Indian philosopher and mystic, the great proponent of the Advaita Vedanta doctrine. Generally accepted as living in from 788 CE - 820 CE, some historians place his birth over a millennia earlier.

Born a Brahmin in Kerala, India, Shankara's father died before he was initiated into student life at five. He showed tremendous intelligence as a student, and took discipleship under Govinda Bhagavatpada at a young age.

During his life, Shankara travelled a great deal, winning many debates against famous philosophers at the time. He wrote commentaries on all of the Vedas, and founded four monasteries, called Mathas, to guide the Hindu religion. In the north, east, south and west of the country, the monastery tradition continues to this day, with the lead representative called Shankaracharya, meaning 'the learned Shankara', as the original Shankara was known.