Brahmaswam Madham (Thrissur)

Rigvedic institution.
Vadakke Madham Brahmaswam, Thrissur in Kerala is one of the most ancient Vedic Institutions in India, established by Sri. Hasthamalakacharya, a direct disciple Sree Sankaracharya, for propagating and promoting Adwaitha Vedantha Philosophy. About four hundred years ago the then Swamiji, who was the Head of the Institution could not find a suitable successor and the institution ceased to be a monastery and was converted later into a Vedic Maha Vidyalaya.
Till about 1950 A.D. the educational pattern of Brahmaswam Madham was to provide higher studies in Veda like Pada, Krama, Jata, Ratha to students who had completed Samhitha portion of Rgveda in their home. During 1950’s the residential Veda Vidyalaya has taken the responsibility of teaching Samhitha portions also, which itself will take four and half years to complete. A Vedic Teacher/ Veda Guru can teach a maximum of four students only at a time. The working hours of the Veda Padhasala start from 5 a.m. Subsequently, in the changed circumstances parallel to Vedic Studies, academic education is also provided to the students which helps them to acquire professional qualifications and better employment opportunities, without diluting the traditional system of Gurukula style of learning of the Veda. In 2006 besides Rgveda, teaching of Yajurveda and Samaveda also was started. At present there are 34 students and 10 teachers excluding office staff and other employees. This is the only institution in Kerala where all the three Vedas are taught in traditional Kerala Style without the help of any books. The unique Kerala Style of Vedic Chanting is appreciated globally. We are providing accommodation, food, cloth and education, free to all the students. With the blessings of Vedamoorthy Venugopala of our temple inside the premises, we are able to provide our students comfortable living conditions.