Shankaracharyas and Adi Shankara

The Shankaracharyas’ decision to not attend the Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya has brought attention to their roles and the teachings of Adi Shankara.

Who are the Shankaracharyas?

• The Shankaracharyas are the heads of the four cardinal Hindu monasteries (mathas) located in Dwarka (Gujarat), Joshimath (Uttarakhand), Puri (Odisha), and Sringeri (Karnataka).
• These mathas, believed to have been established by Adi Shankara in the 8th century, play a significant role in preserving the Hindu faith and traditions.
• The title ‘Shankaracharya’ signifies a lineage of religious teachers tracing back to Adi Shankara himself.

Historical Context of the Mathas

• The existence of these mathas before the 14th century is not well-documented. They gained prominence with the patronage of the Vijayanagara kingdom.
• The Sringeri matha, in particular, saw enhanced influence during this period.
• These mathas now comprise religious shrines, temples, libraries, and residences and are dedicated to preserving and furthering Shankara’s teachings.

Adi Shankara’s Life and Contributions

• Born in Kalady, Kerala, Adi Shankara became a sanyasi (ascetic) after an encounter with a crocodile, as per legend.
• Renowned as a scholar and monk, he travelled extensively, challenging existing philosophical thoughts and establishing monastic orders.
• Shankara authored around 116 works, including commentaries on the Upanishads, Brahmasutra, and Bhagavad Gita.
• His authorship of several works remains a topic of scholarly debate.

Philosophy of Advaita Vedanta

• Adi Shankara is most associated with Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy advocating radical non-dualism.
• It teaches that the empirical world is illusory (maya), and the true reality is Brahman, transcending empirical plurality.
• Advaita Vedanta emphasizes the unity of individual consciousness (atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman).

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