Adi Shankaracharya Ashrama, Kaladi

The Sri Adi Shankaracharya Ashramam is a peaceful and spiritual retreat situated in Kaladi or Kalady in Ernakulam district of Kerala. This town is known as the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya. The ashramam is situated close to the Periyar river which is surrounded by nature, and offers a peaceful setting for prayer, meditation, and study.

This ashramam includes shrines, quarters for saints and seating spaces. It was built in traditional South Indian style and maintains a devotional atmosphere. Many devotees and tourists visit the ashramam to explore the life and teachings of Adi Shankaracharya. 

Significance

The birthplace Kaladi was unknown until the early 20th century. The 33rd spiritual leader of Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Jagadguru Sri Sachchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharathi formally identified Kaladi as Shankaracharya's birthplace in the year 1910.

He then initiated the consturction of two temples here out of which one is dedicated to Shankaracharya and the other to Goddess Saradamba. These temples were built on Magha Shukla Dwadasi in 1910 under the guidance of Sri Narasimha Bharati.

In 1927, a guest house for pilgrims along with colleges and a Sanskrit University were built. Today, the ashramam complex houses the Adi Shankara Keerthi Sthambam, a tall memorial pillar built in 1978 by Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham to honor Shankaracharya. 

How To Reach

Kaladi bus stand is the nearest stop from the ashramam and you can take a local auto or taxi to reach the ashramam from bus stand.