Deity guide
Adi Shankaracharya
Shankara Bhagavatpada (शंकर भगवत्पाद)
Explore key symbols, mantra, worship traditions and related prayers in one place.
Saints and Gurus
Worship at a glance
Key traditions and symbols
Worship Day
Shankara Jayanti (Vaishakha Shukla Panchami)
Offerings
Color
Adi Shankaracharya
The Supreme Philosopher-Saint, Reviver of Sanatan Dharma, Exponent of Advaita Vedanta
Famous temples
Sringeri Sharada Peetham (South — Sringeri, Karnataka)
Vedic Tradition: Yajur Veda
Mahavakya: "Aham Brahmasmi"
Deity: Sharada (Saraswati)
Order: Bharati, Puri, Saraswati
First Acharya: Sureshvaracharya
Dwaraka Peetham (West — Dwarka, Gujarat)
Vedic Tradition: Sama Veda
Mahavakya: "Tat Tvam Asi"
Deity: Siddheshwara
Order: Tirtha, Ashrama
First Acharya: Hastamalakacharya
Govardhan Peetham (East — Puri, Odisha)
Vedic Tradition: Rig Veda
Mahavakya: "Prajnanam Brahma"
Deity: Jagannath
Order: Vana, Aranya
First Acharya: Padmapadacharya
Jyotirmath Peetham (North — Joshimath, Uttarakhand)
Vedic Tradition: Atharva Veda
Mahavakya: "Ayam Atma Brahma"
Deity: Narayana
Order: Giri, Parvata, Sagara
First Acharya: Totakacharya
Kaladi — Birthplace (Kerala), memorial temple
Kedarnath — Where Shankara attained Mahasamadhi (traditional account)
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham (claimed as fifth Matha by some traditions)
🎉 Festivals
Shankara Jayanti
Date: Vaishakha Shukla Panchami (April-May)
Observance: Special pujas at all four Mathas
Activities: Discourse on Advaita, recitation of his works, processions
Guru Purnima
Date: Ashadha Purnima (July)
Significance: Honoring the Guru Parampara
Activities: Worship of Shankaracharya as Jagadguru
Chaturmasa (at Mathas)
Period: Four months of monsoon retreat
Significance: When Shankaracharyas of all Mathas stay in one place
Activities: Discourses, initiations, philosophical debates
Matha-specific celebrations
Sharada Navaratri at Sringeri
Rath Yatra connection at Puri Govardhan Math
Badri-Kedar Dham opening linked to Jyotirmath
Significance
The Supreme Philosopher-Saint, Reviver of Sanatan Dharma, Exponent of Advaita Vedanta