Observing the 137th anniversary of Shankaracharya

Adi Shankaracharya was a great saint of Bharatvarsha, who propounded the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He is credited to have given concrete shape to the ancient concept of ‘Advaita Vedanta’ and also explaining the fundamental concepts of Upanishads. He advocated the oldest concept of Vedic philosophy which explains the unification of the soul (Atman) with the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). He firmly believes that only self-knowledge, not any other rituals or Karma can free human being from the bondage of birth and death. The Truth can be revealed only through proper knowledge, not through millions of Karma,” Shankera writes in his famous work “Vivekachudamani”(Vi.chu.11). The firm believer in ancient wisdom found in Vedic scriptures Shankara is against the ‘Mimamsa’ school of philosophy, which was purely based on ritual practices. He traveled to all over India for three times to propagate the knowledge of Vedanta though he lived just for 32 years. Throughout the course of his journey, Shankara discussed his ideas with various other philosophers and saints from time to time. He founded four monasteries (mathas) in four corners of India that continued to spread his teachings Vedas to promote, popularize and expand the ancient wisdom.

Birth

Shankara, was born to a poor Brahmin family at Kaladi situated in present day Kerala of Southern India as the child of father Sivaguru and mother Aryamba. Born in 788 AD on Baishakh Shukla Panchami, he lost his father at an early age of just three. He was brought up by mother Aryambha, who played key role in teaching Vedas and Upanishads to the young Shankara. After studying Veda and other scriptures at an early age under the guidance of his Guru Govindapada, Shankara started writing his own comentaries on the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. The three major scriptures of the Sanatan Dharma are known as Prasthan Traya.

There are many interesting stories related to the life of Shankera. When eight year old Shankera wanted to become a monk her mother Aryambha did not give permission. Once he accompanied his mother to a nearby river and took a deep into the water. Suddenly, a crocodile appeared from beneath the river and caught hold of his leg. Shankara then cried out to his mother, saying that a crocodile was pulling him into the river. When his mother felt helpless, Shankera asked mother for permission to become a monk for saving his life, as being a monk means to die the present life and get a new one. As soon as Aryamba gave her consent, the crocodile spared went back into the river sparing Shankara’s life.

Under the guidance of Guru Govindapada Shankara studied many important books including ‘Gaudapadiya Karika’, ‘Brahmasutra’ and Vedas. To his teacher’s amazement, Shankara was able to master almost all the ancient scripts within a few years period. He even started writing commentaries on major religious scripts at age of 12 and completed at 16.

His mother died when he was just 12 years old. After hearing the news of her death, Shankera who was in North India, returned to his home at Kerala to pay last rites. While taking his mother’s permission to become a sanyasi Shankera had promised her that he would be there with her at the moment of her death. Sankara’s philosophical conquests are unique in the world. He had his triumphant tour all over India. He met the leaders of different schools of thought. He convinced them by arguments and established the supremacy and truth of the religion that he expounded in his commentaries. He went to all the celebrated seats of learning. Sankara’s debate with Mandana Misra, a strong follower of Mimamsa or Karmakanda, is very famous. The prominent ritualist, had to accept defeat with Shankera after eight days of Sashtrartha. He then took sanyasa with Shankera and became his follower. During the debate Shankera appointed his wife Udaya Bharati as the umpire. This shows Shankera’s respect for women. Mishra later became his disciple and known as Sureshweracharya. Shankera has written commentaries on Bramhashutra, Geeta and 10 principle Upanishads. He had also authored many Prakarana Granthas on Vedanta and also composed dozens of popular and thougthprovoking stotras and Bhajans. Shankara formed four Mutthas in four corners of India: Shringeri Sharda Peeth (South), Dwarka Peeth (West), Jyotirmuttha Peeth (North) and Govardhan Muttha (East).