Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya
Bhava Shankara Deshika me Sharanam!
Around the beginning of the middle ages (1,500 years back), India was witnessing a near collapse of the glorious and ancient Vedic civilisation. The utility of the Vedas was reduced to just performance of a wide range of rituals with the narrow objective of fulfillment of desires - in other words only the Karma Kanda portion was being practiced. The magnificent Jnana Kanda portion (the Upanishads) - the cream and actual essence of the Vedas which deals with solutions for the ultimate mysteries, was completely overlooked and almost forgotten.
Buddhism and Jainism took birth as a reaction against the excess emphasis on rituals. However in their opposition to Karma Kanda, they made the great mistake of outright rejection of the Vedas. In this way, they were devoid of the most beautiful message of the Upanishads - Oneness of Consciousness - the source of Infinite Bliss and Wisdom. One of the fundamental principles of Buddhism is that there is no soul or Self; thereby directly ignoring Consciousness - the foundation of Reality. Jainism on the other hand had the crude concept of a physically delimited soul.
Among other schools which rejected Vedas, Charvakas, being materialistic were the most crude - they believed in just one birth and professed sense enjoyment and bodily pleasures as means to happiness.
Even among those who accepted the supremacy of the Vedas, there were many differences as to the nature of Reality. Samkhyas, while rejecting a Supreme Lord, over-emphasized the importance of Nature and its control over individual souls. Yoga school was similar to Samkhya, but they accepted the concept of God. Mimasakas accepted only the ritualistic portion of the Vedas, completely bypassing the Knowledge portion. Then there were sects like Shaktas, Shaivas, Vaishnavas, etc which believed in only one particular Vedic deity as Supreme and rejected all others. Some other prominent sects were Lokayathika, Kapalika, Madhyamika, Vaisheshika, Naiyayika, etc.
All in all, there were as many as 72 different schools of thought. Due to lack of a coherent foundation, they were all fighting against each other. As a result chaos, confusion, superstition, bigotry and darkness ruled supreme. The once glorious land of the Rishis was in a miserable state.
It was at such a critical period in the history of India that Lord Shiva incarnated as Adi Shankaracharya (also known as Shankara Bhagawatpada). He brought out the unmatched beauty of the Upanishads, and demonstrated with great clarity that the purpose of all of the Vedas was Knowledge of the Self - the Supreme Consciousness. He gave every form of worship their due place as being vehicles tuned for various different kinds of people, helping them evolve to the state of Supreme Perfection. He harmonized all the various sects by establishing the most beautiful philosophy of Advaita Vedanta - that the One Infinite Power manifests as so many different forms of God, as well as this creation itself. As for those who rejected the authority of the Vedas, he exposed the hollowness of their philosophies and easily won them over.
This most glorious sage was born to a poor, but very pious Nambudiri Brahmin family in a village named Kaladi in Kerala in the year 788 CE. His parents had prayed deeply to Lord Shiva for a son at the Vadakumnathan temple in nearby Thrissur.
Lord Shiva appeared to them and promised them a choice of one son who would be short-lived but the most brilliant philosopher of his day, or many sons who would be mediocre at best. The couple opted for a brilliant, but short-lived son, and so Shankara was born.
Shankara lost his father when quite young, and his mother performed his upanayana ceremonies with the help of her relatives. He excelled in all branches of traditional Vaidika learning. A few miracles are reported about the young Shankara. As a Brahmachari, he went about collecting alms from families in the village. A lady who was herself extremely poor, but did not want to send away the boy empty-handed, gave him the last piece of Amla fruit she had at home. Shankara, sensing the abject poverty of the lady, composed a hymn - Kanakadhara Stotram to Sri Mahalakahmi, right at her doorstep. As a result, a shower of golden Amlas rewarded the lady for her piety. On another occasion, Shankara re-routed the course of the Purna river, so that his old mother would not have to walk a long distance to the river for her daily ablutions.
Shankara, right from his early boyhood, had a firm resolve to renounce the world and become a Sannyasin. His mother was very much grieved that there would be no one to perform her funeral rites after her death. Shankara gave full assurance to his mother that he would always be ready to serve her at the death-bed and perform the usual funeral rites. Even then his mother was not satisfied.
