The Shivaganga Mutt’s brief history by B. Suryanarain Row is a rich compilation of the ancient history of Shivaganga kshrtra, Shri Adishankaracharya, the matha’s foundation & the lineage of Jagadguru Acharyas and traditional honours shown to this Sankarite institution by the Mysore Principality.
This 1914 publication not only explores the historical facets but also highlights the various privileges and special status enjoyed by the Shivaganga matha over the ages akin to the Sringeri matha founded by Sri Adishankara Bhagavatpada on the bank of Tungabhadra. The Mysore Government’s recognition, backed by precise legal and historical evidence, is meticulously examined by the author. This unique work dispels the misconception of considering the Shivaganga matha as a mere branch or shakha of the Tunga matha, providing clarity on its distinct identity and significance.
” After Sri Sankaracharya’s intellectual success over Mandana Misra and his incarnate spouse Saraswathi, it has been shown how the latter was about to go away to Brahma Loka in her divine form, when Sankara bound her by Vana Durga Mantra, and beseeched her to go with him… She agreed to send her grace with him on some condition and Sankara proceeded to the South.
When he came to Kudali (Kannada to join) about 9 miles from Shimoga, where the confluence of the Thunga and the Bhadra takes place, he seems to have forgotten to comply with the terms on the strict observance of which Goddess Sarada promised to bestow her grace…
On contemplation Sankara saw that the Goddess was inclined to stop at this holy junction of the two grace on Thunga and Bhadra rivers (Kudali kshetra).
Sankara repeated his prayers Sarada observed that during the ten days of the Navaratri, she would grace Sringeri (near Tunga), with her complete glory and during the rest of the year a portion of it will be with her statue there (Tunga Bhadra Sringeri-Kudali)…A Mutt was established at Kudali with a Swamy who has spiritual jurisdiction over portions of Mysore and Maharatta countries.
From the tables appended, it will be seen that Abhinava Nrisimha Bharati was the 25th from Adi Sankaracharya and succession of the Gurus on the pontifical throne of Sringeri. He sat on it from 1599 to 1622 A.D. the 14th from Sri Vidyaranya in the direct line of succession….
The Kings of Keladi rose to great importance and power at about this period and Sringeri was in their political jurisdiction. Nrisimha Bharati I. ordained Sankara Bharati in 1615 A.D. and the latter received an excellent training and made several successful tours in N. and S. India. He settled many religious disputes and attended to the spiritual wants of his disciples.
Venkatappa Naika who ruled successfully at Keladi from 1582 to 1629 A.D. asserted his independence after the fall of the Vijayanagar power. He was a powerful ruler and drove back the invasion of the Bijapur forces under the famous Mohomedan General Ranadulla Khan. He extended his territories on the North and the East to Masur, Shimoga, Kadur and Bhuvanagiri or Kavala durga.
The absence of Sankara Bharati, and a properly constituted Guru threw the affairs of the Sringeri Mutt into great confusions and Venkatappa Naika through his royal power and influence had to re-establish the Matha in Sringeri in 1621 A.D.
(See P. 158 Mysore and Coorg from Ins. Rice.)
While travelling in the Mysore country, Raja Wodeyar requested Sankara Bharati to consecrate a Mutt at Sivaganga as it was a very holy place, so that the Karnatic country under his political supremacy may have a Guru to administer to the spiritual wants of his subjects. Being highly pleased with the Raja’s request and his sincere solicitude for that spiritual welfare of his people. Sankara Bharati swamy founded a Mutt in Sivaganga. “
– A Short History of Sivaganga Mutt By B.Suryanarain Raw, Bangalore (1914)
