District: Udupi
Town: Kollur
Temple: Ashta Mathas of Udupi
Ashta Mathas of Udupi
The Ashta Mathas of Udupi are located in Udupi town, Udupi District Karnataka.
Ashta Mathas of Udupi – Overview
The Ashta Mathas or Monasteries of Udupi were established by Madhwacharya, the great Dvaita philosopher. These Mathas were established in eight villages around the Udupi Krishna Temple. Sri Madhwacharya appointed eight of his direct disciples as head of each Matha.
Ashta Mathas of Udupi - History
Sri Madhwacharya established these eight Mathas located in villages around Udupi.
The Ashta Mathas and their original heads:
| Palimaru Matha | Sri Hrishikesha Tirtha |
| Adamaru Matha | Sri Narasimha Tirtha |
| Krishnapura Matha | Sri Janardhana Tirtha |
| Puthige Matha | Sri Upendra Tirtha |
| Shiruru Matha | Sri Vamana Tirtha |
| Sodhe Matha | Sri Vishnu Tirtha |
| Kaniyooru Matha | Sri Rama Tirtha |
| Pejavara Matha | Sri Adhokshaja Tirtha |
These Mathas were in charge of administering the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple in a rotational scheme.
How to Get to Ashta Mathas of Udupi
Udupi is famous for the beautiful Sri Krishna Temple. It is a pilgrimage spot especially important to those following the Dvaita Philosophy. Udupi is well connected on bus routes and has a Railway Station. You can visit the temple throughout the year.
Ashta Mathas of Udupi – Facts
The Ashta Mathas are now all located in Udupi town itself, around the Krishna temple. They are responsible for the administration of this temple. When Sri Madhwacharya formed these eight Mathas, he paired them up in a system called Dwandwa (two). Each pair of Mathas takes up the responsibility in rotation. If the main Matha for that rotation is not able to assume responsibility for some reason, the other Matha takes over. This way, the temple administration goes on undisturbed. At any given time, only one of the Mathas holds the responsibility. These Mathas are also in large of spreading the message of Dvaita philosophy in the region.
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