Math or Mutt is a commonly used term for a "monastery" in India
Ascetics' residential place; generally a big,
well-established residence for a group of ascetics belonging to a recognized
order.
The philosopher Shankaracharya is said to have founded the
four most famous maths: the Jyotir Math in the Himalayan town of Joshimath; the
Govardhan Math in the Bay of Bengal city of Puri; the Sharada Math in the
Arabian Sea city of Dwaraka; and the Shringeri Math in the southern Indian town
of Shringeri.
The four main factions in the Dashanami sect Sanyasis,
renunciant ascetics who are worshippers (bhakta) of the deity Shiva, have their
headquarters in these mathematics.
Despite the fact that most maths do not have the same
prestige as these four, they all function as ascetic and religious places.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
