Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Sardha Panchashatamanotsava, 550-year celebrations of Partagali Math on November 28, 2025. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister unveiled a 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Ram and inaugurated a new “Ramayana Theme Park” on the Math grounds.
During the Sardha Panchashatamanotsava celebration, PM Modi said, "One of the hallmarks of this monastery is the spirit of service that has supported every segment of society for centuries. Centuries ago, when this region faced adversity, and people were forced to leave their homes and families and seek refuge in new lands, this monastery supported the community, established temples, and shelters in new locations." Let's take a deep dive into the history and significance of the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math.
Partagali Math: More than just a pilgrimage site
Set in Partagali, a serene village on the banks of the Kushavati river in South Goa’s Canacona district, the Partagali Math isn’t a temple built yesterday. It is the headquarters of the first Gokarna Math, a Vaishnava institution belonging to the Gowd Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community, following the Dvaita tradition.
Founded in 1475 AD by Narayan Teertha (after a spiritual lineage began with the Palimaru Math), the Math became a spiritual and cultural anchor for generations of Saraswats. Over centuries of migration and upheaval, Partagali Math preserved rituals, philosophy, and community identity, symbolising continuity in change.
What the 550-year celebration represents
The current festivities, dubbed the “Sardha Panchashatamanotsava”, mark a rare milestone. As part of the commemoration, the 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Ram (designed by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar), unveiled by the Prime Minister, is touted as Asia’s tallest Ram statue.
A newly developed Ramayana Theme Park and garden inside the Math premises, aimed at giving devotees, especially younger generations, a fresh way to connect with ancient epics. Cultural programmes, traditional rituals, satsangs, and performances by renowned artists, making it a living, breathing celebration of 550 years of faith, culture and tradition.
Partagali Math through time: Faith, migration and identity
The history of Partagali Math mirrors the history of the Saraswat community itself: rooted in antiquity, dispersed through time, and yet united by faith.
Its origin goes back to 1475 when Narayan Teertha, under spiritual succession from Palimaru Math, founded what became the Gokarna/Partagali lineage. For centuries, during periods of turmoil, the Math was a religious, cultural, and social bulwark for the GSB community up and down the Konkan coast.
What today’s celebration and Modi’s visit signify for India’s spiritual heritage
Modi's participation in the celebrations signals more than protocol. It reflects a renewal of acknowledgement, national and communal, of how centuries-old maths and matha stand as anchors of faith, culture, and community belonging. PM Modi shared, "It protected not only religion but also humanity and culture. Over time, the monastery's service has expanded. Today, from education to hostels, from elderly care to assistance to needy families, this monastery has always dedicated its resources to public welfare."
With the unveiling of a monumental statue and the launch of a theme park, the Math sends a strong message: heritage and tradition need not be static relics. They can evolve and adapt while embracing young minds, thus retaining the old spirit.
Also read: PM Modi unveils 77-feet tall statue of Lord Ram in South Goa | WATCH
