Shankaracharyas

• 19 Jan 2024

Source: IE

Why in News?

The decision of the four Shankaracharyas to abstain from attending the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has stirred considerable interest.

Who are the Shankaracharyas?

• About: Shankaracharya (teacher of the way of Shankara), is a religious title used by the heads of the four cardinal mathas or peeths believed to have been established by Adi Shankara (c 788 CE-820 CE).
  • According to tradition, they are religious teachers who belong to a line of teachers going back all the way to Adi Shankara himself, however, historical evidence regarding the same is scarce before the 14th century CE.
• Mathas: The four mathas are in Dwarka (Gujarat), Joshimath (Uttarakhand), Puri (Odisha), and Sringeri (Karnataka).
  • They serve as religious shrines, temples, libraries, and residences. They play a crucial role in preserving and propagating Shankara's tradition.
  • There is little historical evidence for the existence of these mathas prior to the 14^th century CE, when the Vijayanagara kingdom began to patronise the Sringeri matha.

Who was Adi Shankara?

• About: Adi Shankara or Adi Shankaracharya was an 8^th-century Indian philosopher and theologian, considered one of the most influential figures in the history of Hinduism
  • He is believed to be born in Kalady village in Kerala.
  • Initiated into studies by Govindacharya, Shankara travelled extensively, challenging philosophical traditions, and establishing mathas.
• Key Contributions:
  • Systematized Advaita Vedanta: Provided a framework for understanding the non-dualistic nature of reality.
  • Illuminating Hindu Scripture: Authored 116 works, including commentaries on Upanishads, Brahmasutra, and the Bhagavad Gita.
  • Promoted Bhakti movement: Emphasised the importance of devotion and surrender to God, paving the way for later devotional movements.
• Major Works/Commentaries:
  • Bhashya Granthas:
    • Brahma Sutras
    • Isavasya Upanishad
    • Kena Upanishad
    • Katha Upanishad
    • Prasna Upanishad
    • Mundaka Upanishad
    • Mandukya Upanishad
    • Mandukya Karika
    • Bhagavad Gita
  • Prakarana Granthas:
    • Vivekachudamani
    • Aparokshanubhuti
    • Upadesasahasri
    • Swatma Nirupanam
    • Atma bodha
    • Sarva Vedanta Sara Samgraha
    • Advaita Anubhuti
    • Brahma anuchintanam
    • Sadachara anusandhanam
  • Hymns and Meditation Verses:
    • Sri Ganesa Pancharatnam
    • Ganesa Bhujangam
    • Subrahmanya Bhujangam

Note

However, the authorship of many works attributed to Shankara remains disputed. But Shankara's legacy extends beyond metaphysics and theology, incorporating a near-nationalistic interpretation of faith, philosophy, and geography.

• Core Tenets of Advaita Vedanta:
  • Advaita Vedanta posits an ontological position of radical nondualism.
  • It asserts that perceived reality is ultimately illusory (maya), and brahman is the only true reality, transcending empirical plurality.
  • Focuses on the unity of atman (individual consciousness) and brahman (ultimate reality).

Note

A 'Statue of Oneness' dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya, standing at a height of 108 feet, has been unveiled on Mandhata mountain in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh.