| Sages,Rushis & Saints |
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| Biographies of Great Indians & Hindus |
SHANKARACHARYA |
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| God's
GraceIt is stated that Sri Shankaracharya
was born of God's Grace to his parents. Kalati is a beautiful village Kerala. Even today
this fine village may be seen on the bank of river Poornaa. There lived a couple It name
Shivaguru and Aryamba. Theirs was an orthodox Namboodri brahim family. Though rich, they
led simple life Both the husband a wife were well educated. More than that, they were
devoted to God. They were worried only about not having any children even after long time.
They made vows an appeals to all gods. At last, suggested by close friends, they we to
Trichtir for rendering devotional service to God Vrishaachaleshwara. The divinely graceful
idol of the God attracted them. They spent many days there with a feeling that serving Him
is the only way known to them One night Vrishaachaleshwara appeal in their dream. It was a
wonder experience.. God posed a question to them.. I am pleased with your steadfast
devotion. I shall- grant your prayer. But there is one question, Does it suffice if you
are given only one son of short life who will be a great teacher of the whole world, or do
you want many children of long life but dull wits?"
Would the God who is not easily accessible put an easy question? The couple who had such boundless faith in God found completely a different way out. They left everything to His decision only. Then the Lord said, "Your son, born as an aspect of Shiva, will become an universal teacher." So, saying, He disappeared. Shivaguru and Aryamba felt very happy and stayed there for several more days offering their worship and service to god Ishwara. Afterwards they returned home. A son was born to Aryamba by the full Grace of Ishwara. The baby was named Shankara. Calculating according to solar calendar, the auspicious day has been said to be the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha. The devotees celebrate - "Shankara Jayanti On that- day every year. Shankara, being a divine incamation grew up right from his childhood as a prodigy in every respect. It is said that at the age of eight he had understood the four Vedas. By the time he was twelve years of age, he had understood all branches ofknowledge. And by sixteen he had written commen- taries on those Vedanta which are considered to be his major works. Sharp as his intellect was, so was his heart very broad. Even at a young age Shankara, had become proficient in Prakrit Magadhi and Sanskrit languages. At The first year of his age he had learnt both Malayali, his mother tongue, and Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas. During his second year he was able to read and write in these languages. During his third year he was able to read and explain epics and mythology. Thus is it stated in some books written about him. Considered from an ordinary standpoint, one might feel that much of this may be an exaggeration. But instances of child prodigies endowed with a divine gift of brilliance are not uncommon. |
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