Adi Shankaracharya (788-820 CE) was a towering figure in Hindu philosophy and religious thought. As the principal exponent and consolidator of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualistic philosophy), his influence on Hindu intellectual and spiritual traditions remains profound to this day.
Key Attributes
- Title: Jagadguru (World Teacher)
- Philosophy: Chief proponent of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism)
- Historical Impact: Revived Hinduism during a period of Buddhist dominance
- Establishments: Founded four major mathas (monasteries) in the four corners of India
- Literary Works: Commentaries on the Prasthanatrayi (triple canon of Hinduism) and numerous original compositions
- Honorific: Often referred to as "Bhagavatpada" (one who has taken refuge at the feet of the Lord)
Life and Journey
Birth and Early Life
According to traditional accounts, Shankara was born to Brahmin parents, Shivaguru and Aryamba, in Kaladi, Kerala. Numerous legends surround his birth, including the blessing of Lord Shiva to his childless parents. He displayed extraordinary intellectual capacity from an early age, mastering the Vedas and classical texts during childhood.
Renunciation
At a very young age (traditionally eight), Shankara expressed his desire to become a sannyasin (renunciate). When his mother initially refused, legend states that a crocodile grabbed him while bathing in the river. He called to his mother that the crocodile would release him only if she allowed him to embrace sannyasa (monastic life). When she agreed, he was freed and immediately took formal monastic vows.
Meeting with Govinda Bhagavatpada
After renunciation, Shankara traveled north seeking his guru. He eventually found Govinda Bhagavatpada, a disciple of the sage Gaudapada, meditating in a cave near the Narmada River. Under Govinda's guidance, Shankara mastered Advaita philosophy and was instructed to expound the doctrine through commentaries on the major Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita.
Travels and Debates
Shankara traveled extensively throughout India engaging in philosophical debates with scholars of various traditions, particularly Mimamsa, Samkhya, Buddhism, and Jainism. His most famous debate was with Mandana Mishra, a renowned householder philosopher. After defeating him in debate, Mandana became Shankara's disciple and later became known as Sureshvaracharya.
Philosophical Contributions
Advaita Vedanta
Shankara systematized the doctrine of Advaita (non-dualism), which proposes that:
- Brahman (the ultimate reality) alone is real
- The world is maya (an illusion or appearance)
- The individual self (atman) is identical with Brahman
His famous dictum "Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya, Jivo Brahmaiva Na Parah" encapsulates this philosophy: "Brahman is the only truth, the world is an illusion, and there is ultimately no difference between Brahman and individual self."
Commentaries (Bhashyas)
Shankara wrote extensive commentaries on:
- The Upanishads, particularly the ten principal Upanishads
- The Brahma Sutras
- The Bhagavad Gita
These three texts together form the Prasthanatrayi (triple canon) of Vedanta philosophy.
Original Works
Beyond his commentaries, Shankara composed numerous original works including:
- Vivekachudamani (Crest-Jewel of Discrimination)
- Upadeshasahasri (A Thousand Teachings)
- Atmabodha (Self-Knowledge)
- Various devotional hymns including Bhaja Govindam and Soundarya Lahari
Institutional Legacy
The Four Mathas
One of Shankara's most enduring contributions was the establishment of four mathas (monastic institutions) in the four directions of India to preserve and propagate Sanatana Dharma:
- Sringeri Sharada Peetham (South) - Karnataka
- Dwaraka Peetham (West) - Gujarat
- Jyotirmath (Joshimath) (North) - Uttarakhand
- Govardhana Peetham (East) - Odisha
Each matha was assigned one Veda and continues to be led by a Shankaracharya (pontiff) in an unbroken succession to this day.
Dashanami Sampradaya
Shankara organized the Hindu monastic tradition into the Dashanami Sampradaya, with ten orders of sannyasins distinguished by different names: Saraswati, Bharati, Puri, Tirtha, Ashrama, Giri, Parvata, Sagara, Vanam, and Aranya.
Cultural and Religious Impact
Revival of Hinduism
Shankara is credited with reviving Hinduism during a period when Buddhism was the dominant religion in India. By reformulating Hindu philosophy and providing intellectual responses to Buddhist arguments, he strengthened the philosophical foundations of Hinduism.
Reconciliation of Deities
He developed the worship of the Panchayatana (five deities): Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Surya, and Ganesha. This system allowed followers to worship their chosen deity while recognizing the essential unity of all divine forms.
Devotional Compositions
Despite his emphasis on knowledge (jnana), Shankara composed numerous devotional hymns to various deities, demonstrating the compatibility of devotion and philosophical inquiry. His compositions like Bhaja Govindam and Soundarya Lahari remain popular to this day.
Relevance in Modern Times
Global Influence
Shankara's Advaita philosophy has gained significant influence in global philosophical discourse and has influenced various Western thinkers and spiritual movements.
Contemporary Institutions
The mathas established by Shankara continue to be vibrant centers of learning and spiritual practice, with the Shankaracharyas still serving as important religious authorities in Hinduism.
Academic Interest
Shankara's works remain the subject of intensive study in both traditional Sanskrit institutes and modern academic settings worldwide.
Related Concepts and Figures
- Vedanta Philosophy - The philosophical system Shankara systematized
- Advaita - The non-dualistic philosophy he championed
- Brahman - The ultimate reality in Advaita philosophy
- Maya - The concept of illusion central to Advaita