Adi Shankaracharya, an 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian, is renowned for his profound contributions to Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy. His works can be broadly categorized into three types: bhashyas (commentaries), prakaranas (treatises), and stotras (devotional hymns). Each type serves a distinct purpose and audience, reflecting Shankaracharya's comprehensive approach to spiritual and philosophical discourse. 1. Bhashyas (Commentaries) Bhashyas are detailed commentaries on the Prasthanatraya, which are considered the foundational texts of Vedanta. These texts include the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita. a. Upanishad Bhashyas Shankaracharya wrote commentaries on several major Upanishads, which are the concluding portions of the Vedas and focus on spiritual knowledge and philosophy. His commentaries elucidate the complex and often abstract teachings of the Upanishads, making them accessible to scholars and spiritual seek...

The Dasanami monks, disciples of Adi Shankaracharya, are organized into four distinct sampradayas or traditional sects, each associated with a specific monastic center. These sampradayas are not based on their respective orders but are instead linked to the four principal monastic centers established by Adi Shankaracharya. Here's an overview of each sampradaya and its corresponding monastic center: Anandavara (attached to Jyotirmath in Badrinath): This sampradaya emphasizes freedom from desires for sense pleasures. The term "Anandavara" suggests a focus on inner joy and contentment, indicating a detachment from material pleasures and a pursuit of spiritual fulfillment. Bhogavara (attached to Kalikamatha in Dwaraka): Bhogavara signifies the renunciation of desires for all enjoyments. This sampradaya highlights the abandonment of not only sensual pleasures but also all forms of worldly indulgence. Monks belonging to this sampradaya prioritize asceticism and austerity ...

The Jambukeswarar Temple, situated in Thiruvanaikaval near Trichy in Tamil Nadu, stands as a testament to divine manifestations and the harmony of spiritual elements. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the form of Jambukeswarar and Akilandeswari, resonates deeply with stories of devotion, cosmic symbolism, and the restoration of dharma. Among these tales, the pivotal intervention of Adi Shankaracharya to facilitate the worship of Goddess Akilandeswari stands out as a divine milestone in the temple's history. The Water Element and the Creation of Jambukeswarar The temple's legend begins with Goddess Parvati, who is said to have performed intense penance in the form of Akilandeswari to atone for an inadvertent offense against her consort, Lord Shiva. During her penance, she sculpted a lingam from the waters of the Cauvery River under a jambu tree. This lingam, representing the water element, became Lord Jambukeswarar. The lingam is unique because it per...

Adi Shankaracharya and Abhinavagupta are two of the most influential figures in Indian philosophy and spiritual thought. Both made significant contributions to Hindu philosophy, albeit from different perspectives and traditions. This comparison will delve into their biographies, key teachings, differences and similarities, importance, lesser-known facts, influence on Hinduism, and modern-day relevance. Short Biographies Adi Shankaracharya (c. 788–820 CE) : Adi Shankaracharya, often known simply as Shankara, was a philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy. Born in Kalady, in present-day Kerala, Shankara traveled extensively across India to promote and establish the principles of Advaita Vedanta. He is credited with revitalizing Hinduism at a time when Buddhism and Jainism were becoming influential. Shankara is also known for his commentaries (Bhashyas) on ancient scriptures like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, ...

Adi Shankaracharya, one of India's most revered philosophers and theologians, is renowned for his profound contributions to Advaita Vedanta. His life is peppered with many remarkable events, one of which is the story involving a crocodile that played a pivotal role in his spiritual journey. Early Life and Quest for Renunciation Adi Shankaracharya was born in Kalady, Kerala, to devout Brahmin parents. From a young age, he displayed exceptional intellect and a deep spiritual inclination. By the age of eight, he mastered the Vedas and other sacred texts, but his heart yearned for a monastic life dedicated to the pursuit of spiritual wisdom. The Crocodile Incident Despite his young age, Shankaracharya's desire for renunciation was strong. However, his mother, Aryamba, was reluctant to let her only son take up Sannyasa (the renounced order). One day, while Shankaracharya and his mother were bathing in the river Periyar (also known as the Purna river), a dramatic event unfold...

