The Life History and Philosophy of Jagadguru Sri Adisankaracarya

Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya is considered as one of the most dazzling stars in the firmament of Indian Philosophy, wisdom and spiritualism. His life is a glaring example of super divine grace that got reflected in each and every step of his journey from Kalady to Kedarnath; via almost all the sacred places of the country. It was a sojourn to strengthen the unity and integrity of the "Bharat"; an exercise to enlighten the millions and millions of the people under the darkness of ignorance and after all an indomitable desire to ensure the well-being of the human community. He took the entire world by storm and surprise by mastering four Vedas at the age of eight, writing almost three hundred scriptures at the age of twelve and composing commentaries on "Prasthana Trayee" i.e. Brahmasutra, Upanishads and Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta. He traveled the length and breadth of the country for remaining sixteen years of his mundane life to promote the philosophy of Universal brotherhood and global understanding, that constituted the basic structure of his Advaita Philosophy (Monism). Needless to mention that his life and philosophy is still relevant to the contemporary world, where people need an appropriate direction for their all-round growth and development.

It is encouraging to note that a reliable document has been prepared by our University under the Centre of Excellence Programme to propagate his life history and philosophy through pictorial presentations. Each chapter of his life and work will be displayed at the appropriate places of our institution to attract the attention of the young minds towards the Universal appeal of Sankar's life and philosophy. I am happy that Prof. Purandara Reddy, Professor & Head, Department of Advaita Vedanta has taken the lead in this regard and I congratulate him and his able team for this impressive work. I am confident that this attractive document will continue to cater to the needs and aspirations of the learners, researchers and common readers as well.