Adi Shankaracharya, born on the soil of India in 8th Century, was such a personality who conquered the world on the strength of his knowledge and attained Samadhi at the age of just 32. In the entire undivided India and the countries around it, which are full of scholars, meditators, saints and pundits, there is no intellectual left who hasn’t bowed his head before Shankaracharya. Kings, Maharajas and emperors kept kneeling before him. And today, even after 1200 years, no one has been born who can challenge the knowledge of Adi Guru Shankaracharya.
India has always been a leader in the field of religion, philosophy and spirituality. Since ancient times, it has been the place of penance for many great philosophers, thinkers and spiritual saints. Indian civilization has been a civilization that has deeply analyzed the various dimensions of creation, God and life. Although Vedic Sanatan Dharma is considered to be the origin of the culture of this country, with time many sects like Charvaka, Lokayatik, Kapalik, Shakta, Sankhya, Buddhist and Jain also emerged and developed here. With time, mutual disputes and conflicts started arising among all these sects. The darkness of fanaticism, superstition and ostentation spread all around.
Table of Content
- About Adi Shankaracharya
- Advaita Vedanta
- Learning Lessons
- Significance | Role | Contribution of Adi Shankaracharya
- Writings of Adi Shankaracharya
- Four Monasteries established by Adi Shankaracharya
- Four Monasteries | Amnayas
- Jyotirmath, Badrinath, Uttarakhand
- Sringeri Math, Karnataka
- Govardhan Math, Puri
- Dwarka Sharda Peeth, Gujarat
- Importance of these Four Monasteries
- Primary Disciples of Four Monasteries
- Current Incumbents / Gurus of Four Monasteries.
- Four Monasteries | Amnayas
- Places to visit related to Shankaracharya
About Adi Shankaracharya
On the auspicious day of 11 May 788 AD, a unique saint ‘Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya‘ was born in a Nambudiri Brahmin family in ‘Kaldi village’ near Kochi, Kerala. At present, this Kaldi town is located in Ernakulam district.
Born – 788 A.D.
Died – 820 A.D.
Honors – Jagadguru
Religion – Hinduism
Philosophy – Advaita Vedanta
Guru – Govinda Bhagavatpada
Shivguru, a learned Brahmin priest of a Shiv temple in Kalady and his wife Aryamba did not have any child for a long time. Then they prayed to Lord Shiva for a child. And when the right time came, a son was born from the womb of Aryamba in Shivguru’s house, who was named ‘Shankar’.
Shankaracharya had a deep interest in spiritual subjects since childhood. He mastered the Vedas and other sacred texts at a very young age, which astonished his gurus. At the age of eight, Shankaracharya renounced worldly life and embarked on a journey of spiritual quest. He travelled widely throughout India from south to north and east to west, debating with many eminent scholars and establishing his philosophical views.
During his travels, he met his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada near Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on the banks of the Narmada River, who encouraged him to pursue his spiritual quest.
Shankaracharya’s most important contribution is the establishment of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the unity of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). He wrote numerous commentaries on the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras, clarifying and systematizing Hindu thought.
Shankaracharya also established four monasteries across India – Sringeri Sharada Peetham in the south, Dwaraka Sharada Peetham in the west, Puri Govardhan Peetham in the east and Jyotirmath in the north. These monasteries play an important role in preserving and propagating Hindu traditions.
Advaita Vedanta
Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the monistic nature of the universe. It teaches that the individual self (Atman) is identical with the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to Advaita Vedanta, everything in the universe is different forms of the one God, all of whom are equally part of the supreme being. According to this philosophy, the path to liberation is knowledge. This philosophy, founded by Adi Shankaracharya, promotes the idea of liberation (moksha) through the realization of this unity.
This is stated by Adi Shankara as follows: “I am other than name, form and action. My nature is ever free!”
Significance | Role | Contribution of Adi Shankaracharya
Social Reforms done by Jagadguru Shankaracharya
Adi Shankaracharya, apart from being a great philosopher, was also a social reformer who gave a new direction to society. He not only understood Hindu philosophy deeply but also made tireless efforts to solve the problems of the common people. He did the following works for social reform-
- Questioning the caste system: He questioned the caste system and said that man should be evaluated on the basis of his deeds and not on the basis of his caste.
- Women Upliftment: He emphasized on the upliftment of women and said that women can also attain salvation
- Service to the poor and suffering: He served the poor and suffering and created a feeling of unity and brotherhood in the society.
Contribution to Hindu Religion
Shankaracharya is credited with reviving Hinduism at a time when it was facing challenges from other religions. Shankaracharya is the founder and propagator of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy. Advaita Vedanta emphasizes the unity of the individual soul (atman) with the universal consciousness (brahma). Adi Shankara is also known for his insightful commentaries on the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras, which helped clarify and systematize Hindu thought.
Revival of Advaita Vedanta:
- Brahmasutra Bhashya: He wrote an elaborate commentary on Brahma Sutras, in which he clarified the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. This commentary made Advaita Vedanta the mainstream of Hindu philosophy.
