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An Illustrated Story An Illustrated Story An Illustrated Story An Illustrated Story An Illustrated Story Comnpiled by
S K Sridharan
For P PP PP uthuthuthamangalam Suthuthamangalam Samangalam Sri Jagadeesa Iamangalam Samangalam Sri Jagadeesa Iri Jagadeesa Iri Jagadeesa Iri Jagadeesa Iyeryeryeryeryer Memorial Trust
Memorial TrustMemorial Trust Memorial Trust Memorial Trust
Sri Sankara Vidya Kendra
Sri Sankara Vidya Kendra
Sri Sankara Vidya Kendra
Sri Sankara Vidya Kendra
Sri Sankara Vidya Kendra
780 T H Road, Chennai 19
With the benign blessings of
Their Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya Their Holiness Jagadguru Sri SankaracharyaTheir Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya Their Holiness Jagadguru Sri SankaracharyaTheir Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya
Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal
Sri Kamakoti Peetam
Kanchipuram
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Brahma, Indira & Rishis Pray
Brahma, Indira & Rishis PrayBrahma, Indira & Rishis Pray
Brahma, Indira & Rishis PrayBrahma, Indira & Rishis Pray
About 2500 years ago there were 72 irreligious sects. Dharma and Vedic practices
were abused. Brahma, Indira and Rishis, prayed to lord Dakshnamurthi to save the
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Brahma, Indira & Rishis Pray Brahma, Indira & Rishis Pray Brahma, Indira & Rishis Pray Brahma, Indira & Rishis Pray Brahma, Indira & Rishis Pray
We call our country, India. This name was given by western historians. It is customary in our country to start any religious function with a ‘Sankalpa’. It is to declare the place, the time and the purpose of the function, invoking the blessings of God. The time periods mentioned are ‘Kalpa’, ‘Yuga’, ‘Manvantra’, ‘Sahabda’, Samvatsara’ etc. This is an age-old practice. If we calculate the periods, they go back to several thousands of years. From this we can understand how old our country is and it was known as Bharath.
These functions are performed through Sanskrit mantras. They are all from Vedas. Vedas are our first holy book. Vedas were created by God. They were compiled by Sage Vyasa. Vedas are heard, recited, and learned by heart. Dharma Sastras, rules of ethical living are given therein. Veda dharma, Sanskrit and our ancient religious practices have been a great unifying force in our country.
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Sivaguru & Aryambal
Sivaguru & AryambalSivaguru & Aryambal
Sivaguru & Aryambal Sivaguru & Aryambal
A devout couple, Sivaguru and Aryambal pray at Vadakkunathan temple, Trissur for a child. In answer to the prayers of Rishis Lord decides
5 There are always times when dharma appears to be abused or forgotten. About 2,500 years back, a situation like this existed. About seventy-two types of irreligious sects prevailed. Rishis and Devas were worried. They all prayed to Lord Dhakshinamurthy. He shows path to ‘Gnana’ - pure knowledge. He is known as “Gnana Guru”. He shows ‘Chin Mudra’, a symbol of Gnana.
In Gita, God says that He would take ‘Avatars’ to restore ‘dharma’. Lord Vishnu took different ‘Avatars’. Lord Shiva responded to the prayers of Rishis and agreed to take birth in earth to restore ‘Vedic’ order.
Sivaguru Aryambal Sivaguru Aryambal Sivaguru Aryambal Sivaguru Aryambal Sivaguru Aryambal
At this time, a Brahmin couple, Sivaguru and Aryambal lived in Kaladi, a village near Tirissur in Kerala. They did Siva Pooja daily six times. They lived an austere life of dharmic deeds. They had immense faith in Lord Siva. They did not have a child. By a special
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Sri Sankara is born
Sri Sankara is bornSri Sankara is born
Sri Sankara is born Sri Sankara is born
In the year Nandana of Kali 2593, Vaikasa, Sukla Panchami, Thiruvadirai Star, (BC 509) Sankara was born to Sivaguru Aryambal at
7 Pooja for forty-eight days, observing strict ‘vratha’, they prayed to Sri Vrishachaleswara at Vadakkunathan temple, Tirussur for a child.
Pleased with their poojas, the Lord decided to be born to them. The Lord actually wanted to fulfill his promise to the Rishis.
He appeared in their dreams. He asked, “I am very pleased with your prayers. I shall grant you a child. Tell me. Do you want many idiotic, wicked children who will live long? Or, do you want only one wise, good child with short life?”
The couple felt overjoyed that the Lord Himself answered their prayers. In humility they replied: “My Lord, we are grateful to you. Who are we to decide? We shall accept whatever you give.” He told them that they would soon get a son. Though he would have a short life he would do great deeds and respected by the world.
\ Kanakadhara Stotram Kanakadhara Stotram Kanakadhara Stotram Kanakadhara Stotram Kanakadhara Stotram
A poor lady offers amla to Sankara, though she had nothing else to eat. Moved by her charity inspite of poverty Sankara recites Kanakadhara Stotram. Goddess Lakshmi pours
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Sri Sankara is born Sri Sankara is born Sri Sankara is born Sri Sankara is born Sri Sankara is born
A son was born to Aryambal on the fifth day (Sukla panchami) of the bright fortnight of the Vaisaka month of Nandana (509 B.C.) in Thiruvadirai star. He was given the name Sankara. ‘Sam’ means good and ‘karothi’ means ‘doer’. The name was very appropriate because Sankara was born to do good things. The divinity of the child attracted everybody. The Rishis and Devas were happy that their prayers were answered.
