History

Daivajna Brahmins belong to the Suryavanshi Aryan class of Vedic times. They constitute a minority of the Brahmin sect. Originally they belonged to the northern part of India. Owing to the change of time they crossed Saurashtra Provinces and entered into the coastal part of Goa where they settled down. During the Portuguese regime, they had to migrate to the neighboring states of India. As a consequence, they could not grow as an organized entity. Due to dire poverty and exploitation, they could not develop their own identity. This is not surprising considering the path of struggle they had to tread. Great things happen only when the time is ripe.

In the latter half of the 20th century, there was an awakening in the community. There was a feeble voice among the people of the community that they are disorganized due to the non-existence of a religious Peetha of their own. Gradually, the same feeble voice grew into a loud call. Until then, sections of the community were the followers of Vadiraj Math of (Sonda) Sodhe. This section argued that because of this there is no necessity for independent Math for the community. As a result, there was a delay in the establishment of an independent Math. As the financial position of the people of the community improved, there was progress of the community from the point of view of education, science, and industry. This gave impetus for the establishment of an independent Math for the community. Some active youngsters of the community realized that unless such religious Peetha comes into existence, there cannot be proper guidance to the society, particularly in the context of the modern world. Without such an arrangement the community would lose its identity and would be subjected to exploitation and ridicule. The demand for Math by the community did not get a suitable response from the Vadiraj Math of Sonda which remained silent for a long time in the matter. Though there were local organizations of the community in different places of Karnataka are widely spread over, the thought did not convert itself into reality due to lack of proper leadership. 

In1976, a youth organization in Bengaluru was established which took up the cause with a strong will. Frequent meetings were held at various places and discussions took place concerning the establishment of Math. In 1983 under the leadership of Shri M.MohanShet, the noted industrialist, a committee was constituted in Bengaluru. Shri B BhaskarShet was elected as the Secretary of the committee. Thus the dream of Daivajna Brahmins of establishing an independent Math started taking shape. This was an attempt in favour of the community and there was not even an iota of selfishness in the matter.

The committee decided to seek the permission of the Chief of Vadiraj Math and wanted to decide the further course of action in the matter. But unfortunately, the said Chief did not give a positive response in the matter. On the contrary, there was a discouraging written reference from the side of Vadiraj Math. The members of the committee were not discouraged by the negative response of the Vadiraj Math and they continued their efforts. The traditional biased people having opposing views came in the way. Though the general opinion was in favour of the establishment of the Math, the vested interest put hurdles in the efforts.

But the demand for independent Math grew stronger day by day. The enthusiasm of the members of the committee doubled. The financial assistance for the purpose flowed down in abundance. Even with this change in scenario, the Chief of Vadiraj Math did not show interest in the matter. At this juncture members of the committee met the Chief of Pejavar Math and sought his guidance in the matter. In the first instance, the Chief of Pejavar Math did show a positive response about the establishment of Gurupeeth. The Chief of Pejavar Math Shri VishweshwarTeerth Swamiji gave consent to give Deeksha to a Vatu of the community if there is a clear unanimous opinion of all the elders and the associations of Daivajna Brahmins.

As per astrological norms, Chi Ramesh, the third son of Sri RamachandraBhat who has been performing religious activities, residing in Karki, Honnavartaluk of U K district was selected with the consensus of all as the prospective guru for the proposed Daivajna Brahmin Math. With a gentle smile and shining with divine and godly brilliance, this boy’s selection for the first Math of Daivajna Brahmins is a great fortune.

On 27.06.1985, in the presence of Sri PejavarMathadhish, the thread ceremony (Bramhopadesham) of Chi Ramesh was conducted at Rajangana hall in Udupi. Sri Pejavar Swamiji had expressed that this boy would be blessed as per the impulse from Sri Krishna and he would be named Sri Vishwarajtheerth. On this day, Daivajna Brahmins from various places visited Udupi and were pleased to have darshan of the first Mathadhish of Daivajna Brahmins.

It was decided unanimously that the sacred place ‘Durvapura’ in Honnavartaluk in U K district will be the ideal location for the establishment of the Math. For a long, Daivajna Brahmins had established a Ganesh temple in Durvapura (Karki) and performing puja regularly. About 20 gunta land of this temple was transferred to the Math as a gift. On 18.08.1985, the foundation stone for the Math was laid by Sri M DattatrayRao of Bengaluru, Dr. Kamalakar L. Achrekar of Belgavi was the president of the ceremony. On this occasion, a lot of Daivajna Brahmins participated and expressed their support for the noble cause. They exhibited unity and encouragement for the establishment of Math which should have taken place thousands of years ago. It is indeed fortunate and Godly blessings that the Math establishment activities started during the end of the 20th century.

Despite lots of obstacles, without worrying, always cheerful, and determined to achieve the goal, the famous businessman, from Bengaluru Sri M Mohan Shet took the lead and with him, many elderly persons struggled day and night to fulfill this noble task. The success story of Mohan Shet in establishing the Math is a memorable incident. Along with him, Sri BhaskarShet, Bengaluru, Sri G GKolle, Bhatkal, Sri S V Jannu, Bengaluru, Sri ManmathShet, Hubballi, Sri R S Raikar, Upponi, Sri NageshRaikar, Shivamogga, VedmurthyRamachandraBhat, Karki, and VedmurthyGanapatiBhat, Bengaluru, etc have rendered their services in establishing the Math. The contribution of these elders is indeed exemplary.

