The Govardhana matha is located in the city of
Puri in
Orissa state (
India), and is associated with the
Jagannath Temple. It is one of those four cardinal mathas said to have been founded by Adi Shankara, and is the eastern matha. As per the tradition initiated by Adi Shankara, it is in charge of the Rig Veda. Padmapadacharya was the first pontiff appointed by Adi Shankara.
Activities of Govardhana Math
Peeth Parishad- Aditya Bahini And
Anand Bahini. The Aditya Bahini institution of young males and Anand Bahini Institution of females, is governed by the Peeth Parishad which has senior citizens as its members, presided by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Maharaj Himself.The medical and voluntary service of Aditya Bahini in the Puri Ratha Yatra is lauded by one and all. Shankaracharya Govardhan Ved Pathashala: The Peetham runs a Ved Path Shala to impart the Vedic Education to the students in the traditional manner. Presently around 30 students learn Vedas in this Pathashala. Shankaracharya Govardhan Yoga Vidyalaya: Students learn Yogasanas in the Yoga Vidyalaya. These students have stood first in various competitions at State level Yogasana Competition.
Shankaracharya Govardhan Vyayama Shala: The Vyayama Shala trains the athletes in various exercises.
Shankaracharya Chikitsalaya: A dispensary is run by the Govardhan Peetham for the health-care of the pilgrims and the residents of Puri free of cost.
Shankaracharya Govardhan Go-Shala: The cow-shed i.e. “Go Shala” extends services to around 70 cows. The service to cow is not done with the objective of milk or milk-products. It is done purely as the religious service towards Cow. It aims at breeding pure Indian breeds and future aims at providing such pure breeds to the farmers. It also aims at developing various methods of medicine-making and manure-making from cow-urine and cow-dung.