Atmabodha is a short philosophical treatise on Advaita Vedanta, believed to have been composed by Adi Shankaracharya. Atmabodha is a metrical work consisting of 68 verses. In this work, he analyzes the nature of the self, and explains how self-knowledge is the means to moksha (liberation from here and now). In Atmabodha, Adi Shankaracharya first lays down the qualifications that an aspirant to moksha must possess. He then states that jnana (knowledge) is the sole means to moksha. According to tradition, repeated transmigration is bondage and moksha means release from the cycle of births and deaths. Adi Shankaracharya says that the root cause of transmigration is avidya (ignorance). According to non-dualism, avidya is responsible for the perception of multiplicity and karmas (actions) require awareness of multiplicity. Hence karmas presuppose avidya. So, in Atmabodha there is a verse that states – while karmas are not opposed to avidya, jnana, which is awareness of unity, precludes an...

Sringeri and Kanchi Mutt are two significant institutions in Hinduism, both belonging to the Advaita Vedanta tradition but with distinct lineages, histories, and geographical locations. Sringeri Sharada Peetham (Sringeri Mutt): Founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. Located in Sringeri, Karnataka, India. The head of this institution is referred to as the Shankaracharya of Sringeri. It is one of the four Mathas (monasteries) established by Adi Shankaracharya. The main deity worshiped here is Goddess Sharada, a form of Saraswati, the goddess of learning. Sringeri Sharada Peetham primarily follows the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. It has a long history of scholarly pursuits and has been a center for Vedic learning for centuries. Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham (Kanchi Mutt): Founded by Adi Shankaracharya as well, in the 8th century CE. Located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. The head of this institution is referred to as the Shankaracharya of Kanchi. Like Sri...

Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is observed on the 5th day during waxing of moon in the month of Vaisakha (April – May). It is the birth anniversary day of  Adi Shankara. In 2026, the date of Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is April 21. Scholars differ regarding the period in which Adi Shankara lived but his birthday is celebrated annually on the same day – on the 5th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Vaisakha. Adi Shankaracharya, who brought out Sanatana Dharma, from the clutches of rituals, is also considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva by many people. It was Shankaracharya who had revived the teachings of Upanishads. One of India ’s greatest philosopher and saint, Shankaracharya arrived on the scene when there was complete destruction of truth, culture and morality. There was utter chaos and confusion and Shankaracharya set the house in order with his peaceful message of Vedanta. He established the four Mathas in four corners of India to propagate Ved...

Vijnana Nauka of Adi Shankaracharya is based on the concept that we are God or Brahman and there is no second one here – param Brahma nityam tadeva aham asmi. By cleaning our mind with meditation, sacrifice and charity, by becoming disenchanted with even king like positions, and by sacrificing everything, we attain that principle of the divine and perennial concept that we ourselves are Brahman or Supreme Truth. Forever having the form of joy which is full of splendour, forsaking the world that we see which does not have definition, and which can be attained only by constant search and a state full of bliss, is the divine and perennial concept that we ourselves are Brahman. By ignorance of this entire concept of the physical world, by the realization of Athma (soul), which leads to the loss of this concept, which is beyond mind and word, and also pure and fully free, is the divine and perennial concept that we ourselves are Brahman. By the negative action of the words: not this...

Upadesa Sahasri is a work of Sri Adi Shankaracharya explaining means of liberation. Upadesa Sahasri means a thousand teachings on the subject. It is written in both prose and poetry. It explains the means of liberation for aspirants who are – seeking liberation, desirous of such a teaching and possess faith in it. The distinction between one’s self and body, mind, etc., when rightly comprehended under the benevolent guidance of a teacher, will perfectly convince one that he/she is not other than unlimited bliss, untouched by hunger and thirst, grief and delusion, old age and death. Part one of the prose part deals with a method of enlightening the disciple, knowledge of the changeless and non-dual self, and ‘repetition’, reminding oneself that one is of the nature of consciousness, changeless, etc. Knowledge which is the way of liberation, should be explained to a disciple who is indifferent to everything transitory, has given up desire for worldly things, has control over one’s mi...