Child Sankara showed extraordinary brilliance. He was given Aksharabyasa at the age of three. He learned the lessons by heart fast. When he was four years old Sankara lost his father. Bringing up Sankara, Aryambal showered abundant love and affection on him. At the age of five, ‘Upanayanam’ was performed on Sankara. It means that a boy becomes ‘Brahmachari’ - bachelor. He has to live with his guru. He has to lead a rigorous life, giving up comforts and learn Vedas
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Poorna River Diverted Poorna River Diverted Poorna River Diverted Poorna River Diverted Poorna River Diverted
Sankara’s mother could not walk up to Poorna River to take her daily bath. Using his power Sankara gestured to the river to flow near her
house. His mother could thereafter bathe in the river happily.
11 Kanakadhara Stotram Kanakadhara Stotram Kanakadhara Stotram Kanakadhara Stotram Kanakadhara Stotram
He has to take alms and share it with his teacher. On a ‘dwadasi’ day he went to a house of a poor lady. She had just a dry amla for her food. She gave it to Sankara: “Hey lad, I have nothing to give except this amla. Please accept this.” Sankara was moved by her gesture. He took pity on her. Spontaneously he prayed to Goddess Lakshmi with a sloka called “Kanakadhara Stotram”. In response, Goddess Lakshmi showered gold coins in the shape of ‘amalakas’ and the lady became rich. Sankara exhibited his compassion for poor and needy. This episode epitomizes our culture that rich or poor, if one upholds dharma, dharma will protect.
Poorna River Diverted Poorna River Diverted Poorna River Diverted Poorna River Diverted Poorna River Diverted
His mother used to bathe in Poorna River flowing near the village. Due to old age she was not able to walk the distance to the river. Sankara did a miracle. He gestured to the river to change its course. River Poorna obeyed and started flowing near his house. His
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Samkara Takes Sanyasa
Samkara Takes SanyasaSamkara Takes Sanyasa
Samkara Takes Sanyasa Samkara Takes Sanyasa
Sankara has to perform the purpose of his avatar. While taking bath, a crocodile caught the leg of Sankara. Sankara asks his mother to
let him take Sanyas. She reluctantly agrees. The crocodile leaves him.
13 mother was thus able to bathe in the river daily.
Sankara takes Sanyasa Sankara takes SanyasaSankara takes Sanyasa Sankara takes SanyasaSankara takes Sanyasa
When Sankara was eight, it was time to fulfill the purpose of his birth. He had to leave Kaladi. He should travel all over Bharath to reestablish Vedic Dharma. He devised a ruse to leave his mother.
One day he was taking bath in the river. Suddenly a crocodile caught hold of his leg. It was about to swallow Sankara. Looking at this from the banks, Aryambal screamed helplessly. Sankara consoled her. He asked her: “Don’t you know that your son would live for a short period only? The time has come now. But there is a way out. This crocodile wants only my life. If I give it up, it would leave my body. Taking Sanyasa is like leaving this life. I can start a new life as an ascetic, but physically live in this body. So permit me to take Sanyas”.
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Sankara Finds his Guru
Sankara Finds his GuruSankara Finds his Guru
Sankara Finds his Guru Sankara Finds his Guru
At Omkareshwar in the banks of Narmada Sankara finds his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada.
Containing the floods of Narmadain his kamandal, he reaches his guru.
15 relieved that though Sankara would leave her he would live at least as an ascetic.
Before taking Sanyas, Sankara assured his mother that he would come to her when she thought of him. He also promised that he would perform her last rites after her death. He then took apat-sanyas. It means taking sanyas in an exigency without a proper guru. He uttered the mantra to become a sanyasi. The crocodile gave up Sankara. It vanished and appeared as a Ghandharva.
A Ghandarva was cursed to become a crocodile. It was told that when it helped Sankara to take Sanyasa, it would be freed from the curse. The ghandharva thanked Sankara and flew away. Sankara left Kaladi. Near relatives took care of his mother.
Samkara Finds his Guru Samkara Finds his Guru Samkara Finds his Guru Samkara Finds his Guru Samkara Finds his Guru
Our religion prescribes that all actions have to be initiated by a guru. Guru is one who removes ignorance and imparts true knowledge. Sankara
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Samkara takes leave of his Guru Samkara takes leave of his Guru Samkara takes leave of his Guru Samkara takes leave of his Guru Samkara takes leave of his Guru
Sankara studied Vedas under Govinda Bhagavatpada for three years. He advises Sankara to go to Kasi and spread Advaita and
17 started traveling in search of a guru. He reached Omkareshwar at the bank of river Narmada. People there told him that a yogi was doing penance inside a cave. His name was Govindapada. He had received Mahabhashya (meaning of Vedas) from the lips of his guru Sri Gaudapada. Sankara went near that cave.