One day, Shankara and his mother went to take bath in the Purna river. While he was bathing, a crocodile started dragging him by the foot. He shouted out to his mother at the top of his voice: "O dear mother! A crocodile is dragging me down. I am lost. Let me die peacefully as a Sannyasin. Let me have the satisfaction of dying as a Sannyasin. Give me your permission now. Let me take Apath-Sannyasa”.
The mother immediately allowed him to take Sannyasa. Shankara took Apath-sannyasa (the adoption of Sannyasa when death is near) at once. The crocodile let him go unharmed. Shankara came out of the water as a nominal Sannyasin. He again repeated his promise to his mother. He left her under the care of his relatives and gave away his little property to them. He was hardly 8 years old when he left home!
Shankara then traveled far and wide in search of a worthy guru who would initiate him and regularize his vow of Sannyasa, till he came to the banks of the river Narmada in central India. Here was the Ashrama of the great sage, Govinda Bhagavatpada. The sage marvelled at the spiritually exalted state of the young lad, and initiated him into the Paramahamsa order of Sannyasa - the highest kind of renunciation.
Govinda Bhagavatpada taught Shankara all the Vedas and Vedangas. Shankara mastered all the scriptures in a very short time. Seeing the intellectual acumen of his disciple, Govinda Bhagavatpada commanded Shankara to expound the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta through commentaries on the principle Upanishads, the Brahma Sutra and the Bhagawad Gita, collectively known as Prasthana Trayi.
These commentaries, called Shankara Bhashya, stand at the pinnacle of all philosophical writing. Shankara thoroughly demonstrates the grandeur of Advaita Vedanta by proving without any trace of doubt the oneness of Atman (Individual Self) with Brahman (Supreme Self). He does this by himself posing thousands of counter arguments and then going on to establish the Truth of Oneness of Consciousness. This unmatched confidence stems from his own realization of the Supreme Reality and thorough mastery of the Vedas. He himself boldly gives many more weapons to his opponents to attack him than they can imagine, and then coolly dismantles the entire opposition by his expert arguments. The unparalleled beauty of his Bhashyas lies in the perfect synchronicity of the unifying thought current with the vast Vedas. He explains the meaning of each Mantra based fully on the context in which the Mantras appear in the Vedas. The young Shankara had now become an Acharya. He accomplished such a stupendous task by the age of 16!
Shankara was to have a short lifespan of 16 years only. He had mastered the Vedas and presented a thorough exposition of Advaita Vedanta through his great Bhashyas within such a short time interval. At about this time, a very old Brahmin started arguments with him about Brahma Sutra Bhashya which Shankara had written. Shankara was astounded by his intelligence and arguments but they continued their discussion. The arguments continued for days together, and the more Shankara argued, his ideas crystallised more and more and he understood that the old man was none other than Vyasa Rishi, the creator of Brahma Sutra, and the one who performed the gigantic tasks of compilation of the Vedas, and composition of Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagawatam.
Vyasa Rishi was extremely pleased with the brilliant way in which Shankara had brought out the deep meanings behind his cryptic Brahma Sutras. He asked Shankara to spread the message of Advaita Vedanta all over the country, and for this he blessed him with an additional lifespan of 16 years.
Shankara then set out on the grand mission of philosophical conquest. This has become famous as Shankara Digvijayam. His philosophical conquests are unique in the history of the world. He went to all the celebrated seats of learning, challenged the learned men to discussion, argued with them and convinced them of the supremacy of Advaita Vedanta. Some of the noted leaders he won over are Bhatta Bhaskara, Dandi, Mayura, Harsha, Abhinavagupta, Murari Mishra, Udayanacharya, Dharmagupta, Kumarila, Prabhakara and Mandana Mishra. He traveled the length and breadth of the country and brought everyone under the umbrella of Advaita Vedanta.
Shankara's debate with Mandana Mishra was unique. The referee at the debate was Mandana Mishra's wife Bharati, who was herself very well-learned, and regarded as an incarnation of Goddess Sarasvati. At stake was a whole way of life. The agreement was that if Mandana Mishra won, Shankara would consent to marriage and the life of a householder, whereas if Shankara won, Mandana Mishra would renounce all his wealth and possessions and become a Sannyasin disciple of Shankara. The debate began in right earnest and continued for days without any interruption.
Bharati did not sit and listen to their arguments. She threw two garlands, one each over the shoulders of each of the disputants, and said: "He whose garland begins to fade first should consider himself defeated". The idea was that illogical, repeated and stale arguments would result in the flowers getting faded.
