Adi Jagadguru Shankaracharya: Life, Advaita Vedanta, Teachings & Spiritual Legacy
Adi JAgadguru Shankaracharya: Life, Advaita Vedanta, Teachings & Spiritual Legacy
Discover the life and teachings of Adi Shankaracharya, the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, his major works, devotional hymns and enduring spiritual legacy.
India's spiritual tradition has given the world many great teachers, philosophers and saints. Among them, Adi Shankaracharya holds a unique place.
He was a philosopher, monk, spiritual teacher and poet whose teachings gave a powerful expression to Advaita Vedanta—the philosophy of non-duality.
His central message was profound yet beautifully simple:
The ultimate reality is one, and the deepest Self within us is not separate from that reality.
For someone encountering Vedanta for the first time, this idea can seem difficult. But at its heart, Shankaracharya's teaching invites us to look beyond the temporary identities of body, mind, possessions and circumstances and ask:
Who am I, truly?
Table of Contents
- Who Was Adi Shankaracharya?
- When Did Shankaracharya Live?
- His Early Life
- Why Did Shankaracharya Become a Monk?
- Meeting His Guru
- What Is Advaita Vedanta?
- “Aham Brahmasmi” — I Am Brahman
- Shankaracharya's Journey Across India
- His Major Works
- Shankaracharya and Bhagavad Gita
- Shankaracharya and the Upanishads
- Shankaracharya and Bhakti
- Soundarya Lahari and the Divine Mother
- The Four Maths
- What Can We Learn From Shankaracharya?
- Why His Teachings Still Matter Today
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Reflection
Who Was Adi Jagadguru Shankaracharya?
Adi Jagadguru Shankaracharya, also known as Adi Shankara, was one of the most influential teachers in the history of Indian philosophy.
He is traditionally regarded as the great exponent of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Vedanta that teaches the ultimate non-duality of the individual Self (Atman) and Brahman, the supreme reality.
His life is surrounded by many traditional accounts and legends. According to tradition, he was born in Kalady in present-day Kerala and became a monk at a remarkably young age.
He travelled extensively, debated philosophical ideas, wrote commentaries on important Hindu scriptures and established monastic institutions that became important centres of Vedantic learning.
Although his life was traditionally described as very short, his philosophical influence has continued for centuries.
When Did Shankaracharya Live?
The traditional dating of Adi Shankaracharya differs from the dating accepted by many modern scholars.
A commonly cited traditional date places his life around 788–820 CE, while some traditional lineages give considerably earlier dates.
Because the historical evidence from this period is limited and later biographies contain traditional and legendary elements, the exact dates of his birth and death remain debated.
What is much clearer is the enormous influence of his philosophical work on the development of Vedanta and Hindu intellectual traditions.
His Early Life
According to traditional accounts, Shankara was born to Shivaguru and Aryamba in Kerala.
From childhood, he showed an extraordinary interest in spirituality and sacred learning.
The traditional stories describe him as a gifted child who mastered Sanskrit scriptures at a very young age.
He wanted to understand the deepest truth of existence.
Questions such as:
Who am I?
What is the nature of reality?
Why do human beings experience suffering?
What lies beyond birth and death?
became central to his spiritual journey.
Why Did Shankaracharya Become a Monk?
According to traditional accounts, Shankara developed a strong desire for sannyasa, the life of renunciation.
His mother was initially reluctant to allow her young son to leave home.
One famous traditional story describes an incident involving a crocodile in which Shankara asked his mother for permission to become a monk. She eventually agreed.
Whether every detail of this story is historical or symbolic, it represents something important about his life:
Shankara's search for spiritual truth became stronger than his attachment to an ordinary worldly life.
He left home and began searching for a spiritual teacher.
Meeting His Guru
His journey eventually brought him to Govinda Bhagavatpada, whom traditional accounts identify as his guru.
Under his teacher, Shankara studied Vedanta deeply.
His spiritual foundation was rooted particularly in the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutras—the three major textual foundations traditionally known as the Prasthanatrayi.
Shankara later wrote influential commentaries on these texts.
His approach was not simply to collect information.
He emphasized direct knowledge of the Self.
What Is Advaita Vedanta?
To understand Shankaracharya, we need to understand Advaita.
The Sanskrit word Advaita means:
“not two.”
It points toward the idea that ultimate reality is not divided into separate, independent existences.
According to Advaita Vedanta, Brahman is the ultimate reality, while the true Self, Atman, is not ultimately separate from Brahman.
But then why do we experience ourselves as separate?
Shankara's philosophy explains this through avidya, often translated as ignorance or lack of true knowledge.
We identify ourselves with:
- the body
- the mind
- our emotions
- our possessions
- our social identity
- our successes and failures
and therefore forget our deeper nature.
A Simple Example of Advaita
Imagine seeing a rope in dim light and mistakenly thinking it is a snake.
The fear feels real.
Your heart may race.
You may step backward.
But once you bring a lamp and see clearly, you realize:
There was never a snake. It was always a rope.
Similarly, Advaita uses the idea that our limited perception can cause us to misunderstand reality.
Spiritual knowledge is like bringing light into darkness.
