhwa followers.
Mathadipathi
The spiritual head, or the Mathadipathi is the administrative head of the math and its properties. As a math specific to the Gowd Saraswat Brahmins, the mathadhipathi seldom mingle with members of other communities. The mathadhipathi is not a mere spiritual head of the community. In the past, the mathadhipathi exercised powers over secular matters of the community too. There have been occasions when the mathadhipathi has excommunicated members for violation of his edicts. H. H. Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji is the current Mathadhipathi of Shree Kashi Math Samsthan.
H H Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji
The 20th Mathadhipathi of the Kashimath H. H. Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji enjoys iconic stature among his devotees and is a great scholar of the Vedas and ancient scriptures. He has sought to preserve protect and propagate the vedic heritage through His discourses over several years and the institutions found by Him. His illustrious predecessor Mahaswami H.H. Sukrateendra Thirtha attained Samadhi in 1949. Thereafter Shrimad Sudhindra Thirtha swamiji has been guiding the Samsthan and its devotees by travelling the width and breadth of India and beyond the Himalayas in Nepal by word and deed. There has not been a single day when the pujas to the presiding deities of Shri Vedavyasa and Shri Raghupathi [Lord Sreeram] were missed. Shri Vyasashram at Haridwar on the bank of sacred Ganga which was built in 1988 as monument to Lord Vedavyasa was dedicated by Swamiji for the welfare of the world. In 1998 at Kalpi near Kanpur (U.P) the birthplace of Vedavyasa a beautiful temple has been built to symbolise and propagate the universal philosophy of Shri Vedavyasa.[3]
As per tradition of math it was believed that the swamiji who is having paraphernalia and main deities of Sree Vyasa Raghupathi. Up to 19th Pontiff linage (i.e. Up to H.H.Sukratheendra Thirtha Swamiji) of Kashi Math Guruparampara; Guru Swamiji was holding and offering Poojas & Prayer to paraphernalia and main deities of Sree Vyasa Raghupathi. Also Only After the Samadhi of Guru Swamiji, Shishya Swamiji was becoming Mathadhipathi.
But on 04-11-1994,due to health problems, H H Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji handed over the Administrative power of math along with paraphernalia and main deities of Sree Vyasa Raghupathi to H H Raghavendra Thirtha Swamiji and left to Haridwar for Swadhyaya and for writng a few compositions in Sanskrit.
H H Raghavendra Thirtha Swamiji
His Holiness Raghavendra Thirtha Swamiji is the 21st Pontiff of Shree Kashi Mutt Samsthan. Disciple of H.H.Shrimad Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji and Utaradhikari of Kashi Math Samsthan from 4 November 1994. and as per the Rayasa pathram released by the 20th pontiff on 4 November 1994, HH Raghavendra Theertha swami has been entrusted the full power of Kashi mutt samsthan- including the religious, Dharmic and social activities as well as management of the Math and handed over all the deities, along with paraphernalia, insignia etc. excluding the power in Haridwar Kashi mutt.
Shrimad Vibhudendra Tirtha was the fourteenth Swamiji of the Kashi Matha Samsthan, initiated two shishyas into sanyasa namely Shrimad Sumateendra Tirtha & Shrimad Vibhudendra Tirtha. Some time after the passing away of Shrimad Vibhudendra Tirtha Swamiji, a difference of opinion arose between his two Shishya-Swamijis. It went to such an extent that the younger Swamiji, Shrimad Vasudendra Tirtha demanded the division of all the movable and immovable properties of the Kashi Matha as well as the followers of the Matha and filed a suit in the Calicut court to that effect. The two shishyas being the official and legal heirs of the entire Kashi Matha, the court agreed with the younger Swamiji and issued the necessary decree for the division of the Math. In the mean time Shrimad Sumateendra Tirtha, selected a minor from his followers and initiated him into sanyasa on 1849 and accepted him as shishya, who was named shrimad Bhuvanendra Tirtha and attained samadhi in 1851. In the meantime Shrimad Vasudendra Tirtha was camping in Shri Venkataramana Temple, Kundapura. He was about to get the decree enforced, thereby dividing the Matha into two Mathas and also to select a Shishya. It was at this time that news reached the Swamiji that his co-Shishya, Shrimad Sumateendra Tirtha, attained Samadhi in Alleppey. His Shishya, being a minor, a question arose as to who would be his guardian. The minor promptly and with great foresight requested Shrimad Vasudendra Tirtha to be his guardian.Now the latter obliged. Further, he gave up the idea of division of the Kashi Matha and even went a step further. He voluntarily and with a broad mind delegated all his rights to his share of the property of the Kashi Matha sanctioned to him earlier by the court decree mentioned earlier, to his ward, the minor Swamiji. He did not proceed with his plans regarding the initiation of some one into sanyasa and accepting him as his shishya.
