Adi Shankaracharya, an eminent sage and philosopher, left an indelible mark on Hinduism through his profound teachings and remarkable contributions. Revered as the champion of Advaita philosophy, he not only restructured the ancient Sannyasa order but also revitalized the essence of Sanatana Dharma, fostering a unifying force that continues to inspire millions today. This article delves into the life and achievements of Adi Shankaracharya, highlighting his spiritual journey, intellectual prowess, literary excellence, and transformative influence on Hinduism.

The Early Years and Spiritual Quest

Born in Kalady, Kerala, Adi Shankaracharya exhibited an extraordinary inclination towards spiritual pursuits from a young age. Driven by an insatiable desire for liberation, he embarked on a journey of over 2000 kilometers to seek his Guru, Govindapada, on the banks of the river Narmada. Under his Guru’s guidance, Shankaracharya dedicated four years to mastering the Vedic scriptures, laying a strong foundation for his future spiritual endeavors.

Intellectual Brilliance and Writings

At the age of twelve, Shankaracharya’s Guru deemed him ready to write commentaries on major scriptural texts. Over the next four years, he completed writing insightful commentaries that unveiled the subtle meanings hidden within these teachings. By the age of sixteen, he had authored commentaries on the Brahma Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, twelve major Upanishads, and other significant works. Shankaracharya’s writings, including the renowned Viveka Chudamani and Atma Bodha, expound the principles of Advaita Vedanta and the non-dual Brahman.

Propagating Advaita Philosophy

From the age of sixteen until his untimely passing at thirty-two, Shankaracharya traversed ancient India, disseminating the life-giving message of the Vedas. In a time when various sects and scriptural misinterpretations prevailed, he fearlessly engaged in debates, challenging eminent scholars and religious leaders. Through his intellectual acumen and profound wisdom, Shankaracharya triumphed over these debates, earning the acceptance of his opponents as they embraced him as their guru. This transformative shift led to the practice of Advaita teachings among the masses.

Organizational Contributions and the Four Maths

To unify the scattered Sannyasis and streamline their practices, Shankaracharya established four maths (ashrams) across India. Each math was entrusted with preserving one of the four Vedas and a Maha Vakya, serving as pillars of Hinduism. The Dasanami Sannyasa Tradition, reorganized into ten main groups, became the guiding force behind these maths. Additionally, Shankaracharya formulated the six sect system of worship, emphasizing the main godheads and creating rituals for major temples in India.

Literary and Poetic Excellence

In addition to his intellectual prowess, Shankaracharya was a gifted poet and writer. Composing devotional and meditative hymns such as Soundarya Lahari and Sivananda Lahari, he expressed his deep love for the Divine. His poetic works continue to inspire spiritual seekers to this day. Furthermore, Shankaracharya authored numerous books, totaling 23, which elucidate the principles of Advaita Vedanta and provide insights into the non-dual Brahman.

Legends of Shankaracharya

Shower of Gold

In the realm of ancient legends and divine tales, the story of Shankaracharya, the great philosopher and spiritual luminary, resonates as a testament to his profound connection with the divine. As a young Brahmachari, Shankara embarked on a journey that would forever change the lives of those he encountered. One such encounter was with a kind-hearted yet impoverished lady who could offer him only a humble amalaki gooseberry fruit. Touched by her sincerity and generosity, Shankara invoked the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, singing the Kanakadhara Stotra. In a moment of divine grace, the goddess showered the house with golden amalaki fruits, an awe-inspiring display of abundance and blessings.

Changing the Course of the Purna River

Another remarkable tale showcases Shankaracharya’s deep love and devotion for his mother. Witnessing his mother’s exhaustion from the arduous journey to the Purna river for her daily bath, Shankara fervently prayed to the Lord for her well-being. The next morning brought about a remarkable transformation as the river altered its course, flowing gently by the side of their house. The young Shankara’s earnest prayers and unwavering faith had not only changed the course of a river but also exemplified the power of love and devotion.

Guru Govindapada’s Blessings

Shankaracharya’s spiritual journey was intertwined with the guidance and blessings of his revered Guru, Govindapada. During a challenging time, when the Narmada River surged in a treacherous flood, threatening to engulf Govindapada’s cave, Shankara fearlessly stepped forward. Placing his kamandalu, a water pot, at the cave’s entrance, he declared that it would absorb the floodwaters. In an awe-inspiring display of divine intervention, the floodwaters obediently receded, preserving the undisturbed meditation of his beloved Guru. Govindapada, recognizing Shankara’s unwavering faith and his ability to contain mighty forces, blessed him, prophesying that his future work would bring eternal glory to him and the Vedantic scriptures.

Sannyasa

The decision to embrace the Sannyasa way of life, renouncing worldly attachments, was not an easy one for Shankaracharya. Despite his mother’s initial reluctance to grant her permission and blessings, fate played its hand, revealing a deeper purpose. While accompanying his mother for a bath in the river, a fearsome crocodile suddenly seized Shankara’s leg, dragging him into the water. In those dire moments, he pleaded with his mother to permit him to become a Sannyasi, offering solace in the face of imminent death. Overwhelmed with fear and desperation, his mother consented. Astonishingly, the crocodile released its grip, sparing Shankara’s life. In honoring his promise to his mother, he vowed to return at the time of her passing and perform the sacred last rites.

Final Rites of his Mother

The divine journey of Shankaracharya reached its pinnacle as he received word of his mother’s impending death. Utilizing his yogic powers, he traversed vast distances through the air, arriving swiftly by his mother’s side. Granting her divine visions at her request, he bestowed upon her a glimpse of the celestial realm, providing solace and enlightenment in her final moments.

Yet, as fate would have it, a challenging obstacle awaited Shankaracharya. His relatives, bound by tradition and unaware of the magnitude of his spiritual prowess, denied him assistance in performing the funeral rites, deeming it unfitting for a Sannyasi. Undeterred, he called upon his divine capabilities. Creating a funeral pyre from plantain stalks, he placed his mother’s body upon it. Chanting sacred mantras and sprinkling water, he invoked the divine presence, causing the pyre to ignite instantly. In this extraordinary feat, Shankara demonstrated his mastery over the elements, overcoming societal constraints and fulfilling his sacred duty without physical aid.