Narmada was overflowing with floods. He could not reach the caves. By his miraculous power he captured the floods in his ‘kamandal’. He stood before the entrance to the cave singing a hymn. Sri Govinda Bhagavatpada was attracted by its beautiful meaning. From inside the cave he enquired who it was rendering the hymn. Sankara replied to this in the form of ten slokas. Each sloka ended with the word “Sivahkevaloham”. These slokas are known as ‘Dasa-sloki’. Immensely pleased, Govindamuni came out of the cave. He realised that Sankara was Lord Siva Himself.
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Guru’sGuru’sGuru’sGuru’sGuru’s GraceGraceGraceGraceGrace A humble disciple Sanandhyaya walks across
Ganga to bring
clothes to Sankara. A lotus bridge springs up to help him cross the
river. He was called
19 Sankara as his disciple. He now properly initiated Sankara to Sanyasa. Sankara lived with his ‘guru’ for three years mastering Vedas, Sastras and their meaning. Sankara then sought permission to leave him.
Govindapada told Sankara to preach Advaita
AdvaitaAdvaita
AdvaitaAdvaita. Advaita means ‘not two’. God and soul are not two. They are one and the same. Everything else is not permanent. As nothing exists in the same form yet again it is called ‘maya’.
Samkara takes leave of his Guru Samkara takes leave of his Guru Samkara takes leave of his Guru Samkara takes leave of his Guru Samkara takes leave of his Guru
Govindapada advised Sankara to go to Kasi. People go there for a holy dip in Ganga to wash away their sins and have dharshan of lord Viswanatha, Goddess Visalakshi and Annapoorani It was the spiritual centre in Bharath. Scholars debated there to establish their faith. Sankara traveled through Vindhya Mountains to reach Kasi. He engaged in discussions and debates with various sects of people and successfully established Advaita.
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ChandalaChandalaChandalaChandalaChandala teachesteachesteachesteachesteaches AdvaitaAdvaitaAdvaitaAdvaitaAdvaita Our religion
never
distinguishes
castes as
high or low.
Whoever realises soul as God can be a master.
Lord
21 He stayed there for a couple of years. He wrote elaborate commentaries on Vyasa’s Brahma Sutra, Gita, and Upanishads. He also wrote ‘Prakarana Grantha’, ‘Prasnotara Ratna Malika’ Ganesa Pancharatna’ and other works.
Padma Pada Padma PadaPadma Pada Padma PadaPadma Pada
A learned boy Sanandhyaya hailed from the south, Chola land. He joined many scholars in the camp of Sankara. He was always humble, quiet and unostentatious. Because of this many thought that he was mediocre, deserved no special attention. One day he was drying the clothes of his Guru on the other side of Ganga. Sri Sankara called for the clothes. Sanandhyaya wanted to immediately obey the command. He was engrossed in the thought that he should hurry and walked across the river. Little did he realize that he did not use the boat and would get drowned in the floods. Surprisingly, lotus flowers started sprouting on the river wherever Sanandhyaya set his foot on. A
\
Sankara meets Sage Vyasa
Sankara meets Sage VyasaSankara meets Sage Vyasa
Sankara meets Sage VyasaSankara meets Sage Vyasa
At Kasi Sankara meets Sage Vyasa. Vyasa acknowledges Sankara’s commentary on his
Brahmasutra as the best. He commends Sankara to write commentaries on other holy
23 lustrous lotus bridge spread across the river! He simply walked through the lotus bridge! The other disciples were amazed at this feat. They realized the great Bhakti of Sanandhyaya. Sri Sankara named him as Padma Pada (lotus feet).
Chandala teaches Advaita Chandala teaches AdvaitaChandala teaches Advaita Chandala teaches AdvaitaChandala teaches Advaita
Sri Sankara was going to the Vishwanath Temple. An “untouchable” was coming in his way. He was accompanied by his wife and four dogs. The disciples of Sri Sankara shouted at him to make way for the Acharya and to keep a distance. Untouchables are not supposed to come near the upper caste people. The untouchable smiled and said, “You preach Advaita. You say that God is in every soul. Which one you want to go, the body or the soul? Yours or mine? How am I different from your Acharya?”
Sri Sankara realised that it was Lord Shiva Himself, with His consort and four Vedas. Sankara prostrated before
\
Sankara meets Kumarila Bhatta
Sankara meets Kumarila BhattaSankara meets Kumarila Bhatta
Sankara meets Kumarila Bhatta Sankara meets Kumarila Bhatta
Kumarila Bhatta was spreading Charuvaham, It recognised Veda’s rituals, not god. Sankara meets him at his death bed. He asks Sankara
to meet his disciple Mandana Misra and convert him to Advaita
25 the chandala. He sang five slokas called “Maneesha Panchakam”. In this master piece, Sankara states that high or low in caste, one can be superior if one has realised Brahman. Lord Shiva appeared along with Visalakshi and blessed Sri Sankara. This episode is an emphatic clarification that our religion does not distinguish one as superior or low by the caste.
Sankara meets Sage Vyasa Sankara meets Sage Vyasa Sankara meets Sage Vyasa Sankara meets Sage Vyasa Sankara meets Sage Vyasa
At Kasi he came across an old Brahmin of poor health. He appeared very learned. He started arguments with him on Sankara’s Brahmasutra Bashyam. Shri Sankara was astounded by his acumen and depth of knowledge in Vedas. They continued their discussion for days together. The more Shri Sankara argued, the more his ideas crystallized. He then found out that the old man was none other than Vyasa Rishi. It was he who had written the Brahma Sutra.
