Who are Shankaracharyas? Guardians of Hinduism and Adi Shankara's Legacy

Four Shankaracharyas in India

Amidst the discussions surrounding the consecration event of Lord Rams idol in Ayodhya, the four Shankaracharyas have emerged into the limelight, expressing their views on the ceremony. But who exactly are the Shankaracharyas, and what role do they play in Hinduism?

Who Are the Shankaracharyas?

The title ‘Shankaracharya’ is derived from Adi Shankara, an 8th-century Vedic scholar who played a pivotal role in reforming and reviving Hinduism.

What are they doing?

The four Shankaracharyas head the principal monasteries or mutts established by Adi Shankara in Uttarakhand, Odisha, Karnataka, and Gujarat. Each mutt, called peetha or pitha, is tasked with preserving one of the four Vedas — Rig Veda, Sam Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda.

Significance of Shankaracharyas

These revered pontiffs serve as the supreme authority in Hinduism for interpreting scriptures and guiding the faithful.

The Peethas

The peethas are situated in the four cardinal directions and are considered among the most sacred pilgrimages in India.

Adi Shankara: Reviver of Hindu Dharma

Adi Shankara, born in Kerala in 788 CE, is credited with reviving Hinduism during a time when Buddhism and Jainism held sway. A Vedic scholar, he mastered the Vedas by the age of 16 and embarked on a mission to spread his philosophy of non-duality or Advaita.

Rejected lot of codes

Rejecting caste distinctions and law codes, Shankara aimed to unify the diverse sects and rituals of Hinduism.

Teachings of Adi Shankaracharya

His teachings centered on the idea that God and humans are not separate, and the material world is an illusion. Adi Shankaras impact on Hindu religion was profound, and he established four monasteries in different directions to ensure the continuity of his teachings.

The Role of Shankaracharyas

The Shankaracharyas serve as torchbearers of Adi Shankaras legacy, playing a vital role in preserving and interpreting sacred Hindu scriptures.

What more they do?

They act as mediators between different schools of thought within Hinduism and oversee the Dashanami Sampradaya, an order of renunciates who have renounced the secular way of life.

Who are the present Shankaracharyas?

Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati (Govardhan math), Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati (Jyotir math), Swami Bharati Teerth (Shringeri Peeth), and Swami Sadananda Sarswati (Dwarka Peeth). They play a crucial role in maintaining the philosophical and spiritual integrity of Hinduism.

Peethas are not Dhams!

Its important not to confuse the peethas with the Char Dham, which were also established by Adi Shankara. The four dhams — Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram — serve a different purpose and are associated with pilgrimage. The peethas, on the other hand, focus on the preservation and propagation of Hindu philosophy.