Today (21/04/2026): Shree Shankara Jayanti
AVS
Kerala observes the birth anniversary of the Sri Shankaracharya ji as a Day of Philosophical Knowledge.
Today is the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, who revived the land of Bharat, which had sunk into the deep darkness of ignorance, ideological pollution, and distortions, as a radiant sun of knowledge. Shankara, the Aacharya and interpreter of the philosophical visions of Sanatana Dharma and its various spiritual traditions, became the Shankaracharya of the world—the Jagadguru—within a brief lifespan of just 32 years!
Shankara was the divine blessing granted by Sree Parameshwara in response to the constant prayers of Shivaguru and Aryamba, who led pure and righteous lives.
The period CE 788–820 is generally considered the lifetime of the Swami. Shankara Jayanti is celebrated in many parts of India on April 6. However, in Kerala, it is celebrated on the Thiruvathira day of the Malayalam month of Medam. Jagadguru Shree Shankaracharya was the greatest intellectual and supreme Guru that Kerala has contributed to the world.
At a time when noble people had become helpless and unable even to defend themselves due to the continuous challenges from Buddhism and Jainism, Shankara incarnated as a life-restoring force for the protection of the righteous and for the re-establishment of Sanatana Dharma. Through philosophical and religious debates, he was able to demonstrate the greatness of Sanatana Dharma and provide a logically sound interpretation of Advaita Vedanta. Many philosophical ideas that have otherwise vanished over time still survive today through the opposing arguments (Purvapaksha) that Shankara quoted in debates. Example: Lokayata. From his time until today, the ideas he put forward in philosophy, religion, and metaphysics have been continuously studied and debated, both in support and opposition. The discussions that began with his commentaries on the Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads continue even today! It is beyond dispute that the Swami succeeded in gaining universal acceptance and recognition for Advaita philosophy.
Realizing that highly subtle philosophical discussions are not useful for the spiritual development of the common people, Shankara not only composed numerous divine hymns but also established the Shanmata system for the worship of Parama Shiva, Adi Shakti, Ganesha, Skanda, Vishnu, and Surya. He also systematized monastic life through the Dashanami tradition. For the promotion of Sanatana Dharma, apart from the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Shankara established four Monasteries (Mathas):