The Jagamwadi Math in Varanasi

The Jangamwadi math (pronounced as ‘mutt’) belongs to the ViraShaiva sect and is one of the most prominent math in Varanasi. A ‘math’ is a center of learning and research lead by a Peethadhipati or a great leader and every ‘math’ and its followers owe their allegiance to a specific religious thought and way of worship and conduct in life. Shaiva Dharma is believed to have promoted the worship of Shiva in his many different forms and so were born many sects who were Shiva believers. Of these many sects, was born the Virashaiva sect or Lingayat who are also known as ‘Jangam’. The Virashaiva sect was prominent in the southern part of India.According to the Vasava Purana, the Virashaiva sect was started by Allabhprabhu and his student – a Brahmin by the name Vasava who was a courtier in the reign of Kalachuri. According to the spiritual leaders of the Virshaiva sect, five great spiritual souls enriched the virshaiva dharma through their teachings at different times in its long history. They were Renukacharya, Darukacharya, Ekormacharya, Panditaradhya and Vishwaradhya. It is believed that these five great teachers were born from the unique Linga of Shiva. And these teachers established the seat of Virshaiva learning at Rambhapuri(Mysore), Ujjain, Ukhimath(Kedarnath), Shree Shail and Kashi (Varanasi). Over the years, the Virshaiva sect was divided in to four sub sects – the Jangam, Sheelvant, Vanik and Panchamshali. The literature of the Jangam or Lingayat sect is predominantly composed in the Kannada Language, a language spoken majorly in the Karnataka state of India.
As per the literature available at the Jangamwadi Math, it is said that the Math in Varanasi was established in the Sat Yuga. However, historical records indicate that the Jangamwadi math was established in Kashi somewhere between 759-65 AD. Jagadguru Shivacharya Vishwaradha Mahaswami is said to have set up the math in Kashi. At present, the Jangamwadi math or mutt is situated close to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple in the Godowlia area of Varanasi.
The Jangamwadi Math is also known as the Jana Simhasan or Jana Peeth. The word ‘Jangam’ means ‘one who knows Shiva’ and ‘Wadi’ means ‘place of living’. Therefore, the place where those who are ‘aware’ of the Shiva stay, came to be known as Jangamwadi. At present, Shri Jagadguru Shivacharya Dr. Chandrasekhar Shivacharya Mahaswami is the 86th ‘Peethadhipati’ or the leader of the math in Kashi.
Deepawali/Diwali and Mahashivaratri are the major festivals of this prominent math. Millions of devotees from across India and the globe congregate at the Matha during these festivals. The Shiva Linga and Jana Peeth established by Jagadguru Vishwaradhya at the Jangamwadi math are the main cornerstones of religious faith and focus. Apart from the many ‘Sadhu’s (saints) who stay at the math, students also reside here. At present, around 50 students reside at the Jangamwadi math where they actively pursue the study of Vedas, Sanskrit and the scriptures.