ABOUT
The 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, Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Mahaswamiji.
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.