• SIMANCHALA BEHERA

Matha is a Sanskrit word meaning a “cloister, institute or college.” It also refers to a monastery in Hinduism. The Matha tradition in Hinduism was likely well established in the second half of 1st millennium CE, as is evidenced by archaeological and epigraphic evidence. Mathas are affiliated to their respective sects and espouse the teachings of their gurus (spiritual heads). The Mathas in the Hindu tradition have not been limited to religious studies. In the ninth century A.D. during the reign of Kesari dynasty, the visit of Adi Sankaracharya to Srikhetra led to the resurrection of Brahmanism in Odisha. After the Kesaris, came the Gangas and the founder this dynasty Chodaganga Deva though a Saivite after the conquest of Utkala became a Vaishnava follower. During his reign his contemporary the famous religious preacher Ramanujacharya (1056-1137 A.D.) visited Srikhetra and beatified and initiated him into Vaishnavism. Along with this process, Brahmanism and Vaishnavism started in Odisha. Ganjam District has a number of famous Mathas built during the medieval and modern periods. Each Matha is adorned by a presiding deity. All these Mathas perform the designated duties apart from worshipping the presiding deities.

Hinduism, Brahmanism , Vaishnavism, Religious studies, presiding deities .

"Mathas in Odisha with special reference to Ganjam District: A Study", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 8, page no.1-17, August-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1808161.pdf

"Mathas in Odisha with special reference to Ganjam District: A Study", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 8, page no. pp1-17, August-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1808161.pdf