Govardhan Math is one amongst the four cardinal peethams established by the philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya to preserve and propagate Sanatana Dharma and Advaita Vedanta, the doctrine of non-dualism.

Located in Puri in Odisha, it is the Eastern Āmnāya Pītham amongst the four Chaturamnaya Peethams. It is also the final authority to settle any ritual related dispute concerning the Jagannath Temple.

As per the protocol, the Shankaracharya moves from place to place accompanied by at least four persons. While one person moves ahead of the seer by sprinkling sacred water, the three others remain as guard in three different directions. This is because no one can touch the Shankaracharya as he is considered as incarnation of Lord Shiva.

The Shankaracharya of the Govardhan Peeth traditionally plays an integral role in some of the rituals associated with the annual Rath Yatra of the deities. He visits the chariots with a few of his disciples before they are pulled for the divine journey.

Adi Shankaracharya composed Shri Jagannath Ashtakam when he visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri. He dedicated these verses at the feet of the Lord of the Universe – Lord Jagannath. In these verses, he described the Lord’s mesmerising beauty, his pastimes, and virtues. He beautifully painted the Rath Yatra description in the 5th stanza. Jagannath Ashtakam consists of eight stanzas in praise of Lord Jagannath.

The Jagannath Ashtakam was also recited by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu when he visited the Jagannath Temple.

Sunanda Patnaik was an Indian classical singer of the Gwalior gharana from Odisha. Popularly known as "Guruma", she was a revered doyenne of Hindustani music. She was the daughter of Odia poet Baikunthanath Patnaik.

She dedicated herself to music all through her life and her contributions to classical music are legendary. Known for singing at a high pitch and for her interpretation of Odissi music, Guruma was known for singing Shri Jagannath Ashtakam in a unique style.

A true Karuwaki of Odisha, it's apt to listen to her sing "Jagannath Ashtakam" by Sri Sri Shankaracharya on the holy Rath Yatra!