Sri Sankara felt that he disrespected the sage by entering into vain arguments with him. Vyasa assuaged
\
Marathon debate with Mandana Misra
Marathon debate with Mandana MisraMarathon debate with Mandana Misra
Marathon debate with Mandana Misra Marathon debate with Mandana Misra
Sankara debates with Mandana Misra. His wife Saraswani gave them garlands, suggesting that whose garland fades first would be the loser.
Manadana Misra loses and becomes Sankara’s disciple.
27 his feelings.. He said “I know who you are. I fully agree with your commentary on my Brahmasutras. I wanted to establish that yours is the best treatise on my work. You have to spread Advaita in this country more vigorously. I want you to live for another sixteen years.” Sankara agreed. Taking leave of Vyasa he left Kasi.
Samkara meets Kumarila Bhatta Samkara meets Kumarila Bhatta Samkara meets Kumarila Bhatta Samkara meets Kumarila Bhatta Samkara meets Kumarila Bhatta
Meemaamsa is a part of Vedas. It is dealing with rituals. A great Vedic scholar, Kumarila Batta interpreted this as ‘Karma Meemamsa’. He preached ‘Charuvaham’. This sect said: “Vedas emphasise only rituals and not god. By means of various rituals one can live happily and need not wor-ship god.” He was living in Prayag, now known as Allahabad. Sankara wanted to meet him to convince: ”Rituals are by no means the end of Vedas. They are just paths to realize God. Once God is realized the inanimate rituals have no value.” When Sankara reached Prayag Kumarila Bhatta was already in
\
Sharada Peetam at Sringeri
Sharada Peetam at SringeriSharada Peetam at Sringeri
Sharada Peetam at Sringeri Sharada Peetam at Sringeri
Sankara, Manadana Misra and Saraswani traveled towards south. At Tungabadra river,
Sarasawani stands fixed. Sankara leaves her and Mandana Misra there, establishing
29 his death bed. He directed Sankara to his disciple Mandana Misra. He asked Sankara to win him over to Advaita.
Marathon debate with Marathon debate with Marathon debate with Marathon debate with Marathon debate with Mandana Misra
Mandana Misra Mandana Misra Mandana Misra Mandana Misra
Sri Sankara arrived at Mandana Misra’s house at Maahishmati. He found him carrying out some rituals inside his house. Sri Sankara entered the house. Mandana Misra scolded Sankara for interfering with his rituals. Sankara responded to him in sweet and sooth-ing words explainsooth-ing the futility of mere rituals without accepting god.. Mandana Misra slowly understood Sankara’s intelligence. He challenged him for a debate. Mandana Misra agreed to embrace Advaita and become Sankara’s disciple if he lost. Sankara agreed to give up his sanyas and adopt married life if he lost.
Mandana Misra’s wife, Sarasawani, her-self was a great Vedic scholar. Sankara wanted her to be the judge.
She realised that Sri Sankara was none other than Lord Shiva. She knew that
\
SSSSSankara Performs Mother’s last ritesankara Performs Mother’s last ritesankara Performs Mother’s last ritesankara Performs Mother’s last ritesankara Performs Mother’s last rites
Sankara had promised to his mother that he would come and perform her last rites. He reaches Kaladi
at her last days and performs her last rites. Lord Vishnu blessed her and sends her to heaven..
31 Mandana Misra would not win. She wanted to avoid the embarrassment of declaring her husband as the loser. She suggested that each of them wear a garland of flowers and commence the debate. Both agreed that whichever garland faded first, that person would be the loser. A hot and prolonged de-bate ensued. Both exhibited their scholarly acumen. Mandana Misra’s garland began to fade. Ultimately Sankara won. As per the agreement, Mandana Misra gave up ‘Karma Meemamsa’. He gave up his married life to become a disciple of Sri Sankara. Sarasawanii was unable to bear the separation of her husband. She made a powerful plea that she too would come with her husband. She quoted scriptures to show that husband and wife are spiritually one with two different bodies. Hence, she was an incomplete person without her husband. After marriage the wife cannot be separated from her husband. Both of them engaged themselves in a long discussion on sastras. Sarasawani
\
Dumb Boy speaks
Dumb Boy speaksDumb Boy speaks
Dumb Boy speaksDumb Boy speaks
At Mookambi a born dumb boy speaks at the sight of Sankara. Sankara gave him an amla
and thus known as Hastamalaka.
33 showered questions like rain. Sankara gave very beautiful answers. Sarasawani acknowledged him. Sankara agreed with her plea to come with them..
Sharada Peetam at Sringeri Sharada Peetam at Sringeri Sharada Peetam at Sringeri Sharada Peetam at Sringeri Sharada Peetam at Sringeri
They then traveled together towards south. They reached Sringeri in Karnataka. It is on the banks of Tungabadra River. When all of them were walking through the sands of Tungabadra, Sarasawani stood fixed at a point. Sri Sankara realised that Sarasawani did not want to proceed any further. It is at this place Sankara dedicated a Matam and called it Sharada Peetam. Mandana Misra was installed as the first Peetadipathi of this math.