When ignorance disappears, reality is seen differently.
“Aham Brahmasmi” — I Am Brahman
One of the most famous Mahavakyas, or “great statements” of the Upanishads, is:
अहं ब्रह्मास्मि 
Aham Brahmasmi
“I am Brahman.”
This does not mean that the individual ego is God.
It points to something much deeper.
The “I” referred to here is not:
“I am this body.”
“I am my profession.”
“I am my achievements.”
“I am my personality.”
Instead, it points toward the true Self beyond limited identification.
This is one of the profound questions at the heart of Advaita:
If I am not merely the body and mind, then who am I?
Shankaracharya's Journey Across India
Traditional accounts describe Shankaracharya travelling extensively across India.
He is associated with philosophical discussions and debates with scholars belonging to different schools of thought.
These journeys are important in traditional accounts of his life because they portray him as someone trying to revitalize and establish Vedantic learning across the country.
His influence was not limited to one region.
He became associated with a broad intellectual and spiritual tradition that continues through various monastic lineages today.
His Major Works
Shankaracharya is traditionally associated with numerous philosophical, devotional and poetic works.
Among the most important are his commentaries, or bhashyas, on:
Brahma Sutras
His Brahma Sutra Bhashya is one of the foundational texts for Advaita Vedanta.
Principal Upanishads
He wrote commentaries on several major Upanishads, explaining their teachings through the lens of Advaita.
Bhagavad Gita
His Bhagavad Gita Bhashya interprets the Gita within his Vedantic framework.
Apart from these philosophical works, many devotional compositions are traditionally attributed to him.
However, not every work traditionally attributed to Shankaracharya is accepted by modern scholars as certainly being his, so individual authorship should sometimes be treated with caution.
Shankaracharya and the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita was central to Shankara's philosophical tradition.
The Gita brings together several paths of spiritual life, including:
- Karma Yoga — the path of selfless action
- Jnana Yoga — the path of spiritual knowledge
- Dhyana — meditation and contemplation
- Bhakti — devotion to the Divine
Shankara particularly emphasized the importance of knowledge of the Self for liberation.
But his philosophical tradition does not mean that devotion is irrelevant.
In fact, many devotional compositions are traditionally associated with Shankaracharya.
This reveals something beautiful about Indian spirituality:
Jnana and Bhakti need not always be viewed as enemies.
The heart can love the Divine while the intellect seeks to understand the nature of reality.
Shankaracharya and Bhakti
Sometimes Shankaracharya is introduced only as a philosopher.
That gives an incomplete picture of the devotional tradition associated with him.
He is traditionally credited with beautiful hymns dedicated to different forms of the Divine, including Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Ganesha and other deities.
Among the well-known works traditionally attributed to him are:
- Bhaja Govindam
- Dakshinamurti Stotram
- Shivananda Lahari
- Saundarya Lahari
- Annapurna Stotram
- Kanakadhara Stotram
- Nirvana Shatakam
As with other traditionally attributed works, the authorship of some individual texts is debated by scholars.
Soundarya Lahari and the Divine Mother
For readers of Radherani, this is especially interesting because Soundarya Lahari is deeply connected with Shakta devotional and tantric traditions.
The title Saundarya Lahari means approximately:
“Wave of Beauty.”
It is a famous Sanskrit hymn celebrating the Divine Mother.
The text combines poetic descriptions of Devi with profound spiritual and tantric imagery.
The work is traditionally divided into two portions, although divisions and interpretations vary among traditions.
The opening verses are commonly associated with the Ananda Lahari, while the larger work is known as Saundarya Lahari.
The Divine Mother is not presented merely as an external deity.
In Shakta traditions, Shakti represents divine power, and the relationship between Shiva and Shakti becomes a profound expression of consciousness and creative power.
This is one reason Soundarya Lahari continues to inspire devotees, Sanskrit scholars and spiritual seekers.
6“Bhaja Govindam” — A Reminder About What Truly Matters
॥ भज गोविंदं ॥भज गोविंदं भज गोविंदं गोविंदं भज मूढ़मते।
युवास्तावत्तरुणिसक्तः।
वृद्धस्तवचिन्तसक्तः
परमे ब्राह्मणी कोऽपि न सक्तः ॥
दशनिवासनं जातं तुंडम्।
वृद्धो याति गृहीत्वा दण्डं
तदपि न मुञ्चत्याशापिण्डम् ॥
Its message is deeply practical.
Human beings can spend their lives accumulating:
- money
- knowledge
- status
- possessions
- social recognition
Yet none of these can permanently protect us from the realities of change, ageing and death.
The poem therefore turns the mind toward Govinda, spiritual wisdom and devotion.
Its message can be understood simply:
Do not spend your entire life chasing things that cannot give lasting fulfillment. Turn toward the Divine and seek true knowledge.
This message feels surprisingly relevant even today.
We may live in a technologically advanced world, but the human mind still struggles with attachment, fear, comparison and insecurity.
The Four Maths Associated With Shankaracharya
Tradition associates Shankaracharya with the establishment or organization of four major monastic centres, or Amnaya Maths, in different parts of India.
