Significance of Shankara
Synonyms: Shankaracharya, Philosopher, Saint
In Dutch: Shankara; In Finnish: Shankara; In Spanish: Shankara
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Shankara'
Shankara in Buddhism is interpreted as a philosophical figure representing the idea of eternal beings, which the text argues do not exist, challenging traditional notions of permanence and reality in the Buddhist context.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A philosophical figure associated with the concept of eternal beings, argued within the text to be non-existent.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Shankara'
Shankara in Hinduism refers to Lord Shiva, embodying roles such as the destroyer of ignorance, a central philosophical figure in Advaita Vedanta, and a benefactor in spiritual practices, emphasizing interdependence and divine blessings through his multifaceted identities.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Another name for Lord Shiva, who promised Sudyumna a splendid son and directed him to the Oceans at Kushasthali.[2] (2) Another name for Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in the text, known for his powers and manifestations.[3] (3) Another name for Lord Shiva, who is worshipped on the fourteenth lunar day.[4] (4) Another name for Lord Shiva, whom the Devas were instructed to propitiate for help against the Danavas.[5] (5) Another name for Lord Shiva, who plays a crucial role in the narrative by granting boons and blessings to Dharma.[6]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Another name for Mahadeva, who is recognized as the creator of all beings in the universe.[7] (2) Another name for Shiva, regarded in this text as the divine entity observed by Arjuna.[8] (3) A reference to the god Shiva, also known as Sankara, who is a central figure in Hindu mythology.[9] (4) Refers to Shiva, the chief of the deities whom Kumara pleased by restoring balance after the destruction of Taraka.[10] (5) A reference to the divine god Shiva, representing strength and protection, often invoked in times of dire need in combat scenarios.[11]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Another name for Lord Shiva, who is referenced as a celestial being that participates in praise and devotion towards Krishna and Ganga.[12] (2) A name for Lord Shiva, who is characterized as the Giver of the fruits of Tapasya.[13] (3) A reference to the God Shiva, who appears to Krishna due to his severe asceticism.[14] (4) A reference to Lord Shiva, who holds high authority in Hinduism and engages in dialogues concerning salvation and practices with Narayana.[15] (5) Another name for Shiva, portrayed as an omniscient and omnipresent divine figure without desires.[16]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A name associated with Shiva, one of the main deities part of the worship at the confluence.[17] (2) The powerful lord of Devas mentioned by Mrityu, who is responsible for creation, preservation, and destruction through his will.[18]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A hunter who, along with his wife, performed rituals gaining great rewards for their devotion to Shiva.[19]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A title for lord Shiva denoting 'the one who brings good fortune'.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Another name for Maheshwara, representing the destroyer aspect of divinity.[21]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Another name for Shiva, who prepared for battle to protect Vana after witnessing his army's fear.[22]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A title for Rudra, symbolizing his role as the source of happiness and his merciful nature toward living beings.[23]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Another name for Lord Shiva, who tested Ganga's pride and ultimately assisted in her flowing down to Earth.[24]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) An influential philosopher whose teachings reflect the philosophical dimensions found in various passages of the Bhagavata Purana.[25]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Another name for Shiva (Rudra), who inquires about the meditation and essence of Vishnu.[26]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A revered spiritual teacher and philosopher who traveled through Maharashtra and established spiritual teachings and worship practices.[27] (2) A prominent philosopher who exemplified the teachings of Vedanta and is depicted in a narrative about the subtleties of life after death.[28] (3) A prominent philosopher who challenges the beliefs of Mandana and advocates for the teachings of Vedanta.[29] (4) The teacher and master of all Upanishads, known for establishing the doctrine of non-dualism, and revered as an incarnation of Shiva.[30] (5) A prominent philosopher who argued for the non-dual nature of Brahman and emphasized the eternal truths presented in the Upanishads.[31]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) An important philosopher whose views are contrasted with those of Sureshvara in relation to food and vows.[32] (2) A revered philosopher and commentator known for his influential interpretations of Vedantic texts and concepts.[33]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A revered philosopher who commented on the significance of the Mandukya Upanishad and its Kärika.[34] (2) A prominent philosopher who wrote a commentary on the Mandukya Upanishad and the Karika, emphasizing the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta.[35]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An influential philosopher and theologian in Hindu tradition who interpreted the Vedanta philosophy and the texts related to it.[36] (2) An influential philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, interpreting the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras.[37]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A revered philosopher who left a commentary on the Mandukya Upanishad, highlighting its importance in Vedantic discussions.[38]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A fusion or interplay between the tad-guna and bhrantiman ornaments.[39] (2) denotes 'combination or fusion', referring to the interaction of various literary devices to form a coherent image.[40] (3) The concept of mixing elements within a literary structure.[41] (4) The concept of amalgamation or blending meanings in the text.[42] (5) Sankara denotes an interdependent mix of ornaments in one verse, where two ornaments work together under a single common scope or compound.[43]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Sankara, referring to Shri Shankaracarya, is an influential figure in the Mayavada tradition known for his concealed role as an eternal servant of the Supreme Lord.[44] (2) A character who also experiences the overwhelming feeling noted in the text.[45] (3) Shankara is a figure who becomes intoxicated and forgets his cloth while experiencing ecstatic love.[46] (4) A figure referenced in the context of forgetting the respect typically shown to an elder brother.[47] (5) The name of a specific devotee mentioned in the text, known for having a significant influence or presence that pleases the Lord and the devotees.[48]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) another name for Shri Shiva, the worshiper[49] (2) a reference to Lord Shiva, often associated with promoting non-dualistic philosophies[50]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Shankara is a deity mentioned alongside Brahma and recognized as an appointed (adhikrita) dasa.[51]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A revered philosopher whose teachings are contrasted with those of Thakur Haridas, particularly regarding the nature of spiritual practices.[52]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Another name for Shiva, who is represented in the context of destruction and rebirth.[53]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) Another name signifying auspiciousness and beneficence attributed to Rudra.[54]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A prominent figure considered the destroyer of Buddhistic heresy and an expounder of the Upanishads.[55]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) A figure where Alamkaras are mixed, causing uncertainty regarding the main attribute or existing together in a word or phrase.[56]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) An influential philosopher in Indian thought known for his works on Advaita Vedanta, including the Sarvavedantasiddhantasarasangraha.[57]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term that denotes a mixed caste resulting from the degradation of one’s original caste status due to certain actions.[58]
The concept of Shankara in local and regional sources
Shankara is a pivotal figure in Advaita Vedanta, known for his commentary on the Brahma Sutra, exploring non-duality, and engaging with the philosophical critiques of Dnyaneshwar, while acknowledging the spiritual commitment of saints like Kan-Appar.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An ancient Indian philosopher whose interactions with diverse individuals were likened to Wordsworth’s poetic experiences with nature and humanity.[59] (2) The supreme Lord referred to in the context of reaching enlightenment and understanding the divine reality.[60] (3) A renowned philosopher associated with Advaita, whose views on reality and illusion were critically examined by Dnyaneshwar.[61] (4) A philosopher whose interpretations of Brahman emphasize its non-dual nature and its role as the locus of reality.[62] (5) A prominent philosopher and theologian within Advaita Vedanta who acknowledges the commitment and devotion of saints like Kan-Appar.[63]
The concept of Shankara in scientific sources
Shankara, in this context, denotes an Ayurvedic concept that emphasizes the importance of diverse elements in achieving optimal health, reflecting the holistic approach inherent to Ayurvedic practices in maintaining balance and wellness.
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Aiurvedic term referring to the combination of different elements contributing to health.[64]