This is an authentic film on the birth and childhood of Sri Adi Shankaracharya and the fascinating story of the rediscovery of his birthplace, Kalady, by the 33rd Jagadguru of Sringeri. It is 1 hour 21 minutes, presented by Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham Sringeri. It is a Sri Shankara Advaita Research Centre Production.

Enjoy!

हरी ओम् तत् सत्

BACKGROUND

Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism is vibrant today largely due to the efforts of
Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya, the great philosopher saint, who lived
over 1200 years ago. In his brief life of 32 years, he restored the
pristine glory of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy of the Upanishads and
re-established the path through which everyone can experience and become
one with divinity.

Seldom in history has one individual had so much influence on a nation, its
civilization and its religion.

While his achievements are eternal and unforgettable, his birthplace was
forgotten by society for many centuries. In this film, we describe how his
birthplace Kalady was rediscovered by the 33rd Jagadguru of the Sringeri
Sharada Peetham. We will take you on a visual journey of Kalady from the
time of Sri Shankara’s parents, his birth and the miraculous events of his
childhood.

The film also chronicles the contemporary history of Kalady, including the
various landmarks and temples associated with his life. There are
fascinating interviews with ordinary people, former rulers and spiritual
leaders who are all influenced by this great philosopher. Through beautiful
and heart-stopping images of nature, people and temples, this film provides
an unforgettable experience of what Sri Shankara’s life may have been like,
and how he touched the lives of the Kalady’s residents over the centuries.

Speaking in lucid Sanskrit, Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji
enlightens us about the life of Sri Shankaracharya and the 33rd Jagadguru
of Sringeri who rediscovered Kalady. The 33rd Jagadguru instituted the now
internationally observed Shankara Jayanti celebrations and was the
inspiration behind the first ever publication of the complete works of Sri
Shankaracharya.

This documentary film is dedicated to the 33rd Jagadguru of Sringeri. It is
solely due to his untiring efforts that the glory of Kalady and its special
place in the legacy of Sri Shankaracharya has been preserved for the world.

(Released on May 23, 2010 during the centenary celebrations to mark the
consecration of the temples for Sri Shankaracharya and Goddess Sharada at
Kalady)

All Rights Reserved by Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, Karnataka, India.