Partagali Math in the National Spotlight
The name Partagali Math has been in wide circulation for quite some time now. On 28th November, the unveiling of a 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Rama by Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought the Math into the national limelight.
Many people may have heard of Partagali Math for the first time after this grand inauguration. However, the Math has a rich history spanning over 550 years, and it was precisely to commemorate this milestone that the magnificent statue of Shri Ramdev, that is Lord Rama, the presiding deity of the Math, was installed.
The 550 Crore Rama Nama Japa Abhiyan
Prior to the statue’s unveiling, a major spiritual initiative—the 550 Crore Rama Nama Japa Abhiyan—was successfully completed over a period of nearly one and a half years. This extraordinary collective chanting campaign earned a place in the World Book of Records.
Thousands of devotees from Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra participated wholeheartedly. The names of the Rama-Nama chanting groups, each dedicated to a different epithet of Lord Rama, have been inscribed on the pedestal of the 77-foot statue of Lord Rama, making it a unique spiritual and historical record.
Introducing Shri Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math
The Math that has now gained nationwide recognition through this monumental statue is formally known as Shri Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math, commonly referred to as Partagali Math or Jeevottam Math.
Its headquarters are located in the serene village of Partagali, on the banks of the Kushavati River in Canacona, South Goa. This Math is regarded as the first Gaud Saraswat Math of the Dvaita tradition, a philosophical school founded in the 13th century by Jagadguru Madhvacharya.
To propagate Dvaita Vedanta, Sri Madhvacharya established the Ashta Mathas (eight monasteries) at Udupi.
Impact of Dvaita Philosophy on Gaud Saraswat Brahmins
The arrival of Sri Madhvacharya and the spread of his Dvaita philosophy marked a transformative phase in the history of the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins of Goa. During this period, the community gradually divided into two groups.
Sri Madhvacharya—an extraordinary figure in Indian philosophy, religion, and history—left a deep imprint on the Gaud Saraswat community. Many Saraswats embraced the Vaishnava path, while those who did not continued to follow the Smarta tradition.
Among the Ashta Mathas established at Udupi, the Palimaru Math was accepted as the spiritual Guru Peetha by the Vaishnava Gaud Saraswats settled along India’s western coast.
Birth of a New Math Tradition
During a pilgrimage to the Himalayas, the tenth Acharya of Palimaru Math, Sri Ramchandra Teerth, fell gravely ill. Concerned that the lineage of Acharyas might break in the event of his passing, he initiated a young Saraswat disciple and bestowed upon him the name Sri Narayan Teerth.
After his initiation, Sri Narayan Teerth Swami embarked on a pilgrimage across North India. While in Kashi, he was falsely accused of theft by the king’s soldiers. Once his innocence was proven, the repentant king sought forgiveness at Swamiji’s feet.
In response, Swamiji requested the king to build a Math on the banks of the Ganga so that Gaud Saraswats visiting Kashi would have a place for worship. Relieved that he had been forgiven, the king immediately agreed.
Establishment of the Gaud Saraswat Math Lineage
When Sri Narayan Teerth Swami returned to Udupi, Sri Ramchandra Teerth had recovered. However, the Dravidian followers opposed the idea of a Saraswat Swami leading the Math.
To resolve the situation, the Guru Swami advised Sri Narayan Teerth to establish a Math specifically for the Gaud Saraswat community. Accordingly, Sri Narayan Teerth Swami founded a Math at Bhatkal, marking the beginning of a distinct lineage.
Growth of the Math: From Gokarn to Partagali
The third Acharya, Sri Jeevottam Teerth Swami, established a Math at Gokarn, after which it came to be known as Shri Gokarn Jeevottam Math.
During a northern pilgrimage, Swamiji discovered three idols of Lord Vitthal in a river.
Bhoo-Vijay Vitthal was installed at the Gokarn Math.
Dig-Vijay Vitthal was installed at the Basroor sub-Math.
Veer Vitthal was retained for Swamiji’s personal worship—a tradition that continues to this day.
Later, the fifth Acharya, Sri Anujeevottam Teerth, established a Math at Bicholim, Goa, followed by the sixth Acharya, Sri Ramchandra Teerth, who founded the Math at Partagali, which eventually evolved into the main Guru Peetha.
The Math as a Beacon During Difficult Times
As time progressed, the Math grew stronger due to the wisdom, spiritual power, and foresight of its Swamijis, establishing centers across India.
During the Portuguese invasion of Goa, the courage and leadership of the Math’s Swamijis provided the community with strength and resilience. For the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, the Math became a beacon of hope and stability.
Era of Sri Vidyadhiraj Teerth Swamiji
In 1973, Sri Vidyadhiraj Teerth Sripad Vader Swamiji assumed the highest spiritual seat of the Saraswat community.
During his tenure, numerous Maths were renovated, including those at Varanasi, Basroor, Gokarn, Partagali, Ankola, Mangalore, and Gangolli. New Maths were established at Yellapur, Hubli, Badrikashram, Belgaum, Dandeli, Madgaon, Porvorim, Bhadravati, Nashik, Vasco, and several other locations.
Without regard for his personal comfort or health, Swamiji dedicated himself day and night to the service of the Math and the community.
Choosing the Next Successor
To ensure continuity of the Math’s tradition, Swamiji began searching for a suitable Batu (disciple) who would one day become the 24th Mathadheesh. Around 2014, his efforts bore fruit.
During the Chaturmas of 2012 in Belagavi, Swamiji noticed a young Batu named Uday Bhat, whose conduct, discipline, and spiritual inclination deeply impressed him. After careful observation, Swamiji instructed him to dedicate himself to the service of Shri Ramdev Veer Vitthal.
At the time, Uday Bhat Sharma was pursuing engineering studies. He willingly set aside his education and presented himself at the feet of Shri Ramdev Veer Vitthal and Guruswamiji at the Partagali Math, fulfilling Swamiji’s wish of appointing a worthy disciple.
From Batu to Mathadheesh
Uday Bhat, the second son of Vedmurthy Laxminarayan Bhat, the priest of the Belagavi Shakha Math, was known for his brilliance, discipline, and devotion. Though Konkani was his mother tongue, he was fluent in Marathi, Kannada, Sanskrit, Hindi, and English.
Upon initiation, he was given the monastic name Srimad Vidyadheesh Teerth Sripad Vader. From the very beginning, he strictly followed all monastic disciplines and immersed himself in worship, rituals, and service.
Under the guidance of Guruswamiji, he undertook in-depth studies of Sanskrit, Vedas, Mantras, Jyotisha, poetry, and related disciplines.
Ascension as the 24th Mathadheesh
Following the Mahanirvan of the 23rd Swami, Sri Vidyadhiraj Teerth Sripad Vader Swamiji, on 19th July 2021, Sri Vidyadheesh Teerth Swamiji was formally installed as the 24th Mathadheesh during the Gurupeetharohan ceremony on 30th July 2021 (Ashadha Krishna Saptami).
Southern Ayodhya: A Living Pilgrimage Centre
The vision for the 77-foot statue of Lord Rama, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28th November 2025, including its design and execution, was conceptualized under the guidance of Sri Vidyadheesh Teerth Swamiji. The 550-year celebrations, the Rama Nama Yajna, and all associated initiatives were successfully completed under his leadership.
Today, the Partagali Math—founded in 1475 AD—is increasingly being referred to as “Dakshin Ayodhya” (Southern Ayodhya). Along with the serene Math on the banks of the Kushavati River, the majestic bronze statue of Lord Rama, the Ramayana Theme Park, and the museum together form a sacred destination that every devotee of Lord Rama should visit at least once.
