Thiruvavaduthurai matth

June 6, 2023

Recently PM placed the Sengol or sceptre presented by head of Thiruvavaduthurai Math to India’s first PM, in the new Parliament building.
It was established by Namasivaya Murthy, a Saivite saint and scholar, in 16th century, and is a non-Brahmin Math.
The Math, foremost among the 18 Saivite Maths, has made unparalleled contributions to the Tamil language, music and Saivite philosophy.
It is one of the richest religious institutions, owning thousands of acres of land across the State, managing over 50 temples, 69 branches of the Math and educational institutions.
The Heads of Math were also patrons of Tamil scholars and musicians.
Thirumoolar, Siddhar and one of the Saivaite saints and author of Thirumanthiram, attained enlightenment under a Peepal tree in Thiruvavaduthurai.
Thiruvavaduthurai gets its name from the legend that Goddess Parvathi worshipped Lord Siva as a cow. ‘Aa’ means cow and ‘thurai’ means the riverside.
- Math is on the southern banks of river Cauvery.