INTRODUCTION
Adi Shankaracharya, was the saint who advocated Advaita Vedanta in india. He wrote commentaries on Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita. He explained the difference between Hinduism and Buddhism, stating that Hinduism tells "Atman (Soul, Self) exists", while Buddhism tells that there is "no Soul, no Self".
Shankara travelled across India to advocate his philosophy through discourses. He is reputed to have founded four mathas. He is also known as Adi Shankaracharya.
Birth
The birthplace of Adi Shankara is at Kalady, Kerala.It is believed that Shankara was born during the period 509–477 BC.
Life
He was born to Nambudiri Brahmin parents.They named him as Shankara. He lost his father when he was very young.
He was the one who was attracted to the life of Sanyasa (saint hood) from his early childhood. He became the disciple of a teacher named Govinda Bhagavatpada.
Devotional tour
Adi Shankara travelled widely within India, and participated in various debates with different scholars of Hindu philosophy. Adi Shankara had a number of disciples, which includes Padmapada, Sureshvara, Tothaka, Citsukha, Prthividhara, Cidvilasayati, Bodhendra, Brahmendra, Sadananda and others.
Death
Adi Sankara is believed to have died at the age of 32, at Kedarnath in the Himalayas.
Devotional Works
Shankara's masterpiece of commentary is the Brahmasutrabhasya, a fundamental text of the Vedanta school of Hinduism.
His commentaries on ten principal Upanishads are considered good by the scholars.
Other famous works of Shankara include commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and are well accepted by the scholars.
Shankara's stotras considered well by the scholars which include stotras on Krishna and on Shiva. Adi Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras is well received.
CONCLUSION
Sree Adi Shankara, who was the founder of Advaita and well versed in vedas and puranas. He is well known for his sincere devotion to Lord Shiva and Parvathi. He is very much devoted to Kollur Mookambika and sung in praise of her. Though he left his body at the age of 32, and before several thousands of years ago, he is still living in our athma(soul) and properly guiding us. He is the one who protects his devotees from all sorts of problems in this kali yuga. He was considered as an amsa of Lord Shiva, who has appeared for the well being of the people. Let us pray to the noble saint, and chant his holy name with sincere bhakti and be blessed.
OM SREE ADI SANKARARE NAMAHA
OM NAMA SHIVAYA NAMAHA
R.HARISHANKAR
