Sree Sankara was one of the most illustrious
son of Kerala. He was born in a poor Brahmin family at Kalady. His
father was Sivaguru and mother Arya Devi. Sankaran lost his father
when he was very young. So he was brought up by his mother. When
he was a boy, Sankaran wanted to become a Sanyasin. But his mother
would not allow him. One day while bathing in the Periyar a crocodile
caught hold of his leg and began dragging him into the deep waters.
His mother began to cry. Sankaran said that the crocodile would
let him go if he was allowed to become Sanyasin. So his mother gave
him permission. So Sankaran left home and travelled all over India.
Even when a boy he had learned all the ‘Sastras’. He
accepted Govindacharya as his spiritual Guru. He became the greatest
scholar of his time. He originated the ‘Adwaidasiddhantha’.
He had large number of disciples. He set up monasteries at Badrinath,
Dwaraka and Sringeri. He died at the age of 32.
