Parakala Mutt, Sri Vaishnava monastery in Mysore, India

Parakala Mutt, officially Bramhatantra Swatantra Parakala Matha, is a Sri Vaishnava monastery in Mysore whose main shrine holds Hayagriva together with Lakshmi as Vageesha. It is the first medieval-era monastery of the Vadakalai denomination and the gurupeeta, or seat of the royal guru, of the maharajas of Mysore. Its headquarters has stayed in Mysore while branches operate across southern India and one abroad.

Brahmatantra Swatantra Jeeyar, a disciple of Vedanta Desika, founded the matha in 1268 under Hoysala emperor Narasimha III. It has been the hereditary gurupeeta of the Mysore royal family since 1399, which explains its proximity to Mysore Palace and Jaganmohana Palace. Thirty-six acharyas have led it, and its seers still officiate most royal ceremonies.

The monastery is a center for Vedic learning where scholars and students engage with ancient Sanskrit texts and participate in traditional rituals. The community here keeps these practices alive in daily religious life and welcomes visitors to observe them.

The monastery is located near Jagmohan Palace and is accessible by local transportation options. Religious ceremonies take place throughout the year, so it helps to ask about visiting hours before planning your visit.

The monastery's head is also the hereditary raja guru of the Mysore royal family, a link with the Mysore kings dating from 1399. Most royal ceremonies are still officiated by its seers, and the matha has thirty-six acharyas in its line.