- Shankarachya known as Adi Shankara, born 11th May 788 AD, at Kaladi near Kochi, Kerala.
- He took Samadhi at the age of 33, at Kedar tirth.
- He was a devotee of Shiva.
- He was propounded the Doctrine of Advaita (Monism) and wrote many commentaries on the Vedic canon (Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita) in Sanskrit.
- He was opposed to Buddhist philosophers.
- Major Work: Brahmasutrabhasya (Bhashya or commentary on the Brahma Sutra), Bhajagovinda Stotra, Nirvana Shatakam, Prakaran Granths.
- Other Contributions: He was responsible for reviving Hinduism in India to a great extent when Buddhism was gaining popularity.
- He established four Mathas in the four corners of India at Shingeri, Puri, Dwaraka and Badrinath– for propagation of Sanathana Dharma.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
