Q. Consider the following statements regarding Adi Shankaracharya:
1.He propounded the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which asserts that Atman and Brahman are essentially one and the same.
2.He rejected Bhakti as a means to attain liberation, emphasizing only knowledge (Jnana) as the path to Moksha.
3.He established four mathas in four directions of India to preserve and propagate Vedic knowledge.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Red Book

[A] 1 and 3 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 2 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A
Notes:

Explanation:

  • Statement 1: Correct. Adi Shankaracharya was the foremost exponent of Advaita Vedanta, which teaches that Atman (individual soul) and Brahman (universal reality) are non-different. The perceived duality is Maya (illusion).
  • Statement 2: Incorrect. While Shankaracharya emphasized Jnana (knowledge) as the direct path to Moksha, he did not reject Bhakti. In fact, he acknowledged Bhakti (devotion) as a valid and supportive spiritual practice, particularly for those not yet ready for the path of knowledge.
  • Statement 3: Correct. To ensure the revival and preservation of Sanatana Dharma, he established four mathas (monastic centers) in the four cardinal directions of India:
    • Sringeri in the South
    • Dwarka in the West
    • Puri in the East
    • Badrinath in the North

Source– TH

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