It is believed that in order to avoid similar conflict in Kashi Math in future, shrimad Bhuvanendra Tirtha have made an unchangeable Amendment in the constitution of Kashi Math. As per this Amendment Mathadhipathi of Kashi Math can initiate only one vatu into Sanyasa and he will be the Shishya Swamiji and the Utharadhikari of the Math. Mathadhipathi of kashi math cannot initiate more than one vatu into sanyasa.
Hence as per Guru Parampara, Constitution of Math and Amendment by shrimad Bhuvanendra Tirtha Swamiji, Shrimad Raghavendra Thirtha Swamiji is the Shishya Swamiji and Utharadhikari of Kashi Math.
H H Samyamindra Thirtha Swamiji
His Holiness Samyamindra Thirtha Swamiji is now considered to be 21st Pontiff of Shree Kashi Mutt Samsthan as H.H.Raghavendra Thirtha Swamiji got relieved form his position. As on 19 July 2000, H.H.Shrimath Sudheendra Thirtha Swamiji relinquished the junior H.H.Raghavendra Thirtha of his position including all the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the Math through a formal proclamation. So it was necessary to initate a new Shishya to continue the tradition of Kashi math. On 20th June, 2002, at Shri Vyasashram, Sadhubela, Haridwar, H.H.Shrimath Sudheendra Thirtha Swamiji gave deeksha to a new Shishya - Brahmachari called Shri Umesh Mallya a second year student B.Com. student and named him as Shrimat Samyamindra Tirth Swamiji, in a well-attended programme. H.H.Shrimath Samyamindra Thirtha Swamiji is the current pattashishya & Uttaradhikari of Kashi Math [4]
Parihara & Punah Prathrishtta Mahotsav 2012
After the arrest of junior pontiff Raghavendra Theertha at Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh in October 2011, H. H. Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji got the Main Deities of Samsthan Kashi Math (Lord Shri Veda Vyasa, Lord Shri Rama (Raghupati) and Lord Narasimha) from Andhra Pradesh High court. Later on June 13th 2012 the Punah Pratishta of the idols of Lord Sri Vyasa Raghupathi was done at Sri Venkatramana Temple, Carstreet in Mangalore in a grand ceremony under the leadership and guidance of Sri Sudhindra Theertha Swamiji and Sri Samyamindra Theertha Swamiji, the senior and junior swamijis of the Kashi Mutt Samsthan respectively. The Punah Pratishta is being held as per the Sankalpa of the seers as the idols of the patron deities were deprived of pooja for almost a decade owing to a controversy between the senior seer and his erstwhile shishya which had even reached the court. Over 10,000 devotees were took part in programmes which were marked by various rituals. A mass Anna Santarpane was also held. [5]
Guru Parampara
| Sr No | Name | Purvashrama Name | Birth | Ashrama Sveekar | Samadhi | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Place | Date | Age | Place | Date | Age | Place | |||
| 1 | Yadavendra Thirtha - 1 | - | - | Cochin | 1539 | - | Banaras | 26-06-1608 | 80-90 | Bhatkal |
| 2 | Keshavendra Thirtha | Rama Bhat | 1583 | - | - | 27-02-1670 | 87 | Basrur | ||
| 3 | Upendra Thirtha - 1 | Anantha Bhat | - | - | - | 24-10-1674 | - | Banaras | ||
| 4 | Yadavendra Thirtha - 2 | Hanumanta Bhat | 1629 | - | - | 15-09-1711 | 82 | Hemmady | ||
| 5 | Raghavendra Thirtha - 1 | Narayana Bhat | 1646 | - | - | 15-02-1725 | 79 | Banaras | ||
| 6 | Devendra Thirtha | - | - | - | - | 1740 | - | Bantwal | ||
| 7 | Madhavendra Thirtha | - | - | - | - | 01-08-1775 | - | Walkeshwar | ||
| 8 | Jnaneendra Thirtha | - | - | - | - | 1760 | - | Nasik | ||
