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peethams

A peetham, or matha, is a Hindu monastery or religious institution that serves as a center of spiritual teaching, ritual practice, and social service. It typically houses temples, libraries, educational facilities, and a monastic community that follows a guru–parampara, or line of succession.

The term peetham derives from the Sanskrit seat or throne, symbolizing spiritual authority. In many traditions

The four cardinal mathas are Sringeri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri, Karnataka; Govardhan Matha in Puri, Odisha;

Beyond the four cardinal mathas, numerous other peethams exist across Hindu traditions, linked to particular sects,

the
matha
is
led
by
a
pontiff
or
guru,
known
as
the
peetadhipati.
The
most
famous
use
of
the
term
is
in
the
tradition
associated
with
Adi
Shankaracharya,
who
is
credited
with
establishing
four
monasteries
to
preserve
and
propagate
Advaita
Vedanta.
Jyotir
Math
in
Joshimath,
Uttarakhand;
and
Dwarka
Sharada
Peeth
in
Dwarka,
Gujarat.
These
mathas
are
historically
linked
to
Adi
Shankaracharya
and
are
regarded
as
guardians
of
the
four
directions
of
India,
promoting
the
study
and
practice
of
Advaita
Vedanta,
Vedic
learning,
and
dharma.
The
heads
of
these
institutions
hold
the
title
Shankaracharya.
lineages,
or
schools.
They
often
function
as
monasteries,
centers
of
pilgrimage,
temple
management,
education,
charitable
activities,
and
guidance
for
followers.
Peethams
thus
play
a
variety
of
roles
in
religious
teaching,
community
service,
and
the
governance
of
spiritual
practices.