The birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya in the state is likely to be declared as a monument of national importance.
Context
The birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya in the state is likely to be declared as a monument of national importance.
Who was Adi Shankaracharya?
- Adi Shankaracharya was born in Kalady in Kerala in 788 C.E and disappeared in the year 820 C.E at the young age of 32.
- He was an exceptional child as Adi Shankara had become fluent in Sanskrit by the age of two. By four, he was comfortably reciting scriptures including Vedas.
- The burning quest for attaining superior knowledge from an early age pushed Adi Shankara to leave his home and set on the search for a guru.
- His quest ended with Govid Bhagvatpad at Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh) on the bank of Narmada river.
- Adi Shankaracharya championed the Advait branch of philosophy that declared that god and humans were not two. He then set out to spread the message of his guru.
- From the age of 16 to 32, Adi Shankaracharya travelled across the length and breadth of India with the message of Vedas.
Historical Significance Of Adi Shankaracharya
- Adi Shankara helped compile the Advaita Vedanta and revived the Hindu Culture on the verge of decline.
- Along with Madhava and Ramanuja, Shankara formed doctrines that followed and are respected to date in the respective sects.
- The trio is considered the most potent icon of the recent history of Hindu philosophy.
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In early November last year, Prime Minister Modi had unveiled a 13-feet statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand.
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How a monument is declared as a monument of national importance?
- The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) designates any monument of national importance and authorises the Central government to 'maintain, protect and promote' the site.
- If mandated by the Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the monument could be considered of significant historical importance.
- Currently, the ASI protects 3,600 monuments of national importance.
- Last year, the NMA also surveyed important Hindu-Buddhist monuments of the Kashmir Valley.
- The valley reportedly has numerous Hindu sites from the 6th to 8th century and Buddhist temples from the 3rd and 4th centuries.
