Adishankaracharya

 **Adi Shankaracharya**, also known as **Shankara Bhagavatpada**, is one of the most revered saints, philosophers, and spiritual leaders in Hinduism. Born in the 8th century CE, he is credited with reviving and consolidating the teachings of **Advaita Vedanta** (non-dualism), which emphasizes the oneness of the individual soul (**Atman**) and the ultimate reality (**Brahman**). His life and works have had a profound impact on Hindu philosophy, spirituality, and culture.


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### **Birth and Early Life**

1. **Birth**:

   - Adi Shankaracharya was born in **Kaladi**, a small village in present-day Kerala, around **788 CE**. His parents, **Shivaguru** and **Aryamba**, were devout Brahmins who had prayed to Lord Shiva for a child.

   - According to legend, Shiva appeared in their dreams and offered them a choice: an ordinary son who would live a long life or an extraordinary son who would die young. They chose the latter, and Adi Shankara was born.


2. **Childhood**:

   - Adi Shankara exhibited extraordinary intelligence and spiritual inclination from a young age. By the age of **five**, he had mastered the Vedas and other scriptures.

   - He took **sannyasa** (monastic life) at the age of **eight**, against his mother's wishes, after being inspired by a divine vision. He left home in search of a guru to guide him on his spiritual path.


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### **Spiritual Journey and Teachings**

1. **Guru Govindapada**:

   - Adi Shankara traveled to the banks of the **Narmada River**, where he met his guru, **Govindapada**. Under his guidance, Shankara mastered the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and received the task of propagating this philosophy.


2. **Advaita Vedanta**:

   - Adi Shankara's philosophy of **Advaita Vedanta** asserts that the ultimate reality (**Brahman**) is non-dual and that the individual soul (**Atman**) is identical to Brahman. He emphasized that ignorance (**avidya**) is the root cause of suffering and that liberation (**moksha**) can be attained through knowledge (**jnana**) and self-realization.


3. **Debates and Revival of Hinduism**:

   - Adi Shankara traveled across India, engaging in debates with scholars of various schools of thought, including Buddhism and Jainism. He successfully re-established the authority of the Vedas and revived Hinduism during a time when it was declining due to the influence of other religions.


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### **Shrines Established by Adi Shankaracharya**

Adi Shankara established four major **Mathas** (monastic centers) in the four corners of India to preserve and propagate Sanatana Dharma (eternal truth). Each Matha is associated with one of the four Vedas and is responsible for upholding Vedic traditions:


1. **Sringeri Sharada Peetham** (Karnataka):

   - Located in Sringeri, this Matha is associated with the **Yajur Veda** and is dedicated to Goddess Sharada.


2. **Dwaraka Pitha** (Gujarat):

   - Located in Dwarka, this Matha is associated with the **Sama Veda** and is dedicated to Lord Krishna.


3. **Jyotir Matha** (Uttarakhand):

   - Located in Joshimath, this Matha is associated with the **Atharva Veda** and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.


4. **Govardhan Matha** (Odisha):

   - Located in Puri, this Matha is associated with the **Rig Veda** and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath.


These Mathas continue to play a vital role in preserving Hindu traditions and promoting spiritual learning.


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### **Writings and Contributions**

Adi Shankara was a prolific writer and composed numerous texts that are considered foundational to Advaita Vedanta. Some of his most important works include:


1. **Commentaries (Bhasyas)**:

   - **Brahma Sutra Bhashya**: Commentary on the Brahma Sutras.

   - **Bhagavad Gita Bhashya**: Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.

   - **Upanishad Bhashyas**: Commentaries on the principal Upanishads.


2. **Prakarana Granthas** (Introductory Texts):

   - **Vivekachudamani**: A poetic text on the path to self-realization.

   - **Atma Bodha**: A treatise on the nature of the self.

   - **Upadeshasahasri**: A collection of teachings.


3. **Stotras (Hymns)**:

   - Adi Shankara composed many devotional hymns, including **Soundarya Lahari**, **Bhaja Govindam**, and **Shivananda Lahari**.


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### **Why Hindus Consider Him the Supreme Saint**

1. **Revival of Hinduism**:

   - Adi Shankara is credited with reviving Hinduism during a period of decline. He re-established the authority of the Vedas and unified diverse Hindu traditions under the umbrella of Advaita Vedanta.


2. **Philosophical Genius**:

   - His teachings on Advaita Vedanta provide a profound understanding of the nature of reality and the self. His works continue to inspire scholars and spiritual seekers.


3. **Spiritual Leadership**:

   - Adi Shankara's life of renunciation, devotion, and wisdom serves as a model for spiritual aspirants. He demonstrated the importance of self-realization and the pursuit of truth.


4. **Establishment of Mathas**:

   - By establishing the four Mathas, Adi Shankara ensured the preservation and propagation of Vedic knowledge and traditions for future generations.


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### **Samadhi**

- Adi Shankara attained **Mahasamadhi** (conscious departure from the body) at the age of **32** in **Kedarnath**, Uttarakhand. His samadhi shrine is located near the Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.

- According to legend, Adi Shankara merged with the divine in the presence of his disciples, leaving behind a legacy that continues to guide millions.


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### **Conclusion**

Adi Shankaracharya is regarded as one of the greatest spiritual luminaries in Hinduism. His teachings on Advaita Vedanta, his establishment of the four Mathas, and his contributions to Vedic literature have left an indelible mark on Hindu philosophy and culture. For devotees, he is not just a saint but a manifestation of divine wisdom, guiding humanity toward the realization of its true nature. His life and works continue to inspire and uplift seekers on the path of truth and liberation.

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