Parakala Matha

The Bramhatantra Swatantra Parakala Matha is a Vaishnava monastery (matha) established in Karnataka.[1] It was the first medieval era monastery of the Vadakalai denomination within Vaishnavism tradition of Hindu society. Sri Sri Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Matha was first established by Sri Sri Sri Brahmatantra Swatantra Jeeyar, a disciple of Sri Vedanta Desika Swamin.

Parakala Mutt
Entrance and the office of the temple
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Mysore
Deity	Hayagriva, Laxmi
Location
Location	Chamarajapuram
State	Karnataka
Country	India
Temple(s)	1

Sri Sri Sri Abhinava Vageesha Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Swami, the (current) 36th Pontiff of Sri Parakala Matha

The presiding deity of Sri Parakala Matha: Lord Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva Swami (at the centre)

The Matha got the name "Parakala" after Sri Tirumangai Alvar who is also known as Sri Parakalan. The Matha has its headquarters in Mysore. The Matha has had a close relationship with the monarchs of Mysore Kingdom since 1399, which is why the Mysore Palace is housed just next to the Matha. The kings of Mysore hold the Matha as their official gurukul. Even now, the royal lineage has a close relationship with the Matha. All royal ceremonies are even today monitored by the Matha.

Parakala Matha is among the organizations that follow Sri Vedanta Desika as the torch bearer of Sri Ramanuja's teachings. The others are Ahobila Matha, Sri Srirangam Andavan Ashramam and Sri Poundarikapuram Andavan Ashramam.

There have been 36 seers (heads) so far. The head of this Matha is the hereditary Acharya of the Mysore Royal Family. The Hayagriva idol worshiped here is said to be handed down from Vedanta Desika.[2]

Sri Sri Sri Parakala Yogi Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Swami, the 21st Pontiff of Sri Parakala Matha

Sri Sri Sri Abhinava Ranganatha Brahmatantra Swatantra Parakala Swami, 33rd Pontiff of Sri Parakala Matha