Adi Shankaracharya

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister paid homage to Adi Shankaracharya on his Jayanti, recalling his profound teachings and his role in revitalising spiritual thought across India.

Key Contributions

• Philosophy – Advocated non‑dualism (Advaita Vedanta), emphasising oneness of existence.

Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy that teaches non-dualism, the idea that there is no fundamental difference between the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman).

• Institutional Reform – Reordered the Sannyasa tradition into the Dasanami system.
• Char Dhams – Established 4 maths (ashrams) at Sringeri, Dwaraka, Badrinath, and Puri, each entrusted with a disciple, a Veda, and a Mahavakya.

• Six‑sect Worship – Unified diverse sects by systematising worship of six deities (Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Ganesha, Surya, Muruga).
• Cultural Integration – Revitalised Sanatana Dharma by challenging ritualism and promoting universality of love and compassion.
• Final Rites – Performed miraculous cremation of his mother using plantain stalks, overcoming social restrictions on Sannyasis.
• Literary Works – Authored commentaries on the Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads; composed hymns like Soundarya Lahari and treatises like Viveka Chudamani.
• Dasanami tradition.
• Significance of Legacy
  • Philosophical Impact – Condensed Vedic wisdom into accessible Advaita doctrine.
  • Institutional Strengthening – Unified scattered ascetic orders through maths and the
  • Cultural Preservation – Promoted devotional literature, temple rituals, and sect harmony.
  • National Integration – Travelled across India, spreading Vedantic thought and establishing centres of learning.

Reference

PIB | Adi Shankaracharya