Bharati did not sit and listen to their arguments. She threw two garlands, one each over the shoulders of each of the disputants, and said: "He whose garland begins to fade first should consider himself defeated". The idea was that illogical, repeated and stale arguments would result in the flowers getting faded.
Bharati left the place and began attending to her household duties. The debate went on for 17 days. The garland of Mandana Mishra began to fade. Mandana Misra accepted his defeat and offered to become a Sannyasin and follow Shankara.
Bharati couldn't bear the separation from her husband. She challenged Shankara with questions about Kamasutra, which he knew nothing about. Shankara therefore requested some time, during which, using the subtle yogic process called Parakaya Pravesha, he entered the body of a dying king and experienced the art of love with the queens. Shankara didn't want to pollute his existing Sannyasin body, so he used the body of the king.
Returning to Mandana Mishra's home, he answered all of Bharati's questions, after which Mandana Mishra was ordained as a Sannyasin by the name of Sureshwara. Bharati also followed them. Sureshwara was to become the most celebrated disciple of Shankara, writing Varttikas to Shankara's Bhashyas on the Yajurveda Upanishads, in addition to his own independent texts on various subjects.
Shankara started attracting many highly devoted disciples. One of them was Sanandhyaya. On a particular occasion, Sanandhyaya, was drying the clothes of his Guru when suddenly Shankara called him to the other bank of the river as he needed the clothes urgently. Sanandhyaya, little realising that he would drown, started walking into the river. However, the grace of his Guru resulted in lotus flowers materialising wherever he kept his feet. All the other disciples were stunned by the miracle. They asked Sanandhyaya about it, upon which he replied that when the Guru calls, he is not to worry about anything. Shankara named him Padmapada (the one with lotus feet).
Acharya Shankara had four prominent disciples - Sureshwara, Padmapada, Hastamalaka and Thotaka. They would themselves go on to become great Acharyas, and help Shankara immensely in his mission of spiritual rejuvenation of the land.
Once in Kashi, when Shankara was going to the Vishwanath Temple, his path was blocked by a Chandala (considered to be an out-caste) who was accompanied by his wife and 4 dogs. The disciples of Shankara shouted at him to make way, and to keep a distance. The Chandala smiled and said, "According to your principle of Advaita, Jivatman is ever one with Paramatman. How do you ask me to go? How am I different from your Paramacharya? What you say is unreasonable. Atman is all pervading. How can I go away from myself?"
Shankara realised that this was not an ordinary person, and understood that it was Lord Shiva himself who had come along with His consort and the 4 Vedas. He prostrated before the Lord and sang five shlokas called Maneesha Panchakam. Lord Shiva presented himself along with Mata Parvati and blessed Shankara.
Shankara continued to travel with his disciples all over the land, all the while composing philosophical treatises and engaging opponents in debate. None of his opponents could ever match his intellectual prowess, and the debates always ended with Shankara's victory.
In the course of their travels, they reached Shringeri in Karnataka, which is on the banks of river Tungabhadra. While they were walking, Bharati (the wife of Mandana Mishra) did not move and stood fixed in the sands of Tungabhadra. Shankara turned back and realised by his divine powers that Bharati did not want to proceed any further and created a seat for her for spreading Advaita Vedanta. This seat is today called the Sharada Peetham or the Seat of Sharada. This was the first Matha (monastery) installed by Acharya Shankara. Sureshwara, the disciple whom he had won after long debate, was installed as the head of this new Matha.
Similar Mathas were established in the pilgrim centers of Puri (in Odisha), Dwaraka (in Gujarat) and Joshimath (in Himalayas). Padmapada, Hastamalaka and Thotaka were placed in charge of them. Shankara established a fifth Matha at the holy temple town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. These Mathas continue to function even today. Their heads have also come to be known as Shankarcharyas, in honor of their founder. Shankara also organized the community of Sannyasins into the Dashanami Sampradaya, and affiliated them with the five Mathas.
During Shankara's time, six of the Vedic deities - Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Ganesha, Surya and Skanda, were worshipped as Supreme by their own Hindu followers, who quarrelled with each other claiming superiority of their chosen deity. Shankara synthesised these quarrelling sects by integrating their worships in the Shanmata system. It centers around the worship of these six deities as One.