- Upanishad Bhashya: He explained many Upanishads by writing commentaries on them. These commentaries made the mysteries of the Upanishads understandable to the common people.
Unification of Hinduism:
- Establishment of four monasteries: He established four monasteries in the four corners of India, which spread Hinduism and brought unity among different sects.
- Support of worship of all gods: He supported the worship of all gods and said that all gods are different forms of the same Supreme Being. This united the worshippers of different gods and goddesses.
Religious revival:
- Countering Buddhism and Jainism: He challenged the growing influence of Buddhism and Jainism and revived Hinduism.
- Preservation of religious texts: He preserved the Vedas, Upanishads and other religious texts and made them available to the common people.
Propagation of philosophy and knowledge:
- Spread of education: He emphasized on the spread of education and imparted knowledge to many disciples.
- Development of philosophy: He took philosophy to a new height and developed Advaita Vedanta as a systematic philosophy.
Adi Shankaracharya gave a new direction to Hinduism. His invaluable contribution unified Hinduism and made it a universal religion. Even today his thoughts are studied and inspiration is taken from them.
Writings of Adi Shankaracharya
Adi Shankaracharya is a philosopher who established Hindu philosophy at a new height. He composed many texts, including commentaries, stotras, prakarana texts and many independent texts. His works played an important role in the propagation and study of Hinduism. The works of Adi Shankaracharya can be mainly divided into three categories –
Bhaashya (Commentary)
- Brahmasutra Bhashya – This is the most important text written by Shankaracharya. In this he wrote commentaries on Brahma Sutra, also known as Vedanta Sutra. These commentaries are the basic texts of Vedanta philosophy.
- Upanishad Bhashya – He wrote commentaries on many Upanishads like Aitereya, Brihadaranyaka, Isha, Taittireya, Shvetashvatara, Katha, Kena, Mundaka, Mandukya, Chandogya Upanishad.
- Bhagavad Gita Bhashya – He also wrote a commentary on Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important texts of Hindu philosophy, in which he explained the secrets of the Gita.
- Vishnu Sahasranama Bhashya – In this commentary he explained the meaning of thousands of names of Lord Vishnu.
Prakaran Granth (Introductory Texts or Case Study)
- Vivekachudamani –In this treatise, Shankaracharya has explained the principles of Advaita Vedanta in detail. This treatise explores the concept of discrimination between the eternal and the unchangeable and is considered one of the masterpieces of Acharya Shankar.
- Upadesh-sahasri – In this treatise, Shankaracharya has written a thousand verses on various aspects of spiritual life. Apart from this, it contains the teachings of Advaita Vedanta.
- Shatashloki, Dashashloki, Ekashloki – These are comparatively smaller treatises in which Shankaracharya has summarized the basic principles of Advaita Vedanta.
- Atmabodha, Aparokshanubhuti – This treatise is a concise treatise on attaining self-realization. It explains the path to understanding the true nature of the self.
Stotra (Devotional Hymns or Poetry)
- Nirvana Shatakam | निर्वाण षटकम – This is the most famous stotram composed by Adi Shankaracharya in which he talks about the liberation of the soul. It is also known as ‘Atma Shatakam’. This stotra reflects the realization of the soul separate from the body and mind. When he met his guru for the first time, the guru asked who are you? Then Acharya Shankara introduced himself as the soul by singing Nirvana Shatakam (निर्वाण षटकम्).
- Bhaja Govindam – This is a popular stotra composed by Shankaracharya. It is a devotional composition that emphasizes the importance of devotion and spiritual practice in a person’s life.
- Saundaryalahari – This is a very beautiful stotra written in praise of ‘Jagadjanani Maa Bhagawati Adi Shakti’. Acharya Shankara composed it after Maa Shakti showed him the miracle of her power.
Apart from these, Shankaracharya has also written many other small and big texts in which spirituality, Advaita Vedanta etc. have been explained.
Significance of Shankaracharya’s works
- Propagation of Advaita Vedanta – Due to the writings of Shankaracharya, Advaita Vedanta became a part of the mainstream of Hindu philosophy. Although the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta existed even before Adi Shankaracharya, the texts, efforts and practice composed by Shankaracharya played an important role in bringing it to the world in a wider form.
- Religious Education – Shankaracharya gave religious education to the people through logical debates with the scholars of that time and texts written on the basis of spiritual knowledge and inspired them to live a spiritual life. Due to which Hinduism reached a new level from North to South and East to West.
- Cultural Unity – These texts played an important role in strengthening the cultural unity of India.
The works of Adi Shankaracharya are a priceless treasure of Hinduism. These works have inspired people for centuries and will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come. These works serve as a link between the past, present and future.