Samkara Performs Mother’s last Samkara Performs Mother’s last Samkara Performs Mother’s last Samkara Performs Mother’s last Samkara Performs Mother’s last rites
rites rites rites rites
While at Sringeri he learnt by his spiritual powers that Aryambal was in death bed. As promised to her Sankara hurried to Kaladi. She felt happy that her son had come. She passed away. Sankara started to perform her
\ Totakastakam Totakastakam Totakastakam Totakastakam Totakastakam
Giri, a disciple of Samkara was considered mediocre by others. They did not like Sankara waiting for Giri to start his classes. One day Giri
surprised all by singing a beautiful verse. It came to be called Totakashtakam.
35 funeral. Normally, sanyasis have no right to perform such rites. The local purohits objected to Sankara performing his mother’s funeral. He did not bother about these protests. Sankara held on to his promise. He performed the rites alone. From this episode Sankara emphasised: Promises have to be kept at any cost. Service to mother is most sacred. There are always exceptions to general rules to follow Dharma.
After the death of his mother, he went all over the country. He won many debates. He convinced people of other faiths to accept Advaita. He revived a number of temples. He used his spiritual powers to install Yantras in many temples to invoke the power of Parasakti.
Dumb Boy speaks Dumb Boy speaks Dumb Boy speaks Dumb Boy speaks Dumb Boy speaks
Mukambi is a religious place in Karnataka. When Sankara visited this place a poor Brahmin came to meet him. He had a son, born deaf and dumb. Sankara asked the boy, “Who are you?” To the surprise of all, the dumb and deaf boy who had never
\ Advaitam Sathyam Advaitam Sathyam Advaitam Sathyam Advaitam Sathyam Advaitam Sathyam
At Tiruvidaimaridur, when Sankara entered the temple along with Saivaites who did not accept Advaita, a voice was heard thrice: “Satyam Advaitam”. In approval a hand was
37 spoken a word replied, “The body is not me, it is the Paramatma who is me.” Sri Sankara was pleased with his answer. He gave him an amla fruit. He named this boy as Hastaamalakan. Hastaa means hand. The boy who took amala in hand came to be known as Hastamalakan. He became one of the principle disciples of Sri Sankara.
Totakashtakam TotakashtakamTotakashtakam TotakashtakamTotakashtakam
Sankara used to give detailed training to his disciples. They discussed and interpreted sastras showing their intelligence. Giri used to remain silent. He never spoke. He never expressed doubts or sought explanations. His mates thought that Giri was not intelligent. They felt that he was not well versed in sastras and scriptures. One day, all the disciples were ready for Sankara to commence his class. However, Sankara was waiting for Giri to come. The other disciples were impatient and thought it useless to wait for Giri, as he would in any way not understand anything.
\ T a t a n k a m T a t a n k a m T a t a n k a m T a t a n k a m T a t a n k a m
At Thiruvanaikka laymen feared Goddess Akilandeshwari as she was
ferocious. Sankara pacifies her by offering her an ear ring (Tatankam)
39 When Giri arrived, he suddenly burst into reciting slokas. No one had ever heard the slokas before. The slokas were pregnant with meaning, couched in fine language. To their amazement, the disciples learnt that the stanzas were created by Giri himself. They felt ashamed that they had thought ill of him. These slokas are called “Totakashtakam”. Even today it is recited piously by everybody in reverence to Adi Sankara. Giri was named Totakar by Sri Sankara. He became another principal disciple of Sankara. Advaitam Sathyam Advaitam Sathyam Advaitam Sathyam Advaitam Sathyam Advaitam Sathyam
Sri Sankara visited Thiruvidaimarudur near Thanjavur. This place is called Madhyaarjunam. There is a huge Shiva temple. There was a sect who worshipped only Shiva. They believed that only Shiva was the superior God. All beings are low in nature. They did not agree with advaita. They argued that soul is part of body and cannot be god. Sri Sankara asked them to enter the temple. As they reached the
\
JJJJJana Akarshana Yantra at Tirupatiana Akarshana Yantra at Tirupatiana Akarshana Yantra at Tirupatiana Akarshana Yantra at Tirupatiana Akarshana Yantra at Tirupati
At Tirupati Sankara installed Jana Akarshna Yantra. One can witness the amazing spectacle of large number of devotees thronging the temple every day, even today.
41 Sanctum Sanctorum a thunderous sound echoed: “Satyam is Advaita”. This was repeated thrice. To affirm this, a hand emerged from the Linga. All the learned persons acknowledged the principle of Advaita and accepted Sri Sankara as their Guru.
Tatankam Tatankam Tatankam Tatankam Tatankam
Sankara visited Chidambaram. It is here that his Paramaguru Sri Gaudapada learned Sanskrit grammar from sage Patanjali. He paid his obeisance and installed ‘Panchakshara Yantra’ to invoke the grace of Lord Shiva. He installed ‘Annapoorna-akarshana’ yantra for food-prosperity.. Sankara visited Thiruvanaika, near Trichy in Tamilnadu. The presiding deity here is Jambukeswara, a representation of the element, water. Akilandeswari is His consort. During the days of Sankara, she was known to be a fierce goddess. He wanted to pacify the goddess and make Her accessible to laymen. He created two sets of earrings. They are called Tatankam.