Shankara showed that each of them are equal reflections of the one Saguna Brahman (Personal God with form), rather than being distinct. It is based on the recognition that Nirguna Brahman (Impersonal God) is the highest principle in the universe and pervades all of existence. Shankara also formulated the rituals and rites to be followed in most of the major temples of Bharata Varsha, which is followed to this day.
Meanwhile, Shankara came to know that his mother was dying. Remembering his promise to her, he reached Kaladi. His mother was greatly pleased to see her beloved son after so many years. Shankara composed a beautiful Stotra about the glory of Motherhood describing the great pains a mother has to undergo to bring up a child, right from the womb onwards. He sings that even the greatest of sons can never repay the debt to his mother.
She made a final wish to her son - the desire to have the vision of the Lord. Shankara called out to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu with heart-rending Stotras. Both of Them manifested and showered Their grace on the blessed mother and her glorious son. This way he demonstrated to her the truth of Advaita - the Oneness of God. Her soul merged blissfully with the Supreme.
Shankara wanted to perform her funeral rites. His ritualistic relatives would not permit him to do the rites himself, as he was a Sannyasi. Shankara overrode their objections, built a pyre himself and cremated her body in the open farm adjacent to the home. He issued a decree that henceforth cremations must be performed in the backyards of the homes. This strange custom continues to this day in Kerala.
He resumed his travels, visiting many holy places and reviving Pujas at temples that had fallen into neglect. He established many Sri Yantras dedicated to Divine Mother. Prominent among these temples are Kanchi Kamakshi (in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu) and Kollur Mookambika (in Kollur, Karnataka). He also composed many devotional Stotras.
Shankara meditated on Lord Vishnu in Badrikashram (in the Himalayas). The Lord appeared before him and told that His sculpture in Alaknanda river should be taken out and a temple should be built for it. This temple is called Badrinarayan temple and is one of the most important religious places for Hindus.
In the course of his travels, Shankara reached Kashmir. Here was a temple dedicated to Sharada (the Goddess of learning), which housed the Sarvajna Peetham (the Throne of Omniscience). It was a tradition for philosophers to visit the place and engage in debate. The victorious one would be allowed to ascend the throne. Shankara was unanimously crowned as Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya - the world teacher. He then ascended the Sarvajna Peetham.
Shankara had by now reached the age of 32. He had expounded the Vedanta philosophy through his writings, trained many intelligent disciples who would carry on the Vedantic tradition, established monastic centers, revived many temples and unified all forms of worship under the umbrella of Vedanta. His had been a short but eventful life. He retired to the Himalayas and disappeared inside a cave near Kedarnath. This cave is traditionally pointed out as the site of his Samadhi.
The existence of Vedic Dharma in India today is due to Shankara. The forces opposed to Vedic religion were far more numerous and powerful at the time of Shankara than they are today. Still, single-handedly, within a very short time, he overpowered them all and restored the Vedic Dharma to its pristine purity. The weapon he used was pure knowledge and spirituality.
Bharata Varsha would have ceased to be Bharata Varsha several centuries ago, and would never have survived the murderous sword, the devastating fire and the religious intolerance of the successive invaders, if Shankara had not lived the life he lived and taught the lessons he taught. And those lessons are still pulsating in every cell and in every protoplasm of the true aspirant and the true Hindu.
Shankara is the foremost among the master-minds and the giant souls which Mother India has produced. He was the expounder of the Advaita philosophy. Shankara was a giant metaphysician, a practical philosopher, an infallible logician, a dynamic personality and a stupendous moral and spiritual force. His grasping and elucidating powers knew no bounds. He was a fully developed Yogi, Jnani and Bhakta. He was a Karma Yogin of no mean order. He was a powerful magnet.
There is not one branch of knowledge which Shankara has left unexplored and which has not received the touch, polish and finish of his superhuman intellect. The loftiness, calmness and firmness of his mind, the impartiality with which he deals with various questions, and his clearness of expression evoke unparalleled reverence in the hearts of the sincere spiritual aspirants. His teachings will continue to live as long as the Sun shines.
Blessed is the land of Bharata Varsha, whose length and breadth were covered by the great sage Shankara, who was none other than Lord Shiva. May the great Guru bless us so that we also realize our Oneness with the Supreme Lord.
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