Organization background
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam (Kanchi Mutt) is one of the five (Badrinath in the north, Jagannath Puri in the east, Dwaraka in the west, and Sringeri and Kanchipuram in the south) centres established by Sri Adisankaracharya many centuries ago. It follows the Advaita philosophy, which is based on the oneness of God (A-dvaita means not-two), i.e. there is only one supreme power which is worshipped in many forms. Further, the life force which animates living beings is no different from this supreme power. In this respect, the philosophy differs from Dvaita which also teaches the oneness of God, but makes a distinction between the life force that animates living beings and the supreme God (hence Dvaita, which means two). Visishtadvaita is yet another philosophical idea which bridges Dvaita and Advaita.

The Kanchi Mutt was established, according to legend, over 2500 years ago, during the time of Sri Adisankaracharya, who is supposed to have been the first Peetathipathi. Since his time, the organization traces its history through 70 Peetathipathis. The current Peetahipathis are Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal and Sri Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal, aso referred to as Perivaas. For more details on the history of the Kanchi Mutt, see here .

The Kanchi Mutt head quarters is in Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu. Sri Adisankaracharya's purpose in establishing these Mutts was to preserve the traditional Hindu way of life and serve as a reminder to people of their Vedic heritage. In consonance with this goal, daily poojas and rituals are conducted at the Mutt by the Peivaas. In addition, they also sponsor numerous other activities with the goal of preserving and propagating Hindu culture and ideals. Such activities include renovation of old temples, building of new temples, establishment of Sanksrit Patasalas where the Vedas/Sastras/Prabandas/Agamas are taught, establishing Ayerveda study centres, where Ayurveda is taught and practiced, thus ensuring that such knowledge is not lost to future generations.

In addition to religious activities, the Mutt is also involved in upliftment of the economically and socially backward social classes, and conducts activities to improve their lot, such as providing them with financial help, running educational institutions that subsidize their expenses, providing subsidized or free medical care, etc.

Project background
It is an unfortunate fact that cultural heritage is becoming less important in the lives of people today. This is a pity because ancient teachings contain a great deal of useful knowledge that could be applied today - after all, the most fundamental problems of humanity have not changed that much in millenia, nor have the questions of existence that great philosophers have pondered on over the ages. India is a land of great seers and sages, who periodically bring these ancient teachings to life for the benefit of the populace and remind them of their rich heritage.

There are several seers in India who are greatly revered, and who exemplify the high moral principles of Sanatana Dharma in their own lives. One such seer was Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal of Kanchi Mutt (May 20, 1894 – Jan 8, 1994) (also known as Mahaperiyava). During his almost 100 year life span, he served as a beacon of righteousness and as a source of inspiration to countless devotees. His life and character have inspired his devotees to create several monuments to immortalize his teachings, and these monuments serve as an excellent way to promote awareness of Indian culture and tradition. Sri Mahaperiyava was appointed as the Head of Kanchi Mutt at a very young age, and spent several years studying the Vedas and preparing to propound the Hindu dharmic way of life at a place called Mahendra Mangalam. To commemorate his stay at this place, several daily prayers and Veda Parayana are carried out every day. To expand the scope of these daily prayers, the Shankaracharya's of Kanchi Mutt wanted to set up a Veda Patasala at Mahendra Mangalam, that would serve to preserve the sanctity and richness of this place for years to come.

Project description
The project proposal is to buy a house and land in Mahendra Mangalam, adjacent to the house where Sri Mahaperiyavaa stayed, and studied, and convert it into a regular Veda Patasala where priests/teachers and students would stay, and enable Veda Parayana to happen on a daily basis. GKF will pick up the cost of the first phase of this project - acquiring the house and land.

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