Shree Saunsthan Gaudapadacharya Kaivalya/ Kavale Math is the first and foremost monastic institution in India, serving as the Adi/Moola math for
Saraswat Brahmins with an unbroken lineage of 77 pontiffs since its founding by Shree Gaudapadacharya Swamiji approximately 2,600 years ago. Originally established at Kushasthali near Keloshi (Quelshim) in Gomantak, present-day Goa, the math has remained a guiding spiritual and religious centre for the community. It follows the Advaita Parampara, initiated by the math’s param guru Gaudapadacharya and later which was propagated by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya. Notably, Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya was the Shishya [disciple] of Shree Govinda Bhagavat pada, the second guru in the kavale math lineage The lineage continues to this day with the 77th pontiff, Shreemat Shivanand Saraswati Swami Gaudapadacharya. Following the Smartha tradition, the math upholds the Panchayatana Puja system, where the mathadhipathi offers worship to Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Surya, and Ganapati. The presiding deity of the math is Bhavani Shankar, an aspect of Shiva. Over the centuries, the math has expanded its presence, establishing 17 branch math’s across various states. It holds a significant following among Goud Saraswat Brahmins, Saraswat Brahmins and Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins, continuing to be a revered religious and spiritual institution for the community.