| 9 | Yadavendra Thirtha - 3 | - | - | - | - | 10-03-1773 | - | Honnavar | ||
| 10 | Upendra Thirtha - 2 | - | - | - | - | 02-12-1791 | - | Banaras | ||
| 11 | Rajendra Thirtha | - | - | - | - | 30-05-1799 | - | Thuravur | ||
| 12 | Sureendra Thirtha | - | 04-01-1778 | - | - | 16-06-1831 | - | Alappuzha | ||
| 13 | Vishnu Thirtha | - | - | - | - | - | - | Banaras | ||
| 14 | Vibhudendra Thirtha | - | 21-03-1782 | - | - | 27-02-1834 | 52 | Manjeshwar | ||
| 15 | Sumatheendra Thirtha | - | 29-10-1798 | 15-03-1815 | 16 | 31-01-1851 | 52 | Alappuzha | ||
| 16 | Vasudendra Thirtha | Abbaya Bhat | 1832 | - | - | Manjeshwar | 16-05-1859 | - | Manjeshwar | |
| 17 | Bhuvanendra Thirtha | Narasimha Kammath | 21-06-1837 | Pallipuram | 25-1-1851 | 12 | Alappuzha | 26-11-1886 | 49 | Basrur |
| 18 | Varadendra Thirtha | Giri Mallya | 1866 | 06-06-1876 | 10 | Manjeshwar | 24-06-1914 | 48 | Walkeshwar | |
| 19 | Sukratheendra Thirta | Sreenivasa Prabhu | 26-03-1897 | Cochin | 16-08-1912 | 15 | Tiruchirapalli | 10-07-1949 | 52 | Cochin |
| 20 | Sudhindra Thirtha | Sadhasiva Shenoy | 31-03-1926 | Ernakulam | 24-05-1945 | 18 | Mulki | Parama guru | ||
| 21 | Raghavendra Thirtha - 2 | Shivanda Pai | 16-08-1972 | Ernakulam | 07-07-1989 | 17 | Banaras | Mathadhipati | ||
| 21 | Samyamindra Thirtha | Umesh Mallaya | 12-09-1982 | N.Paravur | 20-06-2002 | 19 | Varanasi | Pattashishya [6] | ||
Internal strife in Kashi Math
1834 - 1851
Shrimad Vibhudendra Tirtha was the fourteenth Swamiji of the Kashi Matha Samsthan.The Swamiji had initiated a vatu into sanyasa and called him Shrimad Sumateendra Tirtha on 15 March 1815. Later when the Guru Swamiji was camping in Manjeshwara in 1834, the Shishya-Swamiji was in Kochi. The Swamiji felt that his end was near and immediately sent for his Shishya Swamiji. However, due to the non-availability of suitable, rapid transport facilities, the Shishya-Swamiji could not come to Manjeshwara in time. In order to ensure the continuity of the pujas of the deities of the Kashi Matha Samsthan, the Guru-Swamiji initiated one Abbayya (perhaps Bhat), a scholarly vaidika of the retinue of the Swamiji and named him Shrimad Vasudendra Tirtha and attained Maha Samadhi on 27 February 1834. His Vridavana is in the Kashi Matha premises in Manjeshwara.
Some time after the passing away of Shrimad Vibhudendra Tirtha Swamiji in 1834, a difference of opinion arose between his two Shishya-Swamijis. It went to such an extent that the younger Swamiji, Shrimad Vasudendra Tirtha demanded the division of all the movable and immovable properties of the Kashi Matha as well as the followers of the Matha and filed a suit in the Calicut court to that effect.
The two shishyas being the official and legal heirs of the entire Kashi Matha, the court agreed with the younger Swamiji and issued the necessary decree for the division of the Matha. But before enforcing the different provisions of the decree two events happened, which prevented the changing course of the history of the Kashi Math.
- Firstly, the elder Swamiji, Shrimad Sumateendra Tirtha, selected a minor from his followers and initiated him into sanyasa on 1849 and accepted him as shishya, who was named shrimad Bhuvanendra Tirtha
- Secondly, the elder Swamiji, Shrimad Sumateendra Tirtha, attained Samadhi on 31 st January, 1851 in Shri Venkatapati Temple, Alleppy, where his Vrindavana is situated. When this happened, Shrimad Bhuvanendra Tirtha was still a minor.
