Adi Shankaracharya
Adi Shankaracharya was an Indian philosopher and theologian who explained the philosophy of Advait Vedant. He is believed to had born in modern Kerala in the 8th Century CE. During a short life span of 32 years, he travelled all over India from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and founded 4 Mathas (monasteries) which helped in the historical development, revival and propagation of Advaita Vedanta at a time when Buddhism had spread all over India.
Adi Shankaracharya’s commentaries on the three main texts of Hinduism (Brahma Sutras, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita) formed the model of Advait Vedanta followed by great acharyas like Ramanuja and Madhva etc. His critical works on Vedanta give deep insights into the nature of mind and consciousness. Yet, along with these, he revived Hindu dharma overall, marking a new era in its expression.
Inspired by this article?
Take your knowledge further with interactive Gurukul lessons and quizzes.
Related Knowledge Articles
Rigveda: The Cosmic Hymns, Astronomical Insights, and Dawn of Human Consciousness
The Rigveda stands as humanity’s oldest surviving literary treasure. Composed in archaic Vedic Sanskrit over 5,000 years ago by inspired Rishis (seers), its 10 Mandalas (books) contain 1,028 Suktas (hymns) and 10,552 Mantras.
Culture & HeritageSamaveda: The Birth of Indian Classical Music, Raga Swaras, and Chanted Mysticism
If the Rigveda is the lyric of knowledge, the Samaveda is its divine song. Composed of 1,875 verses set to intricate musical notes (*Swaras*), the Samaveda is the undisputed origin of Indian Classical Music, vocal ornamentation, and acoustic science.