Sri Parakala Matham

A mere glance of the following facts is enough to highlight the overwhelming legacy and importance of the Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Mutt in the religion of Sri Vaishnavism. Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Mutt is an ancient and one of the oldest religious institutions in India which:

• was founded and maintained by Swami Sri Vendanta Desikan Himself in the latter years of his life. (1268 - 1370 A.D)
• houses the very Aradhana Murthi which was first worshipped by Goddess Saraswati Herself, then presented to Bhagavan Ramanuja and after Him to Swami Sri Vendanta Desikan through other eminent Acharyas
   
• is one of the oldest SriVaishnava monastic institutions, having 15 branches all over India from Prayag in the north to Azhwar thirunagari in the South
   
• for centuries, actively managed the affairs of the Thirupathi temple
   
• enjoyed the royal patronage of monarchs and owned upto 36,000 acres of land in Southern India, untill the last few decades and
   
• The peetham (Holy Seat) of which was adorned by great Ubhaya Vedanta Scholars who wrote commentaries on the entire Dravida veda, Sri Bhashyam, Tatva-Mukta-Kalapa and Sarvartha-Siddhi

• Starting with land acquisitions in 1955, the land reform act of 1967, appallingly small compensations, and relentless taxation by successive State Governments, the mutt found itself severely handicapped in the face of a hostile administration and a changing society.
• The mutt also became victim to the corrupt practices by contractors during its construction projects, which severely depleted its financial reserves.

• nityArAdhana, which is an essential daily routine performed by the Jeeyar Himself to Lord Laxmi Hayagreeva is becoming extremely difficult due to lack of financial resources

• Several renovation and educational projects are held in abeyance due to lack of funds
• The staff of the various branches of the Mutt earn less than the minimum wage due to lack of financial resources, most of them getting paid about Rs. 300/- per month. There is an urgent need to increase the salaries, at least to match the cost of living

The present Jeeyar [Srimad Abhinava vAgeesha ParakAla mahAdesikan] however, is working actively to ensure a stable future for the mutt. The Jeeyar has expressed his sincere desire to work with the entire Srivaishnava community, and continue ancient traditions of vedic studies, Lakshmi-Hayagreeva worship and vidwat sadas in the mutt. In addition, The Jeeyar wishes to spread Srivaishnavism through discourses, evening classes, and the reprinting of valuable works by prior AchAryas of ParakAlamatham. Other projects include renovating the Parakalamutt sannidhis all over India, and completing the kalyAna mantapas in Mysore and Thirupathi in order to provide income for the Matham. These projects have been described in detail in the project pages of this web site.

This is an appeal to all philanthropic-minded Srivaishnavas to come forward and extend much needed financial support towards Parakala Matham, in the wake of its present-day challenges. Not only will you be helping this ancient institution at a difficult time, but you will (more importantly) help to keep alive the legacy of our greatest scholar-saint, Swami Desikan by supporting the very institution that he founded, and where he left his dearest possession - the vigraham of Sri. LakshmiHayagreeva which is the embodiment of all knowledge.

Philanthropic Activities