Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya, which falls on the panchami day (5th day) of the bright half of the Vaisakha month, according to South Indian Hindu Calendar. While in the north India, Adi Sankaracharya Jayanthi is celebrated on the tenth day. In 2011, Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is celebrated on 8th May 2011.
Adi Shankaracharya, also known as Sankara Bhagavatpadacarya, was born in the 8th century AD at Kaladi in Kerala. Adi Shankara is the greatest Hindu saint and Indian philosopher who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. Adi Shankara’s teachings were mainly based on Advaita (Nondualism) – or the unity of Brahman and the soul. Adi Sankaracharya is also regarded as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, who took the avatar to teach and guide the Hindu religion. Adi Shankara learned all of the scriptures and traveled through out India to help Hinduism regain strength and restore the study of the Vedas and other ancient scriptures.
Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is regarded as Philosopher’s Day and teachings of Adi Sankaracharya’s principles will be conducted at Adi Shankaracharya mathas. Adi Sankara Jayanthi is a great occasion for Hindu devotees to chant Adi Shankaracharya Stotras, meditate, and study Adi Sankara’s great works and realize the principles of Advaita Vedanta.