Amid grand festivities, the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math is commemorating a monumental milestone: 550 years since its establishment. This revered religious institution, with deep origins in the Palimaru Mutt of Udupi and the Madhwa philosophical tradition, stands as a unique spiritual beacon for the Goud Saraswat Brahmin community.
A Historic Shift in Faith and Philosophy
Founded in 1475 AD, this mutt holds the distinguished title of being the first Saraswat religious institution to embrace the Vaishnavite tradition and the dvaita (dual) theology of Hinduism. This represented a significant departure from the community's prevailing Shaivite beliefs and advaita (non-dual) philosophy, exemplified by institutions like the Shree Kavale Mutt.
This pivotal shift positioned the Saraswats as one of the rare Hindu communities to maintain dual affiliations with both Shaivism and Vaishnavism, the two principal schools of thought within the religion. The mutt's genesis is intricately linked to the Palimaru Mutt in Udupi, one of the eight monasteries established by the revered saint Madhvacharya.
Founding and Patronage Through the Centuries
The story began at Badrikashrama when Shree Ramachandra Teerth, the 10th swami of the Palimaru Mutt, initiated a young Saraswat into sanyas (ascetic life), bestowing upon him the name Narayan Teerth. It was Narayan Teerth who established the mutt's first premises in Bhatkal, Karnataka. He vigorously propagated dvaita philosophy across Goa, where Saraswats in Salcete had already embraced Vaishnavism. His scholarly excellence earned him the honorific title 'Shripad Wodayaru'.
The mutt flourished under the patronage of the Keladi rulers, attracting Vaishnava Saraswats from across Goa and the undivided Canara region. The institution's name itself is a map of its historical journey. It became known as Jeevottam Mutt after its third muttadhish, Jeevottam Teerth, who moved the mutt to Gokarna. The name Partagali was added when its headquarters permanently shifted to Partagal in Canacona in 1665 AD, during the rule of Adil Shah over Goa.
Enduring Legacy and Community Bonds
The mutt's patron deities are Shri Ramadev and Shri Veer Vittal, uniquely known as Charaprathishta or 'moving installations'. Over five and a half centuries, successive mathadhipatis have provided unwavering spiritual guidance and administrative leadership to the mutt and its properties.
The ongoing 550th-anniversary celebrations powerfully underscore its enduring role in preserving beliefs deeply rooted in the Madhwa tradition. Highlighting the unity within the community, at a recent dharma sabha, Partagal mutt's Vidyadheesh Teerth Swami emphasized the strong bonds between the Partagal and Kavlem mutt orders. Shree Saunsthan Gaudapadacharya Kavale Muttadheesh Shivanand Saraswati Swami also delivered an inspiring discourse at the event. The Partagal swami expressed hope that these sacred ties would be further strengthened for the greater welfare of the community, ensuring its legacy continues for centuries more.
