Kanchi matha

The Kanchi matha is known formally as Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. It is a brahmin religious institution based in Kanchipuram. During the later 20th century, it became one of the most 'influential institutions' of brahminical Hindu religion in India.

Related Topics:
Kanchipuram - Hindu - India

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Its current head is Jayendra Saraswati, who is often referred to by the title of Sankaracharya. The appointed successor to the current head is Vijayendra Saraswati.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The mutt's official history states that it was founded by Shankara of Kaladi, and that Jayendra Saraswati is its 69th head in succession to Shankara. A related claim is that Shankara came to Kanchipuram, and that prior to his death there, that he established the Kanchi matha in a position of supremacy over the other mathas of India. This claim is disputed. Alternative accounts state that the matha was established much more recently in Kumbakonam, as a branch of the Sringeri matha, and that it later declared itself independent. It was then moved to Kanchipuram during the 19th century, by the former head Chandrasekharendra Saraswati. It should be noted that most accounts of Shankara give the place of his death as Kedarnath in the Himalayas.

Related Topics:
Shankara - Kaladi - Kumbakonam - Sringeri matha - Chandrasekharendra Saraswati - Kedarnath - Himalayas

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

From late 2004, the matha became embroiled in controversy when its current head and his successor were arrested and accused of instigating the murder of one of its staff. The matter is still being investigated.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~