In the meantime Shrimad Vasudendra Tirtha was camping in Shri Venkataramana Temple, Kundapura. He was about to get the decree enforced, thereby dividing the Matha into two Mathas and also to select a Shishya. It was at this time that news reached the Swamiji that his co-Shishya, Shrimad Sumateendra Tirtha, attained Samadhi in Alleppey. His Shishya, being a minor, a question arose as to who would be his guardian. The minor promptly and with great foresight requested Shrimad Vasudendra Tirtha to be his guardian.
Now the latter obliged. Further, he gave up the idea of division of the Kashi Matha and even went a step further. He voluntarily and with a broad mind delegated all his rights to his share of the property of the Kashi Matha sanctioned to him earlier by the court decree mentioned earlier, to his ward, the minor Swamiji. He did not proceed with his plans regarding the initiation of some one into sanyasa and accepting him as his shishya.
2000 - Present
For reasons not fully known, serious differences between the Senior Pontiff Sudhindra Thirtha and the then Junior Pontiff Raghavendra Thirtha came to light around 2000-2001 amidst charges of the disciple’s insubordination and questions to his integrity for the role. On 19 July 2000, the senior pontiff relinquished the junior of his position including all the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the Math through a formal proclamation based on an earlier communication from Raghavendra Thirtha in 1999 November requesting relief from the tutelage.[7][8]
Thereafter the tussle among the pontiffs turned into a dispute over the control of the Kashi Math and the ownership of the ‘parikaras’ (relics) of the Kashi Math including about 234 pieces of jewellery and silver articles and 27 idols including the deity of main idol Vyasa Raghupathi that were in the possession of junior pontiff. After prolonged judicial proceedings, the District Court in Tirupathi gave the verdict favouring the senior pontiff. The court upheld the status of the senior pontiff as the ‘Matadhipathi’, accepted the junior’s abdication and directed him to return all belongings of the Math and refrain from interfering in its affairs.
A petition seeking a stay on the order was dismissed by the Andhra Pradesh high court. The Supreme Court of India also confirmed the same on 2 December 2009 and upheld the High Court order recognizing Senior Swamiji Sudheendra Theertha as the legitimate head of the Math.[9]
The Supreme Court of India in 2010 rejected the Special Leave Petition of Kashi Math Junior Swamiji Raghavendra Theertha and upheld the High Court order recognizing Senior Swamiji Sudheendra Theertha as the legitimate head of the Math.[10][11] [12]
After months of evading multiple court orders including the order of Hon’ble District Court, Ernakulam dated 19.8.2011 to surrender the ‘parikaras’, the junior pontiff Raghavendra Theertha absconded with the relics and was finally arrested at Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh in October 2011.[13][14]
Thereafter in November 2012, the ‘parikaras’ were handed over to Sudhindra Thirtha, the senior pontiff and head of the Kashi Math.[15] In 2012, the junior pontiff Raghavendra Theertha has again made an appeal in the Andhra Pradesh High Court challenging the Supreme Court Order.[16]
On February 2013 Kerala High Court directed the Inspector General of Police to constitute a special team to execute an earlier order of a Tirupati court directing Swami Raghavendra Theertha to hand over puja utensils and idols.[17][18][19]
Murder in Kashi Math on 2012-2013
In a late night clash that erupted at Kashi Math in Car Street - Manglore Monday 31 December, the main cook of Kashi Math, Mr. Mahesh Prabhu was stabbed to death. As per the reports it was being done by one his a fellow inmate Mr. Nandakumar Prabhu following a quarrel at the Kashi Math. Nanda Kumar Prabhu, who is also working at the Math, picked up a quarrel and snatched a fruit-cutting knife which pierced Mahesh's chest,puncturing his heart.[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]
Branches (Ashrams)
Under Kashi Math
| SL No | Name | State | District | Founded (A.D) |
Founder | Renovated (A.D) |
Renovator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kashi Math - Varanasi (Head Quarters) |
Uttar Pradesh | Varanasi | Cochin GSBs | |||
