II श्रुति स्मृति पुराणानाम् आलयम् करुणालयम्
नमामि भगवत्पादं शंकरं लोकशंकरम् ॥
Sri Adi Shankaracharya Temple is located in Kalady, a peaceful village in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, on the banks of the Periyar River.Kalady is famous as the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, one of India’s greatest spiritual masters. The temple is dedicated to Sri Adi Shankaracharya, a revered philosopher and spiritual teacher who revived Sanatana Dharma and propagated the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta.
There are two main shrines in the temple complex:
One for Sri Adi Shankaracharya, worshipped in the form of Dakshinamurthy. One for Goddess Sharadamba, the presiding deity of Sringeri Mutt.Other deities include Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha), Goddess Brahmi, and Goddess Varahi. The Samadhi of Aryamba, Shankara’s mother, is also located here and is a sacred spot for devotees. The temple is managed by the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, one of the four mathas established by Shankara.
The temple follows traditional Kerala-style architecture, with sloping tiled roofs, carved wooden pillars, and mural paintings. It has a calm and spiritual atmosphere. A major attraction is the Adi Sankara Keerthi Sthambha Mandapam, an eight-storey memorial built by the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. This tower features beautiful paintings and sculptures that tell the story of Adi Shankaracharya’s life and teachings.
Sri Adi Shankaracharya was born in the 8th century CE to a devout Brahmin couple—Shivaguru and Aryamba—after many years of prayer. From a very young age, Shankara displayed great wisdom and devotion. By the age of 16, he had mastered the Vedas, and he later traveled across India, debating with scholars and promoting Advaita Vedanta.
He established four mathas (monasteries) in Sringeri (South), Puri (East), Dwaraka (West), and Joshimath (North). He returned to Kalady to fulfill his mother’s last wish by performing her funeral rites, and her resting place is marked inside the temple complex.
Kalady, which means “footprint” in Malayalam, is a holy village where Sri Adi Shankaracharya was born. The village got its name from a miracle that happened during Shankara’s childhood.
Shankara’s mother, Aryamba, used to walk a long distance to bathe in the Periyar River. Seeing her struggle, the young Shankara prayed to Lord Krishna. Miraculously, the river changed its path and started flowing near their house. This divine event led to the place being called Kalady—the spot where the young boy stood and prayed.
Another major legend is about the crocodile and renunciation. One day, while bathing in the river, Shankara was caught by a crocodile. He told his mother that it would let him go only if she allowed him to become a sanyasi (monk). Though reluctant, she agreed, and the crocodile disappeared. This was how Shankara began his spiritual journey.
Milk for the Goddess: Once, young Shankara offered milk to the Manickamangalam Devi. The milk remained untouched, and he started crying. Moved by his devotion, the Goddess drank the milk.
White Deer and Hidden Idol: Lord Shiva appeared in a dream to Shankara’s father and told him to follow a white deer, which led him to a hidden idol for home worship.
Kanakadhara Stotram: When a poor woman gave Shankara a single amla fruit as alms, he prayed to Mother Lakshmi. She blessed the woman with a shower of golden amlas.
Manishapanchakam: When an outcaste and four dogs blocked Shankara’s path, he asked them to move. The man replied with a deep philosophical question about the soul and body. Realizing it was Lord Shiva, Shankara composed the Manishapanchakam, a hymn that teaches spiritual equality.
Shankara Jayanti: Celebrated in April/May, this is the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya. It is observed with special pujas, Vedic chanting, spiritual discourses, and processions.
Navaratri: The Sharadamba shrine celebrates Navaratri with great devotion. The temple conducts homams, special decorations (alankarams), and cultural programs during these nine days.