\
M a l l i k a r j u n a m
M a l l i k a r j u n a mM a l l i k a r j u n a m
M a l l i k a r j u n a m M a l l i k a r j u n a m
This kshetra is abound with Jasmine creepers around Arjuna tree where a Linga is installed.
43 They are in the shape of ‘chakra’ with spiritual power to control anger. He presented these to the Goddess. The ferocity of the deity vanished. This tatankam is being maintained over the years by the Acharyas of Kanchi Mutt. From there he went to nearby Srirangam and installed a ‘yantra’ there.
At Tiruchendur, he invoked the blessings of Lord Subrahmanya. He recited ‘Subrahmanya Bhujangam’. Vibuti Prasad is distributed in ‘Punnai’ leaf here. People recite this verse wearing ‘Vibuti’ to relieve them of their diseases.
Jana Akarshana Yantra at Tirupati Jana Akarshana Yantra at TirupatiJana Akarshana Yantra at Tirupati Jana Akarshana Yantra at TirupatiJana Akarshana Yantra at Tirupati
Sri Sankara visited Tirupati. He recited the Sloka “Vishnu Padaathi Keshanta Stotra”. It describes the Lord from his foot to the head. He wished that people should visit Tirumala in large numbers. For this purpose he installed a ‘Jana akarshana yantra’ at this temple. Nowhere else in the world can one see the spectacle of surging crowd of
\ Kabalikas vanquished Kabalikas vanquished Kabalikas vanquished Kabalikas vanquished Kabalikas vanquished
In Hatakeswara at Srisaila Sankara was in penance. Kabalika chief Kirakashan tried to kill Sankara to wear his skull. Lord Narasimha
engaged in Padma Pada’s body, killed him. Kabalikas were thus vanquished.
45 devotees increasing every day as at Tirumalai.
Sankara traveled far and wide. He visited the places of twelve Jyotirlingas. He composed “Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Stotra’ in praise of all these deities together. Mallikarjunam Mallikarjunam Mallikarjunam Mallikarjunam Mallikarjunam
Srisaila, is a Shiva kshetra in Andhra. There is an Arjuna tree. Abound by Jasmine (Malli) creepers. Hence it is known as Mallikarjuna. A Siva Linga is installed under this tree. Sankara visited this temple. Here he composed Sivanandalahiri, meaning ‘Waves of Siva’s Bliss’. Sankara went into the nearby forest, called Hatakeshwaram. It means: ‘no man enters’. He did penance for many days in this dense forest. Kabalikas vanquished Kabalikas vanquished Kabalikas vanquished Kabalikas vanquished Kabalikas vanquished
A barbaric sect called Kabalikas lived in burial grounds wearing human skulls. They believed in cruelty and human sacrifice to please Lord Shiva. Their leader Kirakashan, believed that
\ Badrinath Badrinath Badrinath Badrinath Badrinath
At the behest of Lord Vishnu Sankara finds out a Vishnu idol in Alaknanda and installs it at
the Badri Narayan temple and regularises pooja in the temple as per Sastras.
47 if he could wear the skull of a young Sanyasi he could go to Kailash straight. He came to this forest and dared to ask Sankara to give his life. Sankara replied, “This body will die one day. It has no value. If it shall be useful to you now, take it”. As Kirakashan was about to behead Sankara, from nowhere a lion appeared and killed Kirakashan. The lion turned out to be none other than Lord Narasimha engaged in the body of Padma Pada. Sankara pacified Padma Pada and propitiated Lord Narasimha. Thus the Kabalikas were also vanquished. Sankara then went to Ahobila and worshipped Lakshmi Narasimha.
Badrinath BadrinathBadrinath BadrinathBadrinath
Sankara visited Badrinath in mount Kailash. Lord Vishnu appeared before him. He indicated to him that an idol with his powers was buried in river Alakananda. He ordained Sankara to redeem it. Sankara found it out and installed it at the Badrinarayan temple. He then reached Kedarnath. By using his yogic power, he safely left his
\
Pancha Linga from Lord Shiva
Pancha Linga from Lord ShivaPancha Linga from Lord Shiva
Pancha Linga from Lord Shiva Pancha Linga from Lord Shiva
Sankara visits Kailash and obtained five Lingas from Lord Shiva. He installed them at Kedarnath, Nepal , Chidambaram, Sringeri.
He retained one with him at Kanchi. It is worshipped even today.
49 mundane body. He reached Kailash to have dharshan of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He sang the glory of Lord Shiva in the verses “Siva Kesadi Padantha Stotra” and ‘Siva Padadi Kesantha Stotra”.
Pancha Linga from Lord Shiva Pancha Linga from Lord Shiva Pancha Linga from Lord Shiva Pancha Linga from Lord Shiva Pancha Linga from Lord Shiva
Lord Siva gave Five Lingas to be installed in five different temples in various temples. Back at Kedarnath he reentered his worldly body and commenced his yatra again. Some historians have misconstrued this as Sankara attaining Samadhi. At the Kedarnath temple he placed the Mukti Linga obtained from the Lord.