| 2 | Kashi Math - Walkeshwar | Maharashtra | Walkeshwar (Mumbai) |
Madhavendra Thirtha | 1937 | Sukratheendra Thirtha | |
| 3 | Kashi Math - Dahisar (Vittal Rukumai Mandir) |
Maharashtra | Dahisar (Mumbai) |
||||
| 4 | Kashi Math - Vashi (Sri Balaji Mandir) |
Maharashtra | Dahisar (Mumbai) |
||||
| 5 | Kashi Math - Nasik | Maharashtra | Nasik | 1994 | |||
| 6 | Kashi Math - Nagpur | Maharashtra | Nagpur | ||||
| 7 | Kashi Math - Khed (Shende Wadi) |
Maharashtra | Khed (Ratnagiri Dist.) |
||||
| 8 | Kashi Math - Banglore (Parthasarathi Mandir) |
Karnataka | Banglore | ||||
| 9 | Kashi Math - Basrur (Sri Venkataramana Temple) |
Karnataka | Basrur (Udupi Dist.) |
Keshavendra Thirtha | |||
| 10 | Kashi Math -Hemmady (Sri Gopinatha Temple) |
Karnataka | Hemmady (Udupi Dist.) |
Keshavendra Thirtha | |||
| 11 | Kashi Math - Karkala (Sri Venkataramana Temple) |
Karnataka | Karkala (Udupi Dist.) |
||||
| 12 | Kashi Math - Kota (Sri Gopalakrishna Temple) |
Karnataka | Kota (Udupi Dist.) |
||||
| 13 | Kashi Math - Nayampalli (Sri Gopalakrishna Temple) |
Karnataka | Nayampalli (Udupi Dist.) |
||||
| 14 | Kashi Math - Hangarkatta (Sri Ram Mandir) |
Karnataka | Hangarkatta (Udupi Dist.) |
||||
| 15 | Kashi Math - Shirva (Sri Mahalasa Narayani Temple) |
Karnataka | Shirva (Udupi Dist.) |
||||
| 16 | Kashi Math - Naravi (Sri Venugopal Krishna Temple) |
Karnataka | Naravi (Udupi Dist.) |
||||
| 17 | Kashi Math - Bhatkal | Karnataka | Bhatkal (U K Dist.) |
Yadhavendra Thirtha - 1 | |||
| 18 | Kashi Math - Bantwal | Karnataka | (D K Dist.) |
||||
| 19 | Kashi Math - Bantwal | Karnataka | (D K Dist.) |
||||
| 20 | Kashi Math - Surathkal | Karnataka | Surathkal (D K Dist.) |
||||
| 21 | Kashi Math - Konchady (Sri Venkataramana Temple) |
Karnataka | Konchady (D K Dist.) |
||||
| 22 | Kashi Math - Bhagamandala | Karnataka | Bhagamandala (Kondagu Dist.) |
||||
| 23 | Kashi Math - Ambalamedu (Sri Kuladevata Mandir Complex) |
Kerala | Ambalamedu (Cochin) |
1992 | Sudhindra Thirtha & Raghavendra Thirtha - 2 |
||
| 24 | Kashi Math - Pallipuram | Kerala | Pallipuram (Cochin) |
||||
| 25 | Kashi Math - Manjeshwar (Anantheswar Temple) |
Kerala | Manjeshwar (Kasaragod) |
||||
| 26 | Kashi Math - Alappuzha (Old Tirumala Temple) |
Kerala | Alappuzha | ||||
| 27 | Kashi Math - Calicut (Sri Panduranga Mandir) |
Kerala | West Hill Calicut |
Raghavendra Thirtha - 2 | |||
| 28 | Kashi Math - Rameshwaram (Sri Kodanda Rama Temple) |
Tamil Nadu | Rameshwaram | ||||
| 29 | Kashi Math - Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Chennai | ||||
| 30 | Kashi Math - Goa (Bandora, Ponda) |
Goa | Bandora, Ponda Goa |
||||
| 31 | Kashi Math - Tirumala | Andra Pradesh | Tirumala (Upper Tirupati) |
Under Sri Sri Vyasa Prasana Raghavendra Charitable Trust
| Sr No | Name | State | District | Founded | Founder | Renovated | Renovator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kashi Math - Elamakara Dwaraka Kala Mandhir |
Kerala | Ernakulam(Kochi) | 2004 | Raghavendra Thirtha - 2 |
Under Sri Vedavyasa Charitable Trust
| Sr No | Name | State | District | Founded | Founder | Renovated | Renovator | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kashi Math - Haridwar Vyasasram |
Uttar Pradesh | Haridwar | Sudindra Thirtha | ||||
| 2 | Kashi Math - Prayag | Uttar Pradesh | Prayag | |||||
| 3 | Kashi Math - Kalpi (Bala Vedavyasa Mandir) |
Uttar Pradesh | Kalpi (Jalaun Dist.) | Sudindra Thirtha |
Samadhi
Vrindavan
According to a custom followed in the Kashi Math, after Swamiji passes away, the mortal remains of the departed Swamiji are buried in the earth after suitably embalming the body with preservatives - salt, camphor, heaps of Tulsi leaves etc. - usually in the Math premises or in temples associated with the Math. Subsequently, a memorial structure is constructed over the site and an idol of Lord Hanuman is installed. A sacred Tulsi plant is then planted in front of the idol, the underlying principle being that the soul of the departed Swamiji reaches Lord Hari (supposed to have his divine presence near a Tulsi plant), through Mukhya Prana (Hanuman). The entire place is known as the Vrindavana or Samadhi of the Swamiji. Arrangements are made for the daily pujas in the Vrindavana and the Punya Tithi (death anniversary) of the Swamiji is duly celebrated with special pujas and prayers and Abhishekam to the Hanuman idol for his blessing to the Matha Samsthan and its followers.
