Shankaracharya Peethas

Shankaracharya Peethas Information

Adi Shankaracharya 

Adi Shankaracharya was one of the most notable philosophers as well as Savants of India. In his short lifespan of thirty-two years, he became one of the greatest teachers of the Vedas. He was a major proponent of the Vedanta tenet that 'Lord Brahma and men are of one essence and every individual should try to develop this vision of oneness'. As per him, God is one and the only way to achieve salvation is through the study of the Vedas. He founded four Shankaracharya Peethas (spiritual centers) in the four corners of India, which uphold his teachings.

Shankaracharya Ashrams in India 

Adi Shankaracharya established four peeths or maths in the four corners of India. Known as Amnaya Peethas, Shankaracharya Ashrams count amongst the most revered pilgrim destinations in the country. The heads of these four institutions are considered the principal Shankaracharyas in India.

Vedanta Jnana Peetha, Sringeri (South India) 

Sringeri is situated in Karnataka, on the embankment of river Tunga. Great sages like Vibhan-daka, Rishyashringa, etc have meditated here in the ancient times. The serene and calm environs of Sringeri charmed him and he established his first Vedanta Jnana Peetha here. He installed there the idol of Sri Sharada, the Goddess of Learning, and named Sureshwara as the Head of that Sharada Peetha.

The three other Adi Shankracharya Maths in India are as follows-

• Govardhana Peetha in Jagannath Puri (Orissa)
• Kalika Peetha, Dwaraka (Gujarat)
• Jyotih Peetha, Badarikashrama (Uttarakhand/Uttaranchal)