śākhāmaṭham: A Myth Examined through Historical and Legal Lenses

1. What is a śākhāmaṭham?

2. Is there any pramāna/supporting evidence or historical documentation for the use of this term?

3. How is it determined that a specific maṭham qualifies as a “śākhāmaṭham,”and who makes this determination?

4. Has the spurious claim about “śākhāmaṭham” been rejected by various courts in the last two centuries?

5. Would making repeated claims against other ancient religious institutions (maṭhams) in a similar manner be considered contempt of court?