Jala Samadhi
According to a custom followed in the Kashi Matha Samsthan, whenever a Swamiji attained samadhi at Kashi, a Vrindavana was not constructed as in other places. The mortal remains of the Swamiji would be placed in a box made of rock slabs and lowered into the holy river Ganga, who was born of Lord Vishnu's toe.
Among Kashi Math pontiffs Upendra Thirtha (1) Swamiji, Raghavendra Thirtha (1) Swamiji, Upendra Thirtha (2) Swamiji & Srimad Vishnu Tirtha Swamiji had attained Jala Samadhi.
Jeeva Samadhi
Jeeva Samadhi is the tomb of a Hindu Spiritual Guru or a saint. It is believed that the saint's life force still exists in the tomb and prayers are offered to it.
In this concept, by spiritual practices, life is not allowed to go out of the body. The seed cells in the body never get damaged. Such a person stops the functions of the body after completion of his or her mission by his or her own will. Gnani will fix his or her mind with the Almighty and stop functioning. The body is then buried. That body will never decay whether it is thousand or ten thousand years, because the magnetic force in the body itself acts as a life force in the body. As "unseen masters" or "invisible helpers" they guide the human race to wisdom.
It is believed that this force remains forever and the time limit for the Samadhi status depends upon the saint's bio-magnetic strength, which may vary in terms of hundreds of years. Until then, the soul in samadhi stage will continue to bless the devotees. The place around such Jeeva Samadhi has very high spiritual magnetic force. It can be sensed by the gnana aspirant. If these places are maintained properly, they become energy banks supplying the needful.
Madhavendra Thirtha Swamiji who was the seventh head of the Kashi Matha Samsthan, who founded the Kashi Matha premises in Walkeshwar, where ultimately he entered Jeevanta Samadhi. His Vrindavana is in the Matha premises in Bombay. A few stars shine in the spiritual firmament of India, the stars which have entered Samadhi while still alive. Madhavendra Thirtha Swamiji the only swamiji in the history of kashi math who had attained Jeevanta Samadhi.
