Adi Shankaracharya Ji was a great Indian philosopher whose scholarly aptitude and authentic Vedantic knowledge re-established Advaita Vedanta and Vedic Sanatan Dharma when it was being torn apart by mis-guidance of other spiritual leaders and religion.  He defeated many such scholars and leaders through philosophical debates with ease and simplicity. By the strength of his penance, Adi Shankaracharya Ji, travelled across India transmitting transcendental wisdom on truths of Advaita Vedanta. Many visionaries and rulers preached and professed extensively the work of Adi Shankaracharya Ji. 

 

At his time travelling was difficult and communication was limited and in order for Dharma to continue to grow and progress and reach common people, he established four Dharmic institutions also called as Mathas or Peethas.  

In the east is the Govardhan Math at Puri whose presiding deity is Purushottam to deal with the knowledge of Rigveda. 

In the West is Dwarka Peeth in Gujarat whose presiding deity is Dwarakadheesh and is dedicated to the knowledge of Sam Veda in Dwarka. 

In the south is the Sharda Peeth in Karnataka dedicated to the teachings of Yajur Veda and the preceding deity is Goddess Sharda.

In the north is Jyoti Math in Badrinath and is dedicated to the teachings of Atharva Veda.  

These  Dharmic institutions are responsible to spread valuable spiritual knowledge. These maths were established with a vision to teach, spread and re establish the vedic social order that is impartial, free of exploitation and driven by only Dharma (Scriptures). 

 

At these Peethas, Adi Shankaracharya Ji initiated that the head pontiff would be considered his image. This  unbroken Guru parampara has continued so far. 

 

Adi Shankaracharya Ji’s words and works have been instrumental in the re establishment and foundation of Sanatan Dharma for ages to come. His eternal and impartial teachings glorified true Advaita Vedanta.