Udupi – Ashta matha

Shri Madhwacharya initiated Sanyasa to eight of his brahmachari shishyas in order that they propagate the Dwaita Philosophy and carry on the pujas to ShriKrishna. It is said that the number eight is very dear to Lord Krishna, who was the 8th child of Vasudeva and
Devaki. Shri Madhwacharya also gave each of the eight Mathas, a deity of the respective Matha. The Paryaya Swamiji assisted by the other Swamijis worships Lord Krishna. There is an elaborate code elegant rituals governing the daily worship and festivals conducted at the temple regulating the mutual relationship of the eight Mathas.
1) SHRI KANIYUR MATHA
Emerging from the temple of Lord Shri Krishna, the first Matha to be seen is the Kaniyur Matha. The main branch of the Matha is Kaniyur, a place near Kukke Subramanya, 145 kms from Udupi. The original head of the Matha was Shri Rama Theertha. Shri Narasimha is the presiding deity. The present pontiff of the Matha is ShriVidhyavallabha Theertha Swamy.
2) SHRI SODE MATHA
The second Matha to be encountered on Carstreet is the Shri Sode Matha. The deity is Shri Bhoovaraha. Earlier this Matha was attached to a place called Kumbashi and called the Kumbhashi Matha. It was later during the time of Shri Vadiraja Swamiji that the Matha came to be known as Shri Sode Matha. Sode or Sonda is a place near Sirsi(North Kanara) and is 224 kms from Udupi. The original head of the Matha was Shri Vishnu Theertha, the younger brother of Shri Madhwacharya, It is believed that he is still engaged in penance in Kumaradri hills. The present pontiff the Matha is Sri VishwaVallaba Theertha.
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To know about the rest 6 Mathas, please visit – www.holydham.com/udupi-dham/