Anil Paba
Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is observed as the birth anniversary of the Indian Guru and philosopher Adi Shankara. This significant day fell on the Panchami Tithi during Shukla Paksha of the Vaisakha month, which corresponds to May 2, 2025. Shankara is widely recognized as the founder of the Advaita Vedanta School of Hindu Philosophy, emphasizing the oneness of reality.
Contributions and Legacy
Shankaracharya’s influence on the interpretation of the Vedas and Upanishads remains unparalleled. His philosophical contributions have shaped the understanding of Hinduism and continue to inspire spiritual seekers. Born in 788 A.D. in the village of Kaladi in Kerala, Shankara’s life was marked by profound spiritual pursuits, despite his short lifespan of 32 years.
Establishment of Mathas
One of Shankaracharya’s most enduring legacies is the establishment of four prominent Mathas (monasteries) across India to propagate Vedanta and Hinduism. These are:
Sringeri Sharda Peetam* in Karnataka
Jyotir Matha* in Uttarakhand
Dwaraka Sharda Peetam* in Gujarat
Goverdhana Matha* in Odisha
These Mathas continue to be important centers of Advaita Vedanta, playing a crucial role in the continuity of the Shankaracharya lineage.
Significance
Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is an occasion to reflect on the profound impact of Shankara’s teachings on Indian philosophy and spirituality. His emphasis on the unity of existence and the ultimate reality continues to guide seekers on their spiritual journeys. The Mathas established by Shankara remain vibrant centers of learning and spiritual practice, ensuring the legacy of Advaita Vedanta endures through the ages.
Shankaracharya Temple and it’s Architecture
The Shankaracharya Temple, situated atop Shankaracharya Hill in Srinagar, is a prominent ancient monument that captures the attention of visitors. Standing 1,000 feet above the plain, this temple is not only an architectural marvel but also a significant cultural and historical landmark.
History and Naming
The hill is named after Shankaracharya, the great proponent of monism, who traveled from Kerala to Kashmir to revive Sanatan Dharma, which had been overshadowed by Buddhism at the time. According to legend, he stayed on this hill, which was previously known as Gopadri, as mentioned by Kalhana . The temple itself was built by King Gopaditya, who reigned in Kashmir from 368-308 B.C. However, the exact date of its construction remains a subject of controversy.
Architectural Features
The temple’s body is surrounded by a terrace enclosed by a stone wall or parapet, three and a half feet high, maintaining an octagonal shape. The terrace is accessible via three flights of stone steps, consisting of 6, 7, and 18 steps respectively, with the last flight enclosed between two walls. From the terrace, another flight of 10 steps leads to the temple’s entrance. The interior consists of a circular chamber containing a basin with a Linga.
The temple has a conical shape, with four sides formed by the rectangular arrangement of eight gable-shaped slabs of masonry. The surface area of the outer slabs is significantly smaller than that of the inner ones. The cone, approximately 25 feet in height with a proportionate base, rests on an octagonal raised platform about five feet above the terrace. The platform has a circumference of approximately 100 feet. The temple’s interior has a diameter of 14 feet, with a flat ceiling that is 11 feet high. The walls, which are seven and a half feet thick, are covered with white plaster made of gypsum. The roof is supported by four octagonal limestone pillars.
Construction and Materials
The entire structure is built of stone, laid in horizontal courses, with no visible use of cement. The founders of these monuments were wise enough to use sculpted stone of very large dimensions, as smaller ones would have crumbled and vanished long ago under these adverse conditions.
Additional Structures
At a little distance from the temple to the north-east are the ruins of a platform, which indicate the existence formerly of another edifice of sculptured stone. There is also a room built of sculptured limestone near the temple on its northern side. Its roof is flat and is supported by two stone pillars with a stone cross-beam. The inner dimensions of this room are 11 feet square and six and a half feet in height.
The Tank
There is also a tank at a distance of 40 feet to the south of the temple. It is made of large sculptured stone, 11 feet square and 9 feet deep. The snow and rain water, which accumulates in it, is used for worship and other purposes in the temple.
Significance
The Shankaracharya Temple is an architectural and historical treasure, reflecting the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its builders. Its significance extends beyond its physical structure, representing a rich cultural and spiritual heritage that continues to inspire and attract visitors from around the world.
According to Prof Bangroo who has studied the temple architecture of Himalayas ,”Shankaracharya Temple’s design and construction reflect a pivotal moment in Kashmir’s architectural history, showcasing the development of distinct temple-building styles that would become characteristic of the region. Its influence can be seen in the subsequent mega temple projects that dotted the Kashmir landscape, underscoring its role as a precursor to larger architectural endeavors.”
Repair and Renovation of Shankaracharya Temple:
The Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar has undergone various repairs and renovations throughout its history. Initially built by King Gopaditya (368-308 B.C.), the temple was later repaired by King Lalitaditya (701-737 A.D.). The temple faced many challenges, including attempts by iconoclasts to destroy it.
Historical Repairs and Renovations
The temple’s fallen roof was repaired by the Governor of Kashmir (1841-1846 A.D.) under the Sikh Empire, who used brick masonry for the dome. Later, the state replaced it with stone slabs, restoring its original form. In the early 20th century, the Maharaja of Mysore further enhanced the temple’s beauty by installing electric searchlights around and on top of the temple, funded by an endowment. These lights illuminated the temple at night, showcasing its grandeur from a distance.
Contributions by Rulers
The Dogra ruler Maharaja Gulab Singh (1792-1857 C.E.) also contributed to the temple’s upkeep by repairing and constructing steps to the hill from the Durga Naag temple side. These efforts reflect the historical significance of the temple and the various rulers’ commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
Current Conservation Efforts
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recognizes the Shankaracharya Temple as a Monument of National Importance and is responsible for its structural integrity, conducting necessary repairs, and preserving its historical and architectural significance. Recently, the ASI repaired the temple’s roof, although the new structure unfortunately does not perfectly match the original.
Management and Maintenance
The Dharmarth Trust is the primary body responsible for the temple’s religious functions, including daily rituals, festivals, and maintaining the sacred environment. However, local devotees have raised concerns about illegal encroachments along the old route from the UNO office to the temple, demanding their immediate removal to preserve the sanctity of the route.
(The author is Co-Convener INTACH Chapter Udhampur)
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