The inauguration was held on the auspicious Nija Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami of the Parabhava year in the divine presence of His Holiness Srimad Vidyadhish Teerth Sripad Vadeer Swamiji. The Math, which also houses the 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Rama earlier inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has long been a major centre of Vaishnava tradition.
Founded in 1475 by Srimad Narayan Teerth Sripad, the Math follows an unbroken Guru Parampara of nearly 550 years and upholds the Dvaita philosophy of Srimad Madhvacharya. It currently operates 34 branch institutions across India and continues its daily Trikala Puja in accordance with tradition.
The Math has a deep-rooted history of promoting Vedic education through the Gurukula system. The 18th pontiff had earlier established a Gurukula that produced several scholars. Later, in 1953, the 22nd pontiff founded the Shri Indirakanta Teerth Sanskrit Pathashala at Vyasashrama in Bicholim, Goa, which was subsequently shifted to Venkatapura in Karnataka. In 1972, it was relocated to Partagali and renamed Jeevottam Vaidika Sanskrit Pathashala, which trained over 500 students.
However, admissions gradually declined due to the rise of modern education and eventually stopped by 2016.
To revive this legacy, the 24th pontiff, His Holiness Srimad Vidyadhish Teerth Sripad Vadeer Swamiji, has re-established the institution as “Jeevottam Vidyapeetham”. Addressing devotees and students, he said the institution will function as a centre for Vedic learning based on Srimad Madhva Siddhanta and aimed at preserving Sanatana Dharma.
The Vidyapeetham will offer a five-year course covering Sanskrit, Vedas, Karmanga and Jyotisha, while a ten-year advanced programme will include Sanskrit, Vedas, Karmanga, Jyotisha, Nyaya, Vyakarana and Vedanta.
Faculty appointments have been announced, including teachers in Sanskrit, Veda, Jyotisha and Karmanga departments, with Shri Lakshmikant Bhat appointed as Principal.
The institution aims to train scholars committed to propagating Srimad Madhva philosophy and serving the Saraswat community. Swamiji emphasised that it is not just an educational initiative but a step towards preserving Vedic heritage and Guru Parampara for future generations.
The commencement ceremony included worship of Shri Hari, Guru and Goddess Saraswati, followed by distribution of textbooks and learning materials to students. The event was attended by Padma Shri Mohandas Pai, scholars, committee members, former students, and members of the Jeevottam Vaidika Sangha and the wider community.