This is a very short biography of Adi Shankaracharya. The essay is for school and college students to under the importance of Adi Shankaracharya in Hindu religion and philosophy. Adi Shankaracharya, also known as Adi Shankara or Shankara Bhagavatpada, was a renowned philosopher, theologian, and spiritual leader who lived in India during the 8th century CE. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the development of Hindu philosophy and the revitalization of Vedanta, a school of thought based on the Upanishads. Shankaracharya is credited with systematizing and popularizing Advaita Vedanta, which espouses the non-dualistic understanding of reality. According to Advaita Vedanta, the ultimate truth is the identity of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). Shankaracharya's teachings emphasized that the material world is an illusion (maya) and that true liberation (moksha) can be attained through the knowledge of one's true ...

Totakashtakam was composed by Totakacharya, one of the chief disciples of Sri Adi Shankara. It is an octad of verses in praise of the Master. Here is the Totakashtakam lyrics in Hindi तोटकाष्टकं विदिताखिलशास्त्रसुधाजलधे महितोपनिषत् कथितार्थनिधे । हृदये कलये विमलं चरणं भव शंकर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ १॥ करुणावरुणालय पालय मां भवसागरदुःखविदूनहृदम् । रचयाखिलदर्शनतत्त्वविदं भव शंकर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ २॥ भवता जनता सुहिता भविता निजबोधविचारण चारुमते । कलयेश्वरजीवविवेकविदं भव शंकर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ ३॥ भव एव भवानिति मे नितरां समजायत चेतसि कौतुकिता । मम वारय मोहमहाजलधिं भव शंकर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ ४॥ सुकृतेऽधिकृते बहुधा भवतो भविता समदर्शनलालसता । अतिदीनमिमं परिपालय मा ंभव शंकर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ ५॥ जगतीमवितुं कलिताकृतयो विचरन्ति महामहसश्छलतः । अहिमांशुरिवात्र विभासि गुरो भव शंकर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ ६॥ गुरुपुंगव पुंगवकेतन ते समतामयतां नहि कोऽपि सुधीः । शरणागतवत्सल तत्त्वनिधे भव शंकर ...

The Statue of Oneness is a 108 feet high statue of Adi Shankaracharya to be built on Mandhata hill near River Narmada at Omkareshwar in Khandwa District of Madhya Pradesh. The murti will be bronze-clad and placed on a lotus petal base made of stone, which will be placed over an RCC pedestal. Proposed Adi Shankaracharya Murti The sole height of the murti from the base, i.e., from the paduka (footwear) to the apex, will be 108 feet. When completed the project will include a museum dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya and an International Advaita Vedanta Sansthan.

Shankara Digvijaya by Madhava Vidyaranya is the biography of Adi Shankaracharya. That Consciousness which shines forth most distinctly in waking, dream, and deep sleep; that which is the one Witness of the universe that threads all bodies ranging from Brahma’s down to the ant’s; that I am, and not anything phenomenal — whoever possesses this firm wisdom is my guru, be he a chandala or a person twice-born. This is my conviction. I and this whole universe are but Brahman, a manifestation of pure Consciousness; all these phenomena have been imagined by me through ignorance comprising the three gunas. He whose mind is thus firmly rooted in the supremely blissful, eternal, pure, transcendental Reality is my guru, be he a chandala or a person twice-born. This is my conviction. One who having realized, through the instructions of the guru, the utter unreality of the whole universe, engages oneself in the contemplation of the eternal Brahman with an honest calm mind, and burns up all sin...

Laghu Vakya Vritti is a work attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. It consists of 53 verses and is commented upon by a number of writers both in Sanskrit and in vernacular languages. In this work we have an exhaustive exposition of the great statements of Upanishads, known as Mahavakyas. There are four such statements. One of these is ‘That thou art” (tattvamasi), which has been commented upon by Adi Shankaracharya. This commentary is technically known as vritti. It is a sort of lucid explanation on the original mahavakya, in the form of dialogue between a serious Vedantic student and the spiritual master. According to Shankaracharya, the absolute consciousness is beyond words and language. Yet words and their arrangement in sentences are helpful in expressing the hidden meaning and mysterious experiences. The words are our guide to reveal the meaning of the entire sentence. Besides the explicit meaning (abhidha), the figurative meaning (lakshana) or implicit meaning (vyanjana) may revea...

