Adi Sankara was not only a distinguished philosopher and teacher but also an exceptional institution builder and organizer. He established monastic centers in the four cardinal directions of India to spread the Advaita philosophy: Mysore (south), Badrinath (north), Puri (east), and Dwaraka (west). He personally assumed the leadership of the Sarvajna Peetha at Kanchi. After completing his Digvijaya tours across India, Adi Sankara settled in Kanchi and established a mutt for his residence in the city. He initiated a young boy from the Thambaravarni valley into Sanyasa, naming him Sarvajnatman and appointing him as his successor for the Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt. This mutt has been continuously led by a lineage of erudite and devout Acharyas, including renowned figures such as Sri Krpa Sankara, Sri Muka Sankara, Sri Abhinava Sankara, Sri Paramasivendra Saraswati, Sri Bhodhendra Saraswati, and the world-famous 68th Acharya, Pujyasri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal (Maha Periyaval). Adi Sankara transitioned directly from Brahmacharya to Sanyasa, a tradition that continues today, with the Head of the Mutt being selected from among Brahmacharis. The Acharyas of Kamakoti Peetham hold the title “Indra-Saraswati” and perform the daily tri-kala pooja to Sri Chandramouleesvara in the mutt.
Location
Periya Kanchipuram. Opposite to Gangaikondan Mandapam.
Category : Mutt