They are traditionally associated with:
Sringeri — South India 
Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri
Dwaraka — West India
Dwaraka Sharada Peetham
Puri — East India
Govardhana Matha, Puri
Jyotirmath — North India
Jyotirmath, traditionally associated with the Himalayan region
These institutions became important centres for the preservation and teaching of Vedantic traditions.
The historical details surrounding their foundation and development are complex, and different traditions preserve different accounts.
What Is Shankaracharya's Central Teaching?
His philosophy can be approached through a few fundamental ideas.
1. Know the Self
We usually ask:
“What do I have?”
Advaita asks:
“Who am I?”
This shift is fundamental.
2. Do Not Mistake the Temporary for the Eternal
Everything around us changes.
Our body changes.
Our relationships change.
Our circumstances change.
Our thoughts change.
Our emotions change.
But spiritual inquiry asks whether there is something deeper that is not subject to these constant changes.
3. Ignorance Creates Misidentification
We often believe:
“I am my body.”
“I am my thoughts.”
“I am my success.”
“I am my failure.”
Shankara's teaching encourages us to examine these assumptions rather than accepting them unquestioningly.
4. Knowledge Brings Freedom
For Advaita Vedanta, liberation—moksha—is fundamentally connected with realization of the true Self.
It is not merely about acquiring information.
It is about seeing reality differently through spiritual knowledge.
What Can We Learn From Shankaracharya Today?
Even if someone does not study Advaita philosophy deeply, several practical reflections can be drawn from his teachings.
Learn to Question
Not every thought deserves to be accepted as truth.
Sometimes spiritual growth begins with a sincere question:
“Is this really who I am?”
Do Not Build Your Entire Identity Around Temporary Things
Our job, wealth, appearance, social status and achievements can change.
If our entire sense of self depends upon them, every change can shake us.
Vedanta encourages us to discover a deeper foundation.
Knowledge Should Transform Life
Spiritual knowledge is not meant merely to make us clever.
The purpose of wisdom is transformation.
A person who understands impermanence may become less attached.
A person who understands the deeper Self may become less consumed by ego.
A person who sees unity may develop greater compassion.
Bhakti Can Soften the Heart
Shankaracharya's philosophical legacy is often associated with Jnana, but the devotional works traditionally connected with him remind us that spiritual life can also involve love, surrender and devotion.
The intellect searches.
The heart surrenders.
Both can become part of the spiritual journey.
Why Are Shankaracharya's Teachings Still Relevant?
We live in an age of endless information.
We can learn almost anything within seconds.
Yet information has not necessarily made the human mind peaceful.
We still experience:
- anxiety about the future
- attachment to possessions
- fear of losing relationships
- comparison with others
- dissatisfaction after achieving our goals
- confusion about identity
- fear of ageing and death
Shankaracharya's teachings approach the problem from a different direction.
Instead of asking:
“How can I control everything outside me?”
Vedanta asks:
“Who is the ‘I’ experiencing all of this?”
That question can become the beginning of a profound inner journey.
A Simple Reflection Inspired by Shankaracharya
Take a few quiet minutes today.
Close your eyes.
Observe your thoughts.
A thought comes.
And then it goes.
Observe your emotions.
An emotion comes.
And then it changes.
Observe your body.
It has changed since childhood.
Yet throughout all these changes, there has remained a sense of “I am.”
Vedanta asks us to investigate that awareness.
Who is the one witnessing the changing body, thoughts and emotions?
You don't need to answer immediately.
Sometimes the question itself is the beginning of meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Adi Shankaracharya?
Adi Shankaracharya, or Adi Shankara, was a major Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher traditionally associated with the development and teaching of Advaita Vedanta.
What is Shankaracharya famous for?
He is particularly known for his interpretation of Advaita Vedanta and his commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutras.
What does Advaita mean?
Advaita means “not two” or non-duality. It teaches that ultimate reality is Brahman and that the true Self, Atman, is not ultimately separate from Brahman.
Was Shankaracharya a devotee?
Shankaracharya is strongly associated with Vedantic knowledge, but numerous devotional hymns are also traditionally attributed to him. His legacy therefore includes both philosophical inquiry and devotional expression.
Did Shankaracharya write Soundarya Lahari?
Saundarya Lahari is traditionally attributed to Shankaracharya, although the authorship and textual history of works attributed to him are subjects of scholarly discussion.
What are the four Maths of Shankaracharya?
Tradition associates Shankaracharya with four major monastic centres at Sringeri, Dwaraka, Puri and Jyotirmath.
Final Reflection
Adi Shankaracharya's life was extraordinarily brief according to traditional accounts, but the questions he raised have remained alive for centuries.
He asked humanity to look beyond the constantly changing world and investigate the deepest reality within.
His teaching ultimately brings us back to a very simple question:
Who am I?
Not my name.
Not my possessions.
Not my achievements.
Not even the constantly changing thoughts and emotions that pass through my mind.
The journey of Vedanta begins when we become curious about the deeper Self.
Perhaps that is why Shankaracharya's teachings continue to speak to spiritual seekers even today.
In a world that constantly tells us what to become, Vedanta invites us to pause and discover who we already are.
Radhe Radhe. 🌸
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