Soundarya Lahri Soundarya Lahri Soundarya Lahri Soundarya Lahri Soundarya Lahri
Immersed in the benign grace of Goddess Parvathi at Kailas, Sankara stood dumb unable to utter any word. The Lord himself rendered Soundarya Lahri and gave its script in palm leaves to Sankara.
Pasupatinath Temple at Nepal Pasupatinath Temple at Nepal Pasupatinath Temple at Nepal Pasupatinath Temple at Nepal Pasupatinath Temple at Nepal
At Nepal he installed the second one, Vara lingam, at the Neelakanta temple. He also reformed the pooja rituals in
\ Soundarya Lahri Soundarya Lahri Soundarya Lahri Soundarya Lahri Soundarya Lahri
At Kailash when Sankara got immersed in the beauty of Parasakti, Lord Shiva rendered Soundarya Lahri. He brought from Him a
51 conformity with Vedic order. Visiting Chidambaram again he placed the third Moksha linga at the Nataraja temple,. The fourth Boga Linga was placed at the Sringeri Peetam.
At the eastern coastal place of Puri Jagannath, he established another peetam and installed Padma Pada as its first Acharya. This is called Govardan Peet.
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Kanchi Kamakoti PeetamKanchi Kamakoti Peetam Kanchi Kamakoti PeetamKanchi Kamakoti Peetam
He travelled further and finally reached Kanchi. At the entrance to the city King Raja Senan accorded a reverential welcome. He stayed at the Visweswara temple near the Sarvatheertham. At his direction, the king redesigned Kanchi city in the shape of a chakra to exert the divine power of Kamakshi. He reconstructed the famous temples of Ekambaranatha, Kumarakkottam, Kamakshi Amman. Kamakshi was looking ferocious to devotees. Lay people were afraid of visiting the temple. By his spiritual
\
Pasupatinath Temple at Nepal Pasupatinath Temple at Nepal Pasupatinath Temple at Nepal Pasupatinath Temple at Nepal Pasupatinath Temple at Nepal
At Nepal he regularised the temple pooja as per sastras.. He placed the
Vara Linga obtained from Kailas at this temple.
53 power, Sankara contained her ferocity by placing a mantra-chakra at the feet of Kamakshi idol. One can see this even today. Since then Goddess Kamakshi calmed down. She gives benign dharshan exuberating abundant compassion and grace to devotees. This temple, under the direct management of Sankara has a sakthi peet called ‘Kamakoti’. Adi Sankara also named his peetam by this name, deriving Her majestic power. The fifth Yoga Linga from Kailas, was retained by him. Since then it is worshipped at the Kamakoti Peetam every day by his successive Acharyas even now.
Shanmathasthapanacharya ShanmathasthapanacharyaShanmathasthapanacharya ShanmathasthapanacharyaShanmathasthapanacharya
Sankara’s mission was to restore Vedic Dharma. He conquered all irreligious sects. He firmly established Advaita He also thought it necessary to streamline the pooja rituals to help ordinary people realize God within their own humble reach. Throughout his travel in Bharath he found that there were special favorite gods in each region. He
\ Jyotirmath Jyotirmath Jyotirmath Jyotirmath Jyotirmath
On his return from Kailash Sankara established a peetam at
55 thought it prudent to integrate them into a religious system and make all equal. He wanted people to understand that while they worship and follow their own form, they should also feel that all are equal. All forms of worship lead to one and the same God. ‘Panchayatana’ way of worship is ordained as a daily pooja ritual for a grahasta - family man. He added lord Muruga to this form of worship. Thus six forms of worship were regularized. They are: Ganapatyam, Saivam, Saktam, Vaishnavam, Souram and Kaumaram. These were popular forms of worship in Maharashtra, Kashmir and Karnataka, Bengal, Andhra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu respectively. He ordained that they too shall have the sanction of Vedic scripture. As he firmly established six forms of worship, he was called ‘Shanmata-sthapanacharya’. Advaita led people to a high philosophical and spiritual order. Shanmata upasana helped lay people also take to the bhakti way of realizing God.
\ Shanmathasthapanacharya Shanmathasthapanacharya Shanmathasthapanacharya Shanmathasthapanacharya Shanmathasthapanacharya
He included Muruga worship in the Panchayatana pooja. He integrated popular forms of worship in various parts of Bharat as
Shanmata: Ganapatyam, Saivam, Saktam, Vaishnavam, Souram and Kaumaram. He is
57
Four Disciples Four DisciplesFour Disciples Four DisciplesFour Disciples
To perpetuate his mission he established ‘Peetams’ and institutionalized his mission for posterity. These peetams are spread across the country. At Sringeri he established Sarada peetam. Mandana Misra was the first Sankaracharya there. Between Kedarnath and Badrinath, Jyotirmath was established with Totakacharya as the first Acharya. At Puri Govardhan math Padma Pada was the first Acharya. At Dwaraka Hastamalaka was installed as the first Peedatipadi. These peetams established 2500 years ago speak of the forward thinking, administrative and management skills of our people.
