Adi Shankara

Born:

circa 788 CE, Kalady, Kerala, India

Died:

circa 820 CE, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India

Nationality:

Indian

Profession(s):

Philosopher, Theologian, Hindu Reformer

Early Life and Education

• Born into a Nambudiri Brahmin family in Kalady, Kerala.
• Early education focused on the Vedas and Hindu scriptures.
• Became a Sannyasin (renunciate) at a young age.
• Studied under his guru, Govinda Bhagavatpada.

Career and Major Achievements

• Traveled extensively across India, propagating Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
• Engaged in philosophical debates with scholars of other schools of thought.
• Established four major Mathas (monasteries) in Sringeri, Puri, Dwarka, and Jyotirmath.
• Reformed and revived Hinduism, which was fragmented and declining.
• Consolidated the Smarta tradition of Hinduism, promoting the worship of five deities (Panchayatana puja).

Notable Works

• Commentaries (Bhashyas) on the Prasthanatrayi:
  • Brahma Sutras
  • Principal Upanishads
  • Bhagavad Gita
• Atma Bodha
• Vivekachudamani
• Upadesasahasri

Legacy and Impact

Adi Shankara's profound philosophical contributions to Advaita Vedanta continue to influence Hindu thought and spirituality. His systematization of Hindu practices and establishment of the Mathas solidified the foundations of the religion, ensuring its enduring relevance.

Further Reading

For a more detailed understanding, readers are encouraged to explore various books and scholarly articles focusing on the subject of an adi sankara biography.

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