Shankaracharya (Deified)

Adi Shankaracharya (c. 8th century CE) is revered as the foremost exponent of Advaita Vedanta, the non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy. Born in Kaladi, Kerala, he is traditionally regarded as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, sent to restore the Vedic dharma. According to the Shiva Purana, Shiva incarnated as Shankara to defeat the forces of ignorance and revive the true meaning of the scriptures. His principal works include commentaries on the Brahma Sutras, the principal Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita, collectively known as the Prasthanatrayi.

The Brahma Sutra Bhashya systematically establishes the non-dual nature of Brahman, while the Vivekachudamani, a prakarana grantha, expounds the path of discrimination between the eternal and the non-eternal. Shankara also composed numerous stotras, such as the Saundaryalahari, blending devotion with philosophy. He established four mathas (monastic centers) at Sringeri, Dwaraka, Puri, and Jyotirmath, each headed by a Shankaracharya, to preserve and propagate the Advaita tradition. These mathas are associated with the four Vedas and the four cardinal directions, symbolizing the universality of his teachings. Iconographically, Shankara is depicted in a saffron robe, holding a staff (danda) and a book, often accompanied by his four principal disciples: Padmapada, Hastamalaka, Totakacharya, and Sureshvara.

His serene expression and lotus posture signify his enlightened state. The Shankaracharya Jayanti is celebrated on the Panchami of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha. Regional traditions, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, honor him with special pujas and discourses. In Hindu cosmology, Shankara is seen as a harmonizer of the paths of jnana (knowledge), bhakti (devotion), and karma (action), emphasizing that the ultimate reality is non-dual Brahman, and the world is a superimposition (adhyasa) on Brahman. His legacy continues through the monastic orders and the widespread influence of Advaita Vedanta.

Depicted in saffron robe, often with four disciples. Wise, serene expression. Sometimes shown with a staff (danda).