Sri Parakala Matham

Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Matham situated in Mysore City, Karanataka is one of the most ancient Srivaishnava religious institutions. It came into existence in the year 1378 A.D for the propagation of Hindu philosophy and culture based on Sri Ramanuja's Vishistadwaita Vedanta. The Presiding Deity of the Parakala Matham is Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva, first being worshipped by Goddess Saraswati Herself, then coming to the Divine hands of Bhagavan Sri Ramanuja, on His Sri Bhashyam being appreciated by Her as a true representation of The Brahma Sutras by Sage Veda Vyasa. This very golden idol was handed over time to Swamy Vedanta Desikan through the lineage of acharyas that featured eminent Acharyas like Pillan, Engal Alvan, Vatsya Varada and Appullar.

The Matham was originally located at Kanchipuram, Tooppul. But when it was found unsafe during the Muslim onslaught, the establishment shifted to Holy Hills of Thirupathi, and remained there for several centuries, supervising the daily routings of the temple. During Periya Parakala Jeer's period (1676-1737 ACE), the Matham came down to Sriranga Patnam, near Mysore, and its Pontiffs became the Royal Preceptors (Rajagurus). After the fall of Tippu Sultan, the Matham came to Mysore where it has headquarters even today.

The brilliant legacy of Sri Parakala Matham and its place in the religion of SriVaishnavism can be highlighted by the following facts:

• Sri Parakala Matham was founded and maintained by Swami Sri Vendanta Desikan Himself in the latter years of his life. (1268 - 1370 A.D)
• Sri Parakala Matham 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
• It 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, Sri Parakala Matham actively managed the affairs of the Thirupathi temple
• The peetham (Holy Seat) of Sri Parakala Matham was adorned by great Ubhaya Vedanta Scholars who wrote commentaries on the entire Dravida veda, Sri Bhashyam, Tatva-Mukta-Kalapa and Sarvartha-Siddhi
• The matham enjoyed the royal patronage of monarchs and owned upto 36,000 acres of land in Southern India, untill the last few decades.

Unfortunately, the last few decades have been most unkind to this most respectable and ancient Matham. Starting with land accquisitions in 1955, the land reform act of 1967, appallingly small compensations, and relentless taxation by successive State Governments, the Matham found itself severely handicapped in the face of a hostile administration and a changing society. The Matham also became victim to the corrupt practices by contractors during its construction projects, which severly depleted its financial reserves.

The present Jeer, His Holiness Srimad Abhinava Vageesha Brahmatantra Parakala Maha Desikan, however is working actively to ensure a stable future for the Matham. This web site is a small step taken by the Sishyas and patrons of this great Matham as a token of our deep sense of gratitude and pranaamams to His Holiness, the 36th Peethadhipathi, Srimad Abhinava Vageesha Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Maha Desikan. The volunteer group that made this web site possible is committed to spreading the word of the Matham, and with his blessings and under his guidance, serve for the betterment of the Matham.