Adi Shankaracharya's Contributions: Texts and Their Significance

Adi Shankaracharya, a revered Indian philosopher and theologian, is widely recognized for his extensive contributions to Advaita Vedanta and his various writings. While the exact number of his works can vary depending on different sources, he is traditionally credited with writing around 20 major texts. These works cover a range of topics including philosophy, theology, meditation, and devotion, and continue to be influential in Hindu thought and practice.

The Traditional Catalogue of Adi Shankaracharya's Major Works

Adi Shankaracharya is known for a variety of texts that have shaped the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Here is an overview of some of his significant works:

Brahma Sutra Bhashya: A commentary on the Brahma Sutras, providing a rational and coherent framework for understanding Advaita Vedanta. Upadesa Sahasri: A philosophical treatise on Advaita, exploring the concepts and principles of this philosophical system. Commentaries on the Upanishads: Detailed commentaries on key Upanishads such as the Isha, Kena, Katha, Taittiriya, Chandogya, Mandukya, Aitareya, and Taittiriya Aranyaka. Vivekachudamani: A text on self-knowledge and liberation that serves as a guide to understanding the true essence of being. Dakshinamurti Stotra: A hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, emphasizing the importance of spiritual knowledge and enlightenment. Bhaja Govindam: A devotional poem that highlights the importance of devotion to Lord Vishnu. Anandalahari: A work that celebrates the bliss of the divine, providing insights into the nature of joy and spiritual ecstasy. Sadhana Panchaka: A guide to spiritual practice that offers a framework for individuals seeking spiritual enlightenment.

These works collectively contribute to the establishment of Vedanta on a solid rational, logical, and cohesive foundation. They have had a profound impact on Hindu philosophy and continue to be studied and practiced by scholars and devotees alike.

More Texts and Their Significance

In addition to the aforementioned works, Adi Shankaracharya is also credited with several other important texts and treatises:

Yuktya Prasthana: Commentaries on the triple canons of Vedanta, namely Shruti Prasthana, Smriti Prasthana, and Nyaya Prasthana. Commentaries on the Brahma Sutras: Including commentaries on the commentary on the Bhagavad Gita and further elaborations on the Brahmasutras. Prakaranagranthas: Additional philosophical treatises which elucidate the principles of Vedanta, such as: Vivekachudamani: A text on self-knowledge and liberation that serves as a guide to understanding the true essence of being. Upadesasahasri: A philosophical treatise on Advaita, exploring the concepts and principles of this philosophical system. Vakyavritti: A commentary on the principal sentences of the Brahma Sutras. Laghuvakyavritti: A shorter commentary on the Bhagavadgita. Drigdrishyaviveka: A text that further explains the distinction between the perceiver and the perceived. Atmabodha: A treatise on self-realization that provides insights into the nature of the self. Panchikarana: A treatise on the number five and how it is related to the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space). Aparokshanubhuti: A text that explains how to attain direct experience of the Self. Atmashatkam or Nirvanashatkam: Six verses extolling the qualities of the Self or the six verses on liberation.

Moreover, Adi Shankaracharya composed numerous hymns on various deities, which serve as spiritual offerings and affirm the devotee's devotion:

Mohamudgara: Bhaja govindam, a devotional poem emphasizing the importance of devotion to Lord Vishnu. Shatpadistotram: A hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, emphasizing the importance of spiritual knowledge. Nrisimhakaravalambana stotram: A hymn that highlights the importance of devotion to Lord Narasimha. Soundaryalahari: A work that praises the divine beauty, representing the wealth of spiritual knowledge. Bhavanyashtakam: An eight-verse hymn dedicated to the goddess Bhavani, highlighting her benevolence. Gurvashtakam: An eight-verse hymn dedicated to Guru, emphasizing the importance of spiritual guidance. Dakshinamurti stotram: A hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Dakshinamurti, a symbol of spiritual wisdom.

These hymns serve as spiritual offerings, affirming the devotee's devotion and providing solace and enlightenment to those who recite them.