Festivals and rituals
| Sr. No. | Ritual/Festival | Masa | Paksha | Thithi | Details | Special Pooja |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yugadi | Chaitra | Shudha | Prathama | New Year of Hindu calendar | 1. Kashi Math Vasantholsava Prarambha 2. Shata Kalasha Abhishekam to main deities |
| 2 | Rama Navami | Chaitra | Shudha | Navami | Birth Thithi of Lord Rama | Special Pooja to Lord Raghupathi of Kashi math |
| 3 | Hanuman Jayanti | Chaitra | Shudha | Pournami | Birth Thithi of Lord Hanuman | |
| 4 | Akshay Tritiya | Vaisakha | Shudha | Tritiya | ||
| 5 | Vyasa Jayanthi | Vaisakha | Shudha | Thrayodashi | Birth Thithi of Lord Veda Vyasa | |
| 6 | Narasimha Jayanthi | Vaisakh | Shudha | Chaturdashi | Birth Thithi of Lord Narasimha | |
| 7 | Punyathithi of H.H. Vasudendra Thirtha Swamiji | Vaisakha | Shudha | Pournami | Day on which H.H. Vasudendra Thirtha Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 8 | Punyathithi of H.H. Rajendra Thirtha Swamiji | Vaisakha | Krishna | Ekadashi | Day on which H.H. Rajendra Thirtha Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 9 | Asrama Sweekarya Divas of H.H. Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji | Jyeshta | Shudha | Dwitiya | Day on which H.H. Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji initiated into Sanyasa | |
| 10 | Punyathithi of H.H. Surendra Thirtha Swamiji | Jyeshta | Shudha | Saptami | Day on which H.H. Surendra Thirtha Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 11 | Punyathithi of H.H. Varadendra Thirtha Swamiji | Aashaadha | Shudha | Dwitiya | Day on which H.H. Varadendra Thirtha Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 12 | Asrama Sweekarya Divas of H.H. Raghavendra Thirtha Swamiji | Aashaadha | Shudha | Panchami | Day on which H.H. Raghavendra Thirtha Swamiji initiated into Sanyasa | |
| 13 | Punyathithi of H.H. Sukratheendra Thirtha Swamiji | Aashaadha | Shudha | Pournami | Day on which H.H. Sukratheendra Thirtha Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 14 | 1. Chathurmasa Vritharambham 2.Punyathithi]] of H.H. Yadhavendra Thirtha Swamiji |
Aashaadha | Krishna | Panchami | Starting of Chathurmasa Vratha of Mathadipathi of Kashi Math 2. Day on which H.H. Yadhavendra ThirthaSwamiji attained Samadhi |
1. Mrithika Samgraham 2. Shatakalasha Abhishekam to main deities |
| 15 | Punyathithi]] of H.H. Madhavendra Thirtha Swamiji | Shraavana | Shudha | Panchami | Day on which H.H. Madhavendra Thirtha Swamiji attained Jeeva Samadhi | |
| 16 | Rigupakarma | Shraavana | Shudha | Pournami | ||
| 17 | Janmashtami | Shraavana | Krishna | Ashtami | Birth Thithi of Lord Krishna | |
| 18 | Vinayaka Chathurthi | Bhaadra | Shudha | Chaturthi | ||
| 19 | Garuda Panchami | Bhaadra | Shudha | Panchami | ||
| 20 | Anantha Chaturdashi | Bhaadra | Shudha | Chaturdashi | ||
| 21 | Chathurmasa Vratha Samapthi 2.Punyathithi]] of H.H. Yadhavendra Thirtha(2) Swamiji |
Bhaadra | Shudha | Pournami | Finishing of Chathurmasa Vratha of Mathadipathi of Kashi Math 2. Day on which H.H. Yadhavendra Thirtha(2) Swamiji attained Samadhi |
|
| 22 | Navarathri Prarambha | Ashvin | Shudha | Prathama | Commencement of Navarathri | |
| 23 | Durgashtami | Ashvin | Shudha | Ashtami | ||
| 24 | Mahanavami | Ashvin | Shudha | Navami | Swarna Garuda Vahanolsava | |
| 25 | 1. Vijayadasami 2. Karthika Vritharambham |
Ashvin | Shudha | Dashami | Commencement of Karthika Vritha | Tulsi Prathishta in Kashi Math |
| 26 | Deepavali | Ashvin | Krishna | Chaturdashi | Thaila Abhishekam to main deities | |
| 27 | Punyathithi]] of H.H. Upendra Thirtha(1) Swamiji | Karthika | Shudha | Shashti | Day on which H.H. Upendra Thirtha(1) Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 28 | Uthana Dwadashi | Karthika | Shudha | Dwadashi | Finishing of Karthika Vratha | |
| 29 | Punyathithi of H.H. Sumatheendra Thirtha Swamiji | Pausha | Krishna | Amavasya | Day on which H.H. Sumatheendra Thirtha Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 30 | Punyathithi of H.H. Bhuvanendra Thirtha Swamiji | Magha | Shudha | Prathama | Day on which H.H. Bhuvanendra Thirtha Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 31 | Punyathithi]] of H.H. Upendra Thirtha(2) Swamiji | Magha | Shudha | Saptami | Day on which H.H. Upnendra Thirtha(2) Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 32 | Madwa Navami | Magha | Shudha | Navami | Birth Thithi of Sri Madwachrya | |
