Adi Shankaracharya — reviver of Advaita Vedanta. 8th century philosopher. Mahasamadhi at age 32.
In 32 years: 4-Veda commentaries, 4-matha establishment, all-India yatra. Hindu dharma revival.
✦ Life Summary
Born: 788 CE (or 509 BCE, disputed), Kaladi (Kerala).
Father: Shivaguru. Mother: Aryamba.
Age 3: Veda memory.
Age 5: Upanayan.
Age 8: Sannyas.
Guru: Govinda Bhagavatpada.
Mahasamadhi: 820 CE Kedarnath, age 32.
✦ Main Works
10 Upanishad commentaries.
Brahma Sutra commentary.
Bhagavad Gita commentary.
Vivek Chudamani.
Bhaja Govindam.
Saundarya Lahari.
Kanakdhara Stotram.
100+ texts.
✦ 4 Mathas
1. Sringeri (south): Yajurveda. Disciple: Sureshwaracharya.
2. Dwarka (west): Samaveda. Disciple: Hastamalakacharya.
3. Puri (east): Rigveda. Disciple: Padmapadacharya.
4. Jyotirmath (north): Atharvaveda. Disciple: Totakacharya.
✦ Digvijaya
All-India walk 3 times.
Defeated Mandana Mishra in debate.
Debated Ubhaya Bharati (Mandana's wife).
Defeated Buddhists-Jains.
Hindu dharma revival.
Unified 6 sampradayas: Tantra, Vaishnav, Shaiva, Shakta, Ganapatya, Saur.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
How all in 32 years?▼
Amazing memory. Constant travel. Disciple help. Divine grace. Miraculous to devotees.
Birth date dispute?▼
Traditional: 788 CE. Some mathas: 509 BCE. Both shastric. 788 more accepted.
🔗Related Topics
Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.