Four Monasteries | Amnaya
Adi Shankaracharya not only enriched Indian philosophy, but he also contributed significantly to the reorganization, nourishment, study and propagation of Hinduism. He established four major monasteries in the four corners of India, known as the four Mathas or four Amnayas. Each of these Amnaya Peethas had its own deities, Tirthas, sects, etc. Four disciples of Sri Adi Shankaracharya were later installed as Acharyas of four mathas by Sri Adi Shankaracharya himself. Details related to these four great monasteries are given below.
Four Monasteries by Shankaracharya
- Jyotirmath, Badrinath, Uttarakhand –This monastery located in the northern region of India in the state of Uttarakhand is associated with the Atharvaveda. This monastery is related to Lord Badrinath, a form of Lord Vishnu.
- Sringeri Math, Karnataka –This monastery located in the southern region of India in the state of Karnataka is associated with the Yajurveda. This monastery is related to Goddess Sharada.
- Govardhan Math, Puri –This monastery located in the eastern region of India in the state of Odisha is associated with the Rigveda. This monastery is related to Lord Jagannath.
- Dwarka Sharda Peeth, Gujarat –Located in the western region of India in the state of Gujarat, this monastery is associated with the Samveda. This monastery is related to Lord Krishna.
Importance of these monasteries | Amnaya
- Propagation of Advaita Vedanta: Advaita Vedanta philosophy was propagated through Mathas.
- Religious Education: Vedas, Upanishads and other religious texts were studied in these Mathas.
- Cultural Unity: These Mathas played an important role in strengthening the cultural unity of India.
- Social Service: These Mathas also actively participated in social workers.
Other Contributions:
- Shankaracharya Matha: Apart from these four major Mathas, Shankaracharya also established many other small and big Mathas in different parts of India.
- Revival of Temples: He renovated many ancient temples and built new temples.
- Composition of Religious Texts: He composed many religious texts, including commentaries, stotras and independent texts.
These contributions of Adi Shankaracharya gave a new direction to Hinduism and played an important role in making it the cultural identity of India.
Primary Disciples of Four Monasteries
Adi Shankaracharya is credited with establishing four major Mathas (monasteries) in India. Each of these Mathas is headed by a Shankaracharya, a spiritual leader who carries forward the lineage of Adi Shankaracharya. The four primary disciples of Adi Shankaracharya, who were entrusted with the responsibility of heading these Mathas, are as follows:
- Hastamalakacharya: He was appointed the head of Govardhan Peetham in eastern India. This monastery is located in Puri, Odisha and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. It is known for its focus on ritualistic practices.
- Padmapadacharya: He was appointed the head of Dwaraka Peetham in western India. This monastery is located in the holy city of Dwaraka dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its emphasis on bhakti (devotion).
- Totakacharya: He was appointed the head of Jyotirmath in northern India. This monastery is located in Joshimath, Uttarakhand and is dedicated to Lord Badrinath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is known for its emphasis on meditation and spiritual retreat.
- Sureshwaracharya: He was appointed the head of Sringeri Sharada Peetham in southern India. This monastery is dedicated to Goddess Sharada, wife of Lord Shiva and is known for its rich scholarly tradition.
These four monasteries, along with their respective Shankaracharyas, have played a vital role in preserving and propagating Hindu philosophy and culture for centuries. They continue to be centres of education, spiritual guidance and social service even today, attracting seekers from all walks of life.
Current Incumbents / Gurus of Four Monasteries
All these Mathas are still functioning today, which shows the strength and sanctity of the movement started by ‘Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya’ to propagate and preserve Advaita Vedanta and Sanatana Dharma. The current incumbents of the four main Shankaracharya monasteries are:
- Puri Govardhan Peetha (East) – Swami Nischalananda Saraswati
- Sringeri Sharada Peetha (South) – Bharati Tirtha
- Dwaraka Sharada Peetha (West) – Swami Sadananda Saraswati
- Jyotirmath Peetha (North) – Swami Vasudevananda Saraswati
Places to Visit related to Shankaracharya
Birth Place of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya
- Sri Sringeri Shankara Math Sri Adi Shankara Janmabhoomi Kshethram – Google Map Location
- Adhi Sankara Janmasthalam Kalady – Google Map Location
Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya
- Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand – Google Map Location
- 12 feet high statue was built here in his honour.
Statue of Adi Shankaracharya
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- Ekatma Dham, Statue of Oneness, Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh – Google Map Location
- Height – 108 feet
- Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya Statue, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand – Google Map Location
- Height – 12 feet
- Adi Shankaracharya Statue, Enathur, Kanchipuram
- Height – 60 feet
- Ekatma Dham, Statue of Oneness, Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh – Google Map Location
Temples related to Adi Guru Shankaracharya
- Guru Govinda Bhagavatpada and Grand Guru Sri Goudpadacharya Cave, where Shankaracharya took Sanyas – Google Map Location
- Adi Guru Shankaracharya Temple, Tikiapara, Kolkata, West Bengal – Google Map Location
- Adi Guru Shankaracharya Temple, Baguiati, Kolkata, West Bengal – Google Map Location