On 27thand 28th April 1985, a meeting of the committee was convened in Hotel Parag at Bengaluru. In this meeting, the ‘Daivajna Brahmin Gurupeeth Sansthapana Trust’ came into existence. The Trust was registered on 10.06.1985.

After the formation of the Trust, the activities started with a lot of zeal in establishing Gurupeeth. Daivajna Brahmins of Karnataka and neighboring states took an active part in the task of establishment of the Daivajna Brahmin Gurupeeth. Day by day the activities spread to such an extent that the membership of the Trust increased to 125.

The preparations for the construction of the building and the Deeksha ceremony of the future Yati were going on with rapid speed. Amidst a lot of hurdles, the committee approached the Chief of HampiVirupakshaVidyaranyaPeetha in the matter. The PeethadhipatiSrimadJagadguruMadabhinvoddandhNrasinhBharati Swamiji of Shankar Bhagavatpadacharya tradition agreed wholeheartedly for providing sanyasDeeksha. From 11.04.1986 to 16.04.1986 for 6 days continuously various religious activities were performed. The Math building was inaugurated by Sri M.MohanShet on 11-04-1986 – Akshyanamasamvatsara, chaitrashuddhabidige. Sri Jnaneshwari Goddess, Sri Ganapati, Sri Subrahmanya were installed by Hampi Swamiji and the process of providing sanyasDeeksha was carried out as per norms. During this occasion, Daivajna Brahmins from nook and corner of the country came to Karki and witnessed the historical auspicious ceremony and felt they were fortunate to be present. This was a historical day to be written in Golden letters. The Swamiji of Hampi bestowed the Vatu Chi. Ramesh with ‘SanyasDeeksha’. Vatu Chi. Ramesh became the FIRST GURU of Daivajna Brahmins assuming the name ‘Sri SacchidanandJnaneshwar Swami’. Thus came into existence, the long-cherished Gurupeetham of the Daivajna community. The day happens to be an auspicious day for the entire community.

There was rapid awareness among Daivajna Brahmins after the establishment of Math. Daivajna Brahmins from various corners approached Math and had darshan of Swamiji and sought his blessings. They also started contributing to Math. With the support of the community on special days, various religious activities were performed. Every year, SanyasSweekar day, Shri Shankar Jayanti, Jnaneshwri Goddess installation day (Rathotsava), Swamiji’s throne dedication day, Chaturmasya celebration, Navaratripooja, Maha Shivaratri, etc are celebrated regularly.

Starting from scratch as it were, Shree Math is growing many folds in its activities and making a landmark in society. A huge attractive Mahadwara (Main Entry) has emerged nearby to the national highway. The devotees are thrilled to see this Mahadwaram.

The Foundation stone for ‘Sri Jnaneshwari Sabhabhavan’ was laid on
10-02-1989 by Anavatti Sri K. NageshRaikar of Shivamogga. The Sabhabhavan which was built in memory of Late ShrinivasVithobJannu was inaugurated by Sri VasantShrinivasJannu of Bengaluru, Sri ShridharGanapatiShet, Honnavar presided. The capacity of the Sabhabhavan is 800.

Sri NageshSubrayRaikar and Sri Ashok SubrayRaikar jointly contributed to the Bhojangraha which was inaugurated on 22-03-1991.

On the first floor of the Bhojangraha, Shri Jnaneshwari VasatiSamucchaya (10 Rooms) are constructed. The rooms are named after the donors.

LKG School building . . .
Above this GaurishankarVasatiSamucchaya (13 Rooms) was inaugurated on the first day of the 25thChaturmasya.

Contribution for the development of Navagraha-Van was done by Dr. KundabalaMahabaleshwar Vernekar, M.B.B.S. (E.H.) A.M. (Drawing Teacher), Karwar in memory of her parents Smt. Ratnaprabha and Sri Mahabaleshwar Venkatesh Vernekar. It was inaugurated on 15-04-2005 by His Holiness Sri Sri Swamiji.

Shri Jnaneshwari Pushkarani was constructed and donated to Shri Math by Smt. Sumitra and Shri R.S.Raikar, Upponi in memory of Late Kamalamma and Late Subray Venkatraman Raikar, Upponi was inaugurated on 06-02-2017 by Sri SriSacchidanandaJnaneshwarBharati Swamiji.

Shri Jnaneshwari Yagashala was constructed in memory of the Late RamanathGovindShet, Abhitot, and donated to Shri Math by Smt. LaxmiRamanathShet, Sri Ganapati R. Shet, and Govardhan R. Shet, Bengaluru (Abhitot) was inaugurated on 04-02-2020 by Sri SriSacchidanandaJnaneshwarBharati Swamiji.

The Math is extremely proud to keep on its records a very generous and heartfelt contribution of Smt. Chandrakala Venkatesh Shet, Sorab (presently staying at Virajpet). By selling their fixed assets, she has donated 45 (Forty-Five) Lakhs of rupees towards the “JnanannadanNidhi” in memory of her husband Late Shri Venkatesh Shankar Shet, Jewellers, Sorab. Additional 5 (Five) Laks of rupees are also contributed under specific conditions:
(a) Airfare of her family members towards the disposal of the ‘asthi’ of her husband in Ganges-Prayag.
(b) ‘Viprabhojan’ on the event of her husband’s anniversary every year.
(c) Shri Math shall arrange for the disposal of ‘asthi’ after her demise in Ganges-Prayag and ‘Viprabhojan’ on the eve of her anniversary.

Presently, Math is very active in religious and social activities which have given a significant place for Math in society.

Names of all the philanthropic Donors have been displayed separately at concerned sites (School, Rest Rooms, Temple, etc.)