Shankaracharya Jayanti marks the day of birth of the notable Indian thinker and is considered as one of the most significant celebrations in Hindu religion. Adi Shankara was a great Indian philosopher and theologian born in the 8th century. Shankaracharya is also known as Jagatguru, Adi Shankara, or Bhagavatpada Acharya (master at the feet of God), he expanded the Advaita Vedanta doctrine, which had an impact in the development of Hinduism. He also helped the spread and propagation of Vedic knowledge.
Shankaracharya Jayanti for 2022 falls on Friday, 06 May and it is the 1234th birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya. It will fall on the Vaishakh Shukla Paksha Panchami. The Panchami Tithi Starts at 10:00 AM 05 May 2022 and ends at 12:32 PM 06 May 2022.
How do people celebrate Shankaracharya Jayanti?
Shankaracharya Jayanti is celebrated with great gaiety and enthusiasm across the different Maths or monasteries established by the saint. The biggest celebrations are held at the Sringeri Sharada Peetham in Kerala, Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth in Kancheepuram, etc. The ceremonies include havans, pujas and satsangs in monasteries. Discussions about Sanatan Dharma are also organized.
Story Behind The Festival
Regarded as one of the greatest gurus and philosophers of Hinduism, Sri Adi Shankaracharya or Adi Shankaracharya is also known as the savior of Vedic religion. He was also known as the proponent of Advaita Vedanta. The concept of self or soul was explained by him. He explained the concept of vairagya (abandonment), paramatma (divine soul), and moksha (salvation). Hinduism during his time was in a state of decline. His teachings had an impact on the development of Hindu culture. Shankaracharya is said to have revived Hinduism as and had a great impact on the philosophers Madhava and Ramanuja.
Importance Of Shankaracharya Jayanti
Adi Shankaracharya revisited the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta and interpreted and reinterpreted Hindu scriptures like Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita etc. He also helped people to explain the primary principles of the Brahma Sutras. To revive Hinduism, he traveled to different parts of the country. His contribution does not stop here as he established four mathas (monasteries) in the four corners of India – Kashmir in the north, Puri in the east, Sringeri in the south and Dwarka in the west.
It is believed that Shankara had a vision of Lord Vishnu in Badrinath. Lord Vishnu asked him to establish an idol of the deity in the river Alaknanda. Adi Shankara breathed his last in Kedarnath at the age of 32. Kedarnath is in present day Uttarakhand.
