Adi Shankaracharya Quiz Questions And Answers

When Shankara's mother initially did not want him to take up Sanyasa, a crocodile caught hold of Shankara's leg. The crocodile only released his leg when Shankara's mother agreed to his decision of taking Sanyasa. This incident likely made his mother change her decision as she saw it as a sign or divine intervention, realizing that it was necessary for Shankara's well-being and spiritual journey.

Bhaja Govindam is a devotional hymn composed by Adi Shankara, a renowned philosopher and theologian from ancient India. This hymn emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual knowledge and renouncing material attachments. Adi Shankara is widely regarded as the founder of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy and is credited with numerous works that have had a significant impact on Hinduism. Therefore, it is true that Bhaja Govindam was composed by Adi Shankara.

Adi Shankaracharya's key philosophical contribution in Advaita Vedanta is the doctrine of "Maya," which asserts that the material world is an illusion and only Brahman, the supreme, formless, and unchanging reality, is true. This non-dualistic philosophy contrasts with other schools such as Vishishtadvaita, which acknowledges the distinction between the soul and God, and Bhakti movements that emphasize devotion as the primary path to liberation.

Adi Shankaracharya is believed to be an incarnation of Shiva because he was a prominent Hindu philosopher and theologian who played a significant role in the revival of Hinduism. Shankaracharya's teachings and writings were focused on the worship and devotion of Lord Shiva, which further solidifies the belief that he was an incarnation of Shiva. Additionally, Shankaracharya's life and works were deeply rooted in Shaivism, a sect of Hinduism dedicated to the worship of Shiva, further supporting the belief that he was an incarnation of Shiva.

The Kanakadhara Stotram is a hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned philosopher and theologian of ancient India. This hymn is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Adi Shankaracharya is widely regarded as the author of this devotional song, which is believed to be a powerful prayer for seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Therefore, the given statement is true.

Adi Shankara left his physical body at the age of 32. This information is not provided in the question, but it is a known fact about Adi Shankara's life.

The Dakshinamurti Stotra of Adi Shankara is addressed to Shiva. This stotra is a hymn that praises and worships Shiva as the supreme teacher and embodiment of knowledge. It is a devotional composition that seeks blessings and guidance from Shiva in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and liberation. The stotra highlights Shiva's role as the ultimate guru who imparts wisdom and dispels ignorance. Therefore, the correct answer is Shiva.

The statement is incorrect. Hanuman Chalisa was actually composed by Tulsidas, a 16th-century poet and saint in India. Adi Shankara, on the other hand, was a philosopher and theologian who lived in the 8th century and is known for his Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

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Govindapada is considered to be the guru of Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya was a renowned philosopher and theologian who played a significant role in the revival of Hinduism. Govindapada was the teacher of Shankaracharya's teacher, Gaudapada, who in turn taught Shankaracharya. Therefore, Govindapada is the correct answer as he is the guru in the lineage of Adi Shankaracharya.

Vivekachudamani is a philosophical text that was composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It is a renowned work in Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy. The text explores the concept of self-realization and emphasizes the importance of discrimination between the eternal and the temporary. Adi Shankaracharya, a prominent Indian philosopher and theologian, is known for his profound contributions to Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Therefore, Vivekachudamani is the correct answer as it was written by Adi Shankaracharya.

The core teaching of Shankaracharya is that Brahman alone is real, while this world is unreal. According to Shankaracharya, the Jiva (individual self) is identical with Brahman. This means that the ultimate reality is Brahman, and the material world we perceive is illusory or unreal. Shankaracharya's philosophy emphasizes the concept of Advaita (non-dualism), stating that the individual self and the ultimate reality are ultimately one and the same. Therefore, the correct answer is "Unreal."

The Sarvanja Peetam in Mookambika is believed to be the place where Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned philosopher and theologian, meditated. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with reviving and propagating Advaita Vedanta philosophy in India. Therefore, it is likely that the correct answer is Sarvanja Peetam in Mookambika, as it is associated with Adi Shankaracharya's meditation.

Badrinath Temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya was a renowned Hindu philosopher and theologian who played a significant role in the revival of Hinduism during the 8th century. He established several temples across India, including the Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya discovered the idol of Lord Badrinarayan in the Alaknanda River and established the temple to enshrine it.

Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned Hindu philosopher and theologian, was known for his teachings on Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. The Chandala, who belonged to the lowest caste in the Indian social hierarchy, is said to have approached Shankaracharya for spiritual guidance. Through their interaction, it is believed that Shankaracharya realized the true essence of non-duality, transcending societal boundaries and recognizing the inherent divinity in all beings. Therefore, the Chandala played a significant role in removing the sense of duality from Shankaracharya's consciousness.

Among the given options, Ujjain is the only place where Shankaracharya did not establish a mutt. A mutt is a monastery or religious institution associated with the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which was founded by Shankaracharya. While Shankaracharya established mutts in Dwarka, Sringeri, and Puri, there is no record of him establishing a mutt in Ujjain. Therefore, Ujjain is the correct answer.

Bharati, wife of Mandana Misra, attempted to defeat Adi Shankaracharya in debate by talking on the subject of sex. This topic was chosen to test Shankaracharya's knowledge and understanding of human desires and attachment, as well as his ability to maintain his celibacy and spiritual purity. By discussing sex, Bharati aimed to challenge Shankaracharya's beliefs and teachings, and potentially undermine his credibility as a spiritual leader.

Shankara did not write a commentary on Ashtavakra Gita. While he is known for his commentaries on various philosophical texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Brahma Sutra, he did not provide a commentary on the Ashtavakra Gita. This text is a dialogue between the sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka, and it presents profound teachings on Advaita Vedanta. Although Shankara did not write a commentary on it, the Ashtavakra Gita remains highly regarded and has been commented upon by other scholars and spiritual teachers.