Adi Shankaracharya - The Reviver of Hinduism

Recently, I had visited the Kamakshi Amman temple in RS Puram, Coimbatore. After a wonderful dharshan, I wandered around the temple compound and chanced upon the paintings sequentially showcasing Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya's life story. The simple and profound narration moved me, leading me to write this article in His honour, today.

On this sacred occasion of Adi Shankara Jayanthi, I submit my humble view of the early life and legacy of Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya. He was the 8th-century philosopher and spiritual reformer who revitalized Hinduism and unified its diverse traditions under the profound philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, at a time where Hinduism was scattered & dwindling to mere rituals, devoid of meaning and purpose.

The Early Life and Spiritual Calling

A divine child was born in Kalady, Kerala, to a devout Brahmin family, after intense penance to Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. Considering Him as Shiva Himself, they gave Him the name 'Shankara'.

He exhibited extraordinary spiritual inclination from a very young age. Despite his mother's initial reluctance to Him taking up Sansaya at barely 8 years old, destiny willed it to happen. While bathing in the Purna River, a crocodile seized Shankara's leg. In that life-threatening situation, Shankara implored His mother to permit Him to embrace Sanyasa, asserting that the crocodile would release Him if she consented. Upon her agreement, the crocodile indeed let go and disappeared!

Such were the unbelievable events that occurred, even before He formally entered His monastic life!

Miracles Reflecting Compassion and Devotion

Adi Shankara's life is adorned with numerous anecdotes that highlight His compassion and spiritual prowess. I am sharing the few I recollect from the paintings in the temple:

• Kanakadhara Stotram: While seeking alms, young Shankara encountered a poor Brahmin woman who, having nothing else, offered Him a single dried up amla. Moved by her selflessness, He composed the Kanakadhara Stotram, invoking Goddess Lakshmi, who then showered the woman's home with golden amlas!

  This incident does not mean that one has to offer amlas to appease Him, but its purpose is to instill the sense of humility and surrender in us, that our Bhagavan will accept anything and everything we offer sincerely and selflessly.

  
  

• Redirection of the Purna River: Shankara's mother would often find it difficult to fetch water from the Purna river for her daily ablutions and the family's needs. Sensing her fatigue, Shankara prayed deeply to Lord Krishna, asking for the river to change its course and flow to His home. This indeed occurred and in fact has been established as a fact by a geologist who had visited Kalady (article is here for those interested to delve)

  When we ask Bhagavan for something in the fullest faith and devotion, He will provide it to us, or maybe even something better!

• Prostration to the 'Untouchable': When Adi Shankara was once in Varanasi, in the early stages of His Sanyasam, Lord Shiva visited Him in the form of a Chandala (considered an untouchable). Adi Shankara, unaware of this, requested Him to move aside. The Chandala questioned the basis of Shankara's discrimination, opening floodgates of realisation in Shankara's mind. He prostrated before the Chandala, recognising the existence of Bhagavan in every living being. This led to the composition of the "Manisha Panchakam," emphasizing the non-duality of the soul and challenging social prejudices.

  We are equals in this world, gifted with diverse capabilities. Recognising and respecting the divine in each of our fellow beings is our duty and Dharma.

  
  

• Taming the raging River Narmada: Once, Adi Shankara and His guru were by the banks of River Narmada. The river flooded and threatened to disturb His guru's deep meditation. To protect His guru and the surroundings, Shankara placed His kamandalu at the banks of the swelling river, which miraculously absorbed the floodwaters!

  Sometimes, we become Bhagavan's instrument to execute the very prayers we made!

  
  

Revival and Unification of Hinduism

At a time when Hinduism was struggling to strengthen its roots, Adi Shankara traveled extensively across India on foot, engaging in philosophical debates, composing various texts to propagate the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and spreading the Eternal Truth to everyone He met. He introduced the Panchayatana form of worship, integrating the veneration of five deities—Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Surya, and Ganesha—promoting unity among various sects. He set up major mathas in prominent regions of India to protect and propogate Advaita Vedanta.

Enduring Legacy

Almost all of our Gurumargal pay obeisance to Adi Shankaracharya, crediting Him for laying down the firm foundations on which Hinduism rests to this day. Such is the legacy of His vision, to see all Gods as One and the Divine in all people. As I pay my deepest pranams to Him on this auspicious day, my gratitude to our valiant parampara of Gurus for their teachings and blessings. Hara Hara Shankara, Jaya Jaya Shankara!

Keywords: Adi Shankaracharya, Advaita Vedanta, Kanakadhara Stotram, Manisha Panchakam, Hinduism revival, spiritual reformer, Panchayatana worship, Indian philosophy, spiritual unity.