Sarvagjna Peetam at Kanchi Sarvagjna Peetam at KanchiSarvagjna Peetam at Kanchi Sarvagjna Peetam at KanchiSarvagjna Peetam at Kanchi
As a culmination to his Avatar he has to ascend the Sarvagjna Peeta, the Throne of Omniscience and chose Kanchi as the abode for this. A large gathering of scholars had assembled there. Sankara explained to them the
\
Four DisciplesFour DisciplesFour DisciplesFour DisciplesFour Disciples Sankara founded four Peetams at
Dwaraka, Jyotirmath,
Puri & Sringeri - his
disciples
Hastamalaka,
Totaka
Padmapada Sureswara
took charge of
them respectively. He himself was the first Acharya at Kanchi Kamakoti
59 eternal and all-pervading nature of Brahman, the inability of man to understand the Supreme One seeming as different entities, because of ignorance, the nonexistence of a second other than the Brahman and the means for attaining emancipation. The scholars were fully convinced. They bowed before the Great Acharya. Thereafter Sankara ascended the Sarvajnapeetha amidst the sounding of musical instruments and the tumultuous shouts of joy of the vast number of devoted spectators. Showers of flowers fell from above and a fragrant breeze blew all around.
True to his philosophy his mortal body disappeared and his soul merged with Goddess Kamakshi. In witness to this event, a sanctum Sanctorum for him remains in the Kamakshi temple from that day onwards, even today.
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Kanchi Kamakoti PeetamKanchi Kamakoti Peetam Kanchi Kamakoti PeetamKanchi Kamakoti Peetam
Before attaining Sarvagjna Peeta Sankara wanted to perpetuate his mission forever from Kanchi. A young
\
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
Kanchi Kamakoti PeetamKanchi Kamakoti Peetam
Kanchi Kamakoti PeetamKanchi Kamakoti Peetam
Finally Sankara reached Kancheepuram. He helped the king to redesign Kanchi in the
shape of a Chakra. Installed a chakra at Kamakshi Temple to pacify her ferocity.
61 bright boy from a village Brahmadesam in the Tambrabarani riverbed was one among his followers at Kanchipuram. Sankara found him eminently suitable for continuing his work. He later handed over the reins of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam in his hands.
Since then Kamakoti Peetam has uninterrupted lineage of Acharyas. In this century Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal presided over for 87 Years (1907 to 1994). He was keen on re-establishing Adi Sankara’s services. In 1954 he chose Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal as his successor. In 1983 Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal was chosen as successor to Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal. Both the Acharyas are now conducting the affairs of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham has the distinction of an unbroken line of 70 Acharyas till now. The Acharyas have taken measures for the protection of Veda Dharma, for propagating the
\
Sarvagjna Peetam at Kanchi
Sarvagjna Peetam at KanchiSarvagjna Peetam at Kanchi
Sarvagjna Peetam at Kanchi Sarvagjna Peetam at Kanchi
At the assembly of religious leaders Sankara, clarifies Advaita and related philosophy. Hailed by all he ascends Sarvagjna Peeta and
63
Advaita discipline, and alleviating the sufferings of the people.
Several Schools, Colleges, Hospitals, Rural Development Work are under taken under the aegis of Kamakoti Peetam. A deemed university “Sri Chandrasekaremdra Viswa Maha-vidyalaya” has been established at Kanchi.
The peetam shall continue to serve the legacy of Adi Sankara in true spirit and fervor adapting to modern times as well.
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Important Dates in the life of Important Dates in the life of Important Dates in the life of Important Dates in the life of Important Dates in the life of
Sri Adi Sankara Sri Adi SankaraSri Adi Sankara Sri Adi Sankara Sri Adi Sankara
Kali B.C. Kali B.C. Kali B.C. Kali B.C. Kali B.C. Birth of Sri Sankara (Cyclic year Nandana) 2593 509
Upanayana of Sankara 2598 504
Completed study of the Veda 2601 501 Got his mother’s permission to enter the
Holy Order of Sanyasa
(Kartika Sukla Ekadasi, Cyclic year Plava) 2603 499 Philosophical study under 2603- 499 Govinda Bhaghavatpadacharya -2605 497 Sankara, in his 16th year, met
Kumarila Bhatta for the first and the last time in Rudhapura near Prayaga at the time of self-immolation by Kumarila Bhatta (Kumarila was older than Sankara by
48 years (Cyclic year Kilaka) 2609 493 Sri Sankara founded the Dwaraka Math
(Magha SuklaSapthami of the cyclic year Sadharana with Hastamalaka as its first
Acharya) 2611 491
Sri Sankara founded the Jyotir Math on Pusya Suddha Poumima of the cyclic year Raksasa with Totakacharya as its
first Acharya 2616 486
Sri Sankara founded the Govardhan Math of Purl (Jagannath) on Vaisakha Sukla Navami of the cyclic year Nala with
Padmapadacharya as its first Acharya 2617 485 The Sarada Peetha at Sringeri was founded
by Sri Sankara in Pusya Purnima of the year Pingala with Sureswaracharya , as its first
Pitadhipati 2618 484
The Kamakoti Pieetha at Kanchi was founded in Vaisakha Sukla Purnima of the year Siddharthi with Adi Sankara himself as
the first Acharya 2620 482
Niryana of Sankara in his 32nd year on Sukla Ekadasi of the month of Adhika
Rishobha in the Cyclic Year Raktaksh 2625 477 \
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