Shankaracharya

Shankaracharya Biography

Shankaracharya, also known as Adi Shankara was a Hindu Philosopher of Kerala who preached the principles of Advaita – Or unity of god. He was born in Kaladi in present day Eranakulam district of Kerala who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. His works are written in Sanskrit and it resides on the principles of the unity of the atman and nirguna brahman, brahman without attributes. Not only that, he has written copious commentaries on the Vedic canon in support of his thesis. The main opponent in his work is the Mimamsa school of thought. He is also known for founding for monasteries (matas) – Dwaraka in the west, Jagannatha Puri in the East, Sringeri in the South and Badrikashrama in the North. Each monastery is headed by a leading disciple of Shankara.

Shankara was born Kaladi of Chera Kingdom, present Kerala in 788 CE. It was Tamil Kingdom that time.  Though there are no clear evidences about exact time of his birth, based on the records at Sringeri Sarada Peeta, it’s scholarly opinion to place Shankara in mid to late 8th century CE. As per mythological stories, his parents were childless and they prayed to Siva of Vadakkumnatha Temple, Thrissur. Lord Siva appeared in their dreams and asked if they want a long living mediocre son or an extra ordinary son with short life. They opted for the second and thus Sankara was born. Young Shankara lost his father at a younger age and his Upanayanam rituals were conducted later by his mother. He showed extra talent and mastered all the four Vedas at the age of eight. He was inclined towards Sanyasa that time itself. He got consent from his mother and started travelling towards North in search of a guru.

Impressed by the real talent and identity of young Shankara, he was made disciple by Govinda Bhagavatpada in the banks of Narmada river. He was asked to write a commentary on the Brahma Sutras and propagate the Advaita philosophy. On the journey, he wrote great works like Manisha Panchakam, Bhashyas and Prakarana granthas. He travelled throughout India preaching the principles of Adwaita and he founded four monasteries also, in his long journey. Towards the end of his life, Adi Shankara travelled to the Himalayan area of Kedarnath-Badrinath and attained videha mukti.

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Updated: October 16, 2013