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We have already noted the history that, after the settlement of Brahmanas in the Kerala villages, the Vedic literature began to spread in this part of the country also. For the teaching of Vedas and the related sastras like Vyakarana, Jyotisa and Mimamsa, as mentioned earlier, many famous institutions were started in about the 6th & 7th century A.D. These institutions were attached to the temples managed by the Brahmanas. In the temples of Thrissur, Tiruvalla and Kottayam full fecilities were given to Brahmanas for the teaching and learning of Vedas. This is already discussed in the previous chapter. The Brahmanas enjoyed free food, accommodation and training at these places. In the same manner for the teaching of Veda there were facilities in the wealthy Namputiri families.

161 Teaching of Vedas was started in the mathas attached to some temples of Kerala like Vadakumnatha temple at Thrissur. Their purpose of teaching Vedas were purely religious. The chanting of 'Mura' which included the texts of Pada, Krama and other patterns of chanting were encouraged for the study of Vedas. According to the tradition Eighteen 2 Sabha Mathas were instituted in Kerala. These mathas were started for the education of Srauta and Smarta karmins. Thirunavaya, Thrissur Thekkematham, Edayil Matham, Naduvilmatham, Trikkanamathilakam Chengannur etc were centers of Vedic education in the medieval period. The method of education followed was the gurukula method. Later some of these Sabha Mathas became non-existent. Now in Kerala a few institutions are teaching Vedas in the traditional way in a limited level. Thrissur Brahmasvam Matham (Rgveda), Thirunanaya Bhrahmaswam Matham continue their tradition, Kanchi Kamakodi Yajurveda Vidyapitham at Irinjalakuda (Yajurveda), Mattattur Kaimukkumana at Mattattur (Yajurveda) and Samaveda Gurukula at Panjal (Samaveda) also claim a long tradition. Arshavidya Gurukulam at Kodunthirapilly in Palakkad, teaches vedas in Tamil style. Rgveda - Among the four Vedas the Rgveda is the most ancient one. It is related to the priest- 'Hota'. For the teaching of Rgveda in Kerala the most famous institution is Thrissur Brahmasvam Matham.

162 It is believed that, for the development and propagation of Vedanta the disciples of Adi Sankara established four Mathas at Thrissur. They are the Thekke Matham, Etayil Matham, Naduvil Matham and Vadakke Matham.³ In the course of time (about 400 yrs ago) the head of the Vadakke Matham endowed some property belonging to that Matham to a Vedavidyalayam and made the 'Vadhyan' (teacher of Vedas) and the 'Thrissur Yogam' (committee of Brahmanas of Thrissur) the trustee of the institution. With this Vadakke Matham ceased to be a secluded monastery and took a new birth as a Veda Mahavidyalaya ensuring continuity of the Vedic studies. 4 It was the custom for the Namputiri youngsters to observe after their 'Samavartanam' observed 'Bhajanam' (vow of worship) in Vadakkumnathan temple for a year or more after their 'Samavartanam'. These youngsters were provided education in advanced cources like Pada, Krama, Jata and other modes of skilled Vedic chanting during the day time. It was this tradition of Vedic education which in course of time grew into a great institution. The advanced teaching of the Vedas was done by scholars from Changaliyotu Namputiri family of Thrissur. After the birth of the Mahavidyalaya this teaching of Veda was shifted to Vadakke Matham which later came to be known as Brahmasvam Matham.