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Sri Adi Shankaracharya |
Adi Shankaracharya was an early 8th century Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He is credited with unifying and establishing the main currents of thought in Hinduism. His works in Sanskrit discuss the unity of the Ātman and Nirguna Brahman "brahman without attributes". |
Did you know?
Many of the verses and hymns we recite today are those written by Sankaracharya. Jagadguru Adishankaracharya has given us many great works such as Kanakadhara stotram, Nrissimha karaavalamba stotram, kalabhairavastakam, Annapurna ashtakam, Dwadasalinga stotram etc.
Sri Adi Shankaracharya founded five Peethas to spread the advaitha siddantha and haindava dharma in the four directions of India. Govardhana Peetham in the Puri field on the east. Dwaraka Peetham on the Dwarka on the west.
Adi Shankaracharya took a padayatra (travel by foot) from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and established the Sri Chakras in many temples for shakthi sthapana. The most famous of these temples are the Thirumala Kshetra, 18 Shakti Peethas , Jyotirlinga Kshetra and more.
Sri Adishankaracharya lives only 32 years. However, he traveled twice from east to west & north to south all over the country to spread the Hindu Philosophy amongst the people of our country when Hindu Dharma was in the verge of exteinction.
His Life
Shankara was born in the southern Indian state of Kerala, according to the oldest biographies, in a village named Kaladi sometimes spelled as Kalati or Karati. |
Philosophical tour and Disciples
While the details and chronology vary, most biographies mention that Shankara traveled widely within India, Gujarat to Bengal, and participating in public philosophical debates with different orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, as well as heterodox traditions such as Buddhists, Jains, Arhatas, Saugatas, and Carvakas. |