Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Monuments > Govardhana Matha
Govardhana Matha
‘Purvamnaya matha’ established in Puri by Adi Shankaracharya is also known as the Govardhan Matha.

Share this Article:

Govardhana Matha , Puri, OrissaThe Govardhana Matha at Puri is one of the oldest Matha of India. Adi Sankaracharya established `Purvamnaya matha`or the Govardhana Matha in Puri, in the 9th century A.D. It is also known as the "Bhogo Vardhan Matha". At that time the Somavamsi kings ruled Odisha. According to a legendry illustration, Lord Jagannath appeared before Adi Sankaracharya in the form of Brahma of the Vedanta. Sankaracharya was so delighted by this incident that, it motivated him to write Bhaja Govindam Smara Govindam Govindam Bhaja Mudhamate.

History of Govardhana Matha
Sankaracharya was known as a staunch Saiva. He came to apprehend his passion for Vaisnavism with his principles and ideologies, in the course of time. Vaisnavism is regarded for the worship of Lord Vishnu. To him Shiva and Visnu are the same and one. As he quoted- "Yo Vai rudrah sa vai Visnu yo rudra visnu reba sah. Ubhayorantaram nasti Pavanakasayaoriv".

As a result he started worshipping Vishnu. After visualizing the eternal truth in the Darubrahma- Jagannath, he settled down in Puri. It was only after this realization. And Bhogas were inducted in the temple of the Lord Jagannath. In course a number of Bhogas in the Temple of Jagannath.

The deities of Govardhana Matha
Goddess Bhairavi and Lord Jagannath are the prime deities worshipped in the matha.

More about Govardhana Matha
In due course of the time the Govardhana Matha or `Purvamnaya matha` in Puri represents one of the four Bhoga Vardhans or the Chaturdhamas of India and is an Advaita vadi Matha. Different saints like Sankara, Ramanuja, Madhava, Nimbarka, Vallabha, etc. established most of the Mathas of Puri.

During their lifetime, they had paid visits to this sacred place and established their seats here. Varieties of Mathas of different philosophies like the Advita Matha of Sankara, Visistadvaita Matha of Ramanuaja, Dvaita Matha, Acintyabhedabheda, Goudiya Matha and so on can be found in Puri therefore. Even the non Hindu Mathas like Kabir Matha and Nanak Matha were established here. This emphasized a very significant and the secular attitude of the religious centre of Lord Jagannath Dham.

The Govardhana Matha or `Purvamnaya matha` in Puri has a marble stone image of its founder Sankaracharya. This Matha also delivers some service to the rituals of Lord Jagannath. The tradition as per initiated by Adi Shankara, the Matha is in charge of the Rig Veda. Niscalananda Sarasvati is the current head of the Govardhana Matha. Now the Sankaracharya of Puri is regarded as an esteemed religious teacher of Hindu Philosophy.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Monuments


Monuments of Punjab
Monuments of Punjab are the founding stones of the state. Punjab has numerous historical monuments and religious monuments scattered throughout its different cities.throughout its different cities.
Monuments of Lakshwadeep
Monuments of Lakshwadeep are famous for their ancient religious feel and historical value.
Monuments of Jharkhand
Monuments of Jharkhand are well maintained by the state government as these are popular tourist destinations. These monuments are remnants of the history of the region, narrating significant incidents from the past.
Monuments of Haryana
Monuments of Haryana represent the glorious culture and history dating back to thousands of years. These monuments are popular for their historical, religious, or political significance.
Monuments of West Bengal
Monuments of West Bengal, mainly from the British era, are considered as priceless heritage of the state and attracts many tourists to the state.
Monuments of Andaman And Nicobar Island
Monuments of Andaman and Nicobar Island loaded with their rich past unveils the history of India. Most of the monuments here are reminiscence of dark and brutal rule of the British Empire in India.
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh represents several wonderful and glorious sagas of various ruling dynasties of the past. Most of these monuments are protected by the government for their architectural excellence and historical significance.
Monuments of Chhattisgarh
Monuments of Chhattisgarh have a significant role to play in the state`s tourism. The land has a rich cultural and political history that is reminiscent in the historical forts, palaces and temples of Chhattisgarh and are great tourist attractions.
Monuments of Telangana
Monuments of Telangana covers the ancient, medieval and modern historical structures illustrating the architectural grandeur and attracting thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Monuments of South India
Monuments of South India show strong Dravidian traditions and are located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Tombs in India
Tombs in India are famous all over the world for their architectural beauty and most of these tombs have been built in the medieval period. Travellers from all across the globe throng these historical sites.
Daulat Khana
Daulat Khana complex belongs to the early phase of Nawabi construction in Lucknow. It was commissioned to be built by Nawab Asaf ud Daulah. The Daulat Khana Complex consists of the Shish Mahal, the Shish Mahal Ka Talab and the Baradari Shish Mahal.
Mahesh Vilas Palace
Mahesh Vilas Palace is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh amidst 35 acres of Lush Green Lawns, Fountains and Orchards.
Architecture Of Andhra Pradesh
Architecture of Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of diverse types of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles.
Architecture Of West Bengal
Architecture of West Bengal comprises Hindu temples, Muslim, Buddhist and Colonial monuments and the unique terracotta style.
Architecture of Lucknow
Architecture of Lucknow is mostly Islamic in nature. It is representative of 18th and 19th century Indian architecture. The architecture is broadly divided into religious architecture, such as that of Imambaras and secular architecture, such as that of Baradaris and Kothis.
Cheena Kottaram
Also known as the China Palace, the Cheena Kottaram used to be a rest house for the then King of Travancore.
History of British Architecture in India
History of British architecture in India had begun with a solemn promise, keeping no stones unturned. This line of architecture invaded in India from the early colonial times in the states like Delhi, Kolkata, Mushidabad and Pune.
Monuments of Assam
Monuments of Assam are timeless remnants of historical masterpieces which reflect the architecture of ancient Assam. these monuments are remnants of the glorious history of the region under different rulers.
Bharhut Stupa
Bharhut Stupa is situated between Jabalpur and Allahabad in the erstwhile Nagod state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1873, the place was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham.