Adi Sankara was a great philosopher and Hindu Dharma revivalist. He is the most eminent philosopher after Bhuddha. With in the short span of his life time he spread the Advaitha philosophy of Upanishad to an unprecedented level by travelling extensively and meeting the topmost intellectual luminaries of his time time. He was a disciple of Govinda Bhagavadpada who in turn was a disciple of Guru Gaudapada, the great philosopher who wrote Karika on Mandukya Upanishad. When Sankara entered the area of Public life the face of Hindu religion was one of the weakest ever and Black magic was thriving in the name of religion. With the brilliance and mastery of Vedas Adi Sankara defeated Buddhist philosophers in debates and re-established supremacy of Hindu wisdom in India. Within Hindu thought he debate with other branches of thought, and gave importance to Jnama Marge (the path of Knowledge and logic). He interpreted and wrote commentary on Prastanatraya ( major philosophical work) within the fold of Hindu religion and was successful in gathering large number of disciples with intellectual fervor. He wrote many slokas and few texts on Advaita like: Vivekachudamani, Aparokshanubhuti, Atma bodha. Every work by him show his language skill, poetic skill and un-ambiguity in exposition and clarity in philosophical thought.

Sankara was also a good organizer; he established 32 monasteries including major mutts called as Chaturamnaya Mutts and modified some other centers’ of learning into rational level. Though an advocate of Advaita and Jnana Marge, he found Bhakti Marge and Ritual Worship in par with his philosophy, respected them, modified it, and asked masses to follow it. He also laid down the procedures for the worship in many temples. He also laid down the procedures for worship in many temples. Adi Sankara helped ten divisions for the Sanyasins (Dasanamis who take part in Kumbhamela) to modify their rituals, rites and protocols. Adi sankara is always respectfully called as Achrya Swamikal

Fixing the date of this legendary philosopher is very difficult. According to Sringeri pontifical reckoning it is 44-12B.C. But this is not reasonable. According to Sri T.R. Chintamani and Sri S.R. Ramachandra Rao, the most probable period for Sankara can be 632-664 A.D. Sri S.R. Ramachandra Rao is also of the opinion that only Interpretation on Prasthanatraya ( Brahmasutra , Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita ) belong to Sankara and all other works are by his admirers in different period of time.

Sankaradigviyajam is an important text on the life of Sri Sankara. Sri Ramakrishna mission had published this book which is believed to be written during the medieval period.