| 33 | Punyathithi of H.H. Vibhudendra Thirtha Swamiji | Magha | Krishna | Panchami | Day on which H.H. Vibhudendra Thirtha Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 34 | Punyathithi of H.H. Raghavendra Thirtha(1) Swamiji | Phalguna | Shudha | Chaturdashi | Day on which H.H. Raghavendra Thirtha(1) Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 35 | Punyathithi of H.H. Yadhavendra Thirtha(3) Swamiji | Phalguna | Krishna | Dwitiya | Day on which H.H. Yadhavendra Thirtha(3) Swamiji attained Samadhi | |
| 36 | Punyathithi of H.H. Keshavendra Thirtha Swamiji | Phalguna | Krishna | Tritiya | Day on which H.H. Keshavendra Thirtha Swamiji attained Samadhi |
See also
- Gokarna Math (Vaishnava) [30]
- Gaudapadacharya Math or Kavle Math (Smarta) [31]
- Chitrapur Math (Smarta) [32]
References
- ^ Kashi Matha Samsthanada Charithre by Ganapathi Rao Igal, 1936 (Kannada version)
- ^ History of Kashi Math Samsthan by Prof. V. A. Shenoy, 1974
- ^ Bhagavaan Veda Vyaasa Maharshi, The Immortal, by K. Pandurang P. Kamath, edited by V. Sivaramakrishnan, Associate Editor, Bhavan's Journal
- ^ "21st Pontiff of Kashimath".
- ^ "Punah Prathishtta of Kashi math".
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "21st Pontiff of Kashimath".
- ^ "An Article "Gowda Saraswat Brahmin high priests battle it out" from "www.gsbkerala.com"".
- ^ "An Article "Gowda Saraswat Brahmin high priests battle it out" from "www.rediff.com"".
- ^ "Kashi Mutt Row: Supreme Court victory for Sudhindra Thirtha Swamiji". Mangalore Today. 2 December 2009. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ "The Saraswat Mutt samsthans". GSB Kerala. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ "Ex-seer of Kashi mutt decamps with relics, jewellery". Daily News & Analysis (DNA). 23 March 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ "Reproduction of the judgement by Supreme Court of India in the case of Civil Appeal NO.7966-7967 OF 2009 from kashimath website".
- ^ "Swami, disciple held, ancient idols seized". The Hindu. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ "Fugitive 'swami' caught in Andhra Pradesh". Daily News & Analysis (DNA). 31 October 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ "All Sacred Idols restored to Sudhindra Thirtha Swami". Mangalore Today. 28 November 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
- ^ "Case Status Information in Andra Pradesh High Court in the Appeal No CRLP 2565 / 2012".
- ^ "Form team to execute order, IG told". 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Case Status Information in Kerala High Court in OP(CIVIL)256 of 2013".
- ^ "Judgement of Kerala High Court in OP(CIVIL)256 of 2013".
- ^ "Group Fight at Kashi Math Ends in Cook's Death - www.daijiworld.com".
- ^ "Ashram inmate stabbed to death - www.netindia123.com".
- ^ "Temple cook stabed to death - www.mangaloreinformation.com".
- ^ "Ashram inmate stabbed; attacker arrested - www.business-standard.com".
- ^ "Cook at Kashi Mutt killed in group fight - mangaloretoday.com".
- ^ "Ashram inmate stabbed to death - www.newkerala.com".
- ^ "Group Fight at Kashi Math Ends in Cook's Death - tulunadunews.com".
- ^ "Cook of Kashi Mutt stabbed to death; one arrested - www.megamedianews.in".
- ^ "Cook at Kashi Mutt killed in group fight - manipalworldnews.com".
- ^ "Man stabbed to death in Mangalore temple - www.coastaldigest.com".
- ^ "Official Website of Gokarn Math or Partagli Jivothama".
- ^ "Official Website of Gaudapadacharya Math or Kavle Math".
- ^ "Official Website of Chitrapur Math".
External links
- www.kashimath.org
- www.kashimath.com
- Sree Kashi Math Samsthan - Dahisar
- An Article "Gowda Saraswat Brahmin high priests battle it out" from "www.gsbkerala.com"
- An Article "Gowda Saraswat Brahmin high priests battle it out" from "www.rediff.com"
- Reproduction of the judgement by Supreme Court of India in the case of Civil Appeal NO.7966-7967 OF 2009 from kashimath website
- Case Status Information in Andra Pradesh High Court in the Appeal No CRLP 2565 / 2012