Thrissur Thekkemadom is an ancient center of Advaita teaching and is located in Thrissur city, Kerala. The Madom observes the annual Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti in Shukla Paksha panchami tithi in Vaishakha Masam. Thekkemadom traces its origin to Sri Padmapadacharya, one of the direct disciples of Adi Shankaracharya. Various spiritual discourses and programs are held on the occasion in the Mutt. The Madom also performs pujas, annadanam and other activities on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya. The annual Narasimha Jayanti in Medam Masam is of great importance in the temple.

Ever wondered what would have happened if Buddha and Adi Shankaracharya were on same boat in middle of ocean? What will they do? What will they talk? One day a group was debating the difference between mukti concept of Adi Shankaracharya and Nirvana of Buddha. The teacher solved this problem with an analogy. Lord Buddha and Adi Shankara were on the same boat and it left the harbour. It gradually reached the deep sea; from there one cannot see the shore. Buddha looked upwards and seeing the vast empty space of the sky, he said: ‘Sarvam shunyam shunyam; everything is void, void.’ Shankara looked downwards and seeing the expansive water of the ocean, said: ‘Sarvam purnam purnam; everything is full, full.’ One saw the negative and the other, the positive. Both were in the same boat on the ocean, and each described their experience differently. Some see the same glass of water as half empty, and some as half-full. This illustration solved the debate.

Dakshinamurti Stotram Of Adi Shankaracharya not only pays respect to Dakshinamurti, the Universal Guru form of Shiva, but only delineates the fundamental teachings of Vedanta. The whole world is found to exist entirely in the mind like a city’s image reflected in a mirror. It appears outside, like a dream, through the power of maya. But, by the grace of the guru, it is perceived as the everlasting and non-dual self, on the dawn of knowledge. Like a magician or a mighty yogi, Dakshinamurti projects outside this infinite universe by the sheer power of his will. Prior to this projection, it was potentially present like a tree in seed; by the power of time and space, imagined through maya, it appears to be many and multiform. The unreal universe appears real due to ignorance. He graciously teaches those who surrender to him the import of the “great saying” of Upanishad, tat tvam asi (thou art that); this immediate knowledge of Brahman puts an end to the cycle of births and deaths. ...

A collection of teachings of Adi Shankaracharya from various sources. Just as a piece of rope if imagined to be a snake and an oyster to be a piece of silver, so is the Atman (soul) determined to be the physical body by an ignorant person. Atman (Eternal Self) is verily one and without parts, whereas the body consists of many parts and yet the people see these as one. What else can be called ignorance but this? Action cannot destroy ignorance, for it is not in conflict with ignorance. Knowledge alone destroys ignorance, as light destroys darkness. Never boast of your wealth, friends, and youth. Time may steal away all these in the twinkling of an eye. Giving up attachment to this world which is full of illusion, try to realize Brahman soon and merge in it. Just as a piece of rope if imagined to be a snake and an oyster to be a piece of silver, so is the Atman (soul) determined to be the physical body by an ignorant person. Atman (Eternal Self) is verily one and witho...

The divine meeting between Adi Shankaracharya and his Guru Govinda Bhagavatpada is full of miracles. As per Patanjali charitam, Govinda Bhagavatpada resided in a cave near the famous Omkareshwar Temple on the banks of Narmada River. He lived here for several years expecting the arrival of Adi Shankaracharya. At the age of eight, Adi Shankaracharya left his home and walked towards North in search of a Guru. When he reached the southern banks of Narmada, the river was flooded. Govinda Bhagavatpada was inside a cave on the northern banks of Narmada River. Sensing the presence of his Guru in the cave, Adi Shankaracharya immediately composed the now famous Narmadashtakam – a hymn praising the greatness of   Narmada River. Immediately, the swelling of Narmada River stopped and the river entered the kamandalu of Adi Shankara. As soon as Adi Shankara reached the cave, Govinda Bhagavatpada woke up from his intense meditation. Govinda Bhagavatpada asked Adi Shankara Wh...