Swamiji's Vision
Gananathamritanandasvami was sitting in the ninth month of an eleven month Yajnam. He recieved a vision that he was performing a Yajnam. He watched as he stepped into the Agni (the sacred fire) and sat inside the homakunda (fire altar) in padmaasana (lotus posture). At first the fire burned and caused agitation to the Swami, then the flames became cool like the Moon and the mind became still. Lord Dakshinamurti came from behind and sliced off the Swami’s head with His khaDga (sword). The Swami’s senses were suspended and he merged into the bliss and consciousness flowing throughout the creation. Then he watched as four streams of blood came from the neck of the severed head and turned into four rivers. These rivers went in four directions and spread light throughout the entire universe. These rivers nourished the earth for one thousand years. And the people were uplifted toward the Lord.
These four rivers are the catur MaTha (four monasteries) of the Shukla Bhadra Sampradaaya.
Soma Matha
The Mystical River that poured to the East was Sanaatani. It flowed from the Atharva Veda, and it was Red. She was full of compassion and nourished the plants. The plants became pleased by the people and healed them (freeing them from the bonds of disease). Their work was enshrined as the Soma MaTha.
Pashu Matha
The River that poured to the West was Sanatkumaara, it flowed from the Saamaveda, and it was light blue. He was full of Love and nourished the animals. The animals became pleased by the people and nourished them (freeing them from the bonds of desire). Their work was enshrined as the Paashu MaTha.
Shilaa Matha
The River that poured to the North was Sanaka, it flowed from the Rigveda and it was white. He was full of Knowledge and nourished the Minerals. The Minerals became pleased by the people and edified them (freeing them from the bonds of ignorance). Their work was enshrined as the Shilaa MaTha.
Pitri Matha
The River that poured to the South was Sanandana, it flowed from the Yajurveda, and it was yellow. He was full of Joy and nourished the ancestors. The ancestors became pleased by the people and elated them (freeing them from the bonds of sorrow). Their work was enshrined as the Pitri MaTha.
Sahasra Samvatsara Yajnam
The Sannyasins of these four Mathas came together in a fifth place hidden from view. In seclusion, they performed the Sahasra Samvatsara Yajnam (thousand year fire sacrifice). The Divine Light poured from this place into the hearts of the people. It nourished the plants, animals, minerals, and ancestors, helping free people from karma and giving them Brahma Jnanam (knowledge of God).
These four rivers are the catur MaTha (four monasteries) of the Shukla Bhadra Sampradaaya.
Soma Matha
The Mystical River that poured to the East was Sanaatani. It flowed from the Atharva Veda, and it was Red. She was full of compassion and nourished the plants. The plants became pleased by the people and healed them (freeing them from the bonds of disease). Their work was enshrined as the Soma MaTha.
Pashu Matha
The River that poured to the West was Sanatkumaara, it flowed from the Saamaveda, and it was light blue. He was full of Love and nourished the animals. The animals became pleased by the people and nourished them (freeing them from the bonds of desire). Their work was enshrined as the Paashu MaTha.
Shilaa Matha
The River that poured to the North was Sanaka, it flowed from the Rigveda and it was white. He was full of Knowledge and nourished the Minerals. The Minerals became pleased by the people and edified them (freeing them from the bonds of ignorance). Their work was enshrined as the Shilaa MaTha.
Pitri Matha
The River that poured to the South was Sanandana, it flowed from the Yajurveda, and it was yellow. He was full of Joy and nourished the ancestors. The ancestors became pleased by the people and elated them (freeing them from the bonds of sorrow). Their work was enshrined as the Pitri MaTha.
Sahasra Samvatsara Yajnam
The Sannyasins of these four Mathas came together in a fifth place hidden from view. In seclusion, they performed the Sahasra Samvatsara Yajnam (thousand year fire sacrifice). The Divine Light poured from this place into the hearts of the people. It nourished the plants, animals, minerals, and ancestors, helping free people from karma and giving them Brahma Jnanam (knowledge of God).
