Kalady - the birthplace of Adi Shankara

Kalady, the small town in the Indian state of Kerala, located on the banks of the river Periyar, is the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, the great reformer of Hinduism. 

There are two versions of the period of Adi Shankara. Some claim that his period is 2500 years, whereas others argue that he belonged to the 8th century AD. Similarly, there are disputes about where he attained samadhi. However, there is no dispute about his birthplace. Adi Shankaracharya was born in a Namboodhiri family in Kalady.

Sharada temple is an important site at Kalady. Sharada is the main Goddess for Sringeri Shankara Mutt. Sringeri Mutt is administering this temple. 

The Goddess is sitting posture with four arms. Near the shrine of Sharada, there are a few icons such as Brahmi, Varahi, etc. The temple also houses the samadhi of Aryambal, the mother of Adi Shankaracharya. A lamp, which is believed to be lit by Adi Shankaracharya, is also found near the samadhi. There are separate shrines of Adi Shankaracharya and Ganesha. 

The eight-story memorial of Adi Shankaracharya, called Adi Shankara Keerthi Sthamba Mandapam, is another tourist attraction of Kalady. 

Lord Krishna's temple is located near Sharada temple, which is believed to be the ancestral deity of Adi Shankaracharya. 

Happy travelling.

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