Can you think of someone who could read by the age of three, could learn by heart anything he heard just once, who mastered almost all the Shastras by the age of seven and went on foot round the length and breadth of India several times in just 32 years of his life! Such a spiritual genius was Adi Shanakaracharya.

Born in Kerala, he became a monk at the tender age of five years. A crocodile caught his foot while he was bathing in the river and he called out to his mother on the bank that he would be spared only if he became a sanyasi. In desperation, his mother consented at which instant the crocodile released him. Shankara promised his mother to be back whenever she really needed him and left home in search of the highest knowledge.

He met his guru Govindapadacharya, completed his studies and spent his entire life spreading the ancient truths about God, the world and man. He wrote commentaries on the Upanishads, Gita and the Brahma Sutra. In addition to it, he wrote innumerable stotras and other textbooks, thus becoming one of the most prolific writers of the ancient world. He was a powerful missionary and was far sighted. He established monasteries (matha) in all the four corners of India to continue his mission. Many spiritual organizations and masters derive inspiration from him till today. He shall be ever remembered with love and reverence.

Friends, are you not proud that our land gifted to the world such a great master? Would you not like to know more about him : how he changed the course of a river to serve his mother, how he defeated some of the greatest philosophers of ancient India, how he had the divine of vision of the Lord and so much more? Would you not like to know how he looked? Then, here’s an exciting tip for you. Try to find out more websites on Shankaracharya. Here’s a clue go into any search engine of your choice : key in 'Shankara' or 'Adi Shankara' in the search field and see what you get! Best of Luck!