His remarkable reinterpretations of Hindu scriptures, especially of the Upanishads or Vedanta, had a profound influence on the growth of Hinduism as superior and ‘cleansed’ religion of the subcontinent. Both the parents chose the latter and a son was born to them, whom they called Shankara (Sanskrit, 'bestower of happiness'), in honour of Shiva.Īdi Shankara lived his short but valuable life fulfilling the prophecy with which he was born. It was then that Lord Shiva appeared to both husband and wife in their sleep, and promised to grant them a son who would either have many years to live, but will remain an average commoner, or a son who would perpetuate his name in history, but not live long. in a village on the banks of the River Periyar in Kerala, legend has it that Adi Shankara’s parents, having been without a progeny for many years, decided to offer prayers at Thissur’s Vadakkunnathan Temple in hopes of having their desire for a child fulfilled. Shri Adi Shankaracharya was early medieval India’s most well-known and influential religious commentator and philosopher.Īdi Shankara or the first Shankara, is credited with upholding ingenious Hindu values in times of utter religious chaos and bigotry in India.

Historical Background of Shankara Samadhi

Aadhi sankarar jeeva samadhi