Statue of Oneness: Adi Shankaracharya

Latest Context

• On 21 September, 2023 Madhya Pradesh CM unveils ‘Statue of Oneness’ of Adi Shankaracharya on Mandhata hills at Omkareshwar.
• The height of this Statue is 108ft tall.

Mandhata

• The Mandhata island, which is situated on Narmada River, is home to 2 of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
• These two Jyotirlingas are – Omkareshwara (located on the south side of the island) and Amareshwara.
• The island, dating back to the 14th and 18th centuries, is filled with temples of Shaivite, Vaisnavite, and Jain.
• The name 'Omkareshwar' is derived from the shape of the island, which resembles the sacred word 'Om', and its name means the Lord of Omkara.

Adi Shankaracharya

About

• Known as Adi Shankara (788–820 CE), born at Kaladi near Kochi, Kerala.
  • • At the age of 33, he took Samadhi,at Kedar tirth.
• Also known as Jagadguru, was the founder of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism) in 18^th century.
• He was a devotee of Shiva.
• He's said to have arrived as a young monk in Omkareshwar, and met his Guru Govind Bhagwadpad.

• Relocated for four years to the holy city and completed his studies.

• He left Omkareshwar when he was twelve years old and embarked on a journey around the world to spread Advaita Vedanta's philosophy, elucidating its principles for his people.
•   Propounded the Advaita doctrine (monism) and wrote several commentaries in Sanskrit on the Vedic doctrine (Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita).
• He was opposed to Buddhist philosophers.

Major Work

• • Brahma Sutra Bhasya (Bhashya or commentary on the Brahma Sutra).
  • Bhajagovinda Stotra.
  • Nirvana Shatakam.
  • Prakaran Granths.

Other Contributions

• When Buddhism was gaining popularity in India, he had a great responsibility for the revival of Hinduism.

In order to promote the Sanathana Dharma, four Mathas were established at Sringeri,Puri, Dwaraka and Badrinath in India's 4 corners.

Other statues in India 

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