Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 CE)

GS Paper I History

Adi Shankaracharya was a great Indian philosopher, theologian, and spiritual reformer who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He played a crucial role in reviving Hinduism during a time when Buddhism and Jainism were dominant in India.

Key Contributions of Adi Shankaracharya

1. Doctrine of Advaita Vedanta

• Advaita (Non-Dualism): He emphasized the philosophy that Brahman (the Supreme Reality) is the only truth, and the world is an illusion (Maya).
• The individual soul (Atman) and Brahman are one and the same.
• He promoted the idea that true knowledge (Jnana) leads to liberation (Moksha).

2. Revitalization of Hinduism

• He worked to counter the spread of Buddhism and Jainism and re-established Vedic traditions.
• He emphasized Upanishadic teachings and the importance of scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutras.

3. Establishment of Four Mathas (Monastic Institutions)

To promote Advaita Vedanta and unify Hinduism, he established four monastic centers (Mathas) in different parts of India:

1. Sringeri Matha (Karnataka) – South
2. Dwarka Matha (Gujarat) – West
3. Puri Govardhan Matha (Odisha) – East
4. Jyotirmath (Uttarakhand) – North

Each Matha was assigned to preserve and propagate different Vedic traditions.