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U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2006

Institutionalizing Advaita

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Where are the four monasteries established by Adi 'Shankaracharya' situated?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept To unify the diverse religious practices of India and propagate Advaita Vedanta, Adi Shankara established four primary monastic centers (Amnaya Mathas) at the cardinal directions.

Explanation The four centers are: 1. Joshimath (North - Jyotir Math), 2. Dwarka (West - Sharada Math), 3. Puri (East - Govardhan Math), and 4. Sringeri (South - Sharada Peetham).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct as it lists the canonical four sites established for the four Vedas.
Logic 2: Prayaga (A, B) and Varanasi (D) are major pilgrimage centers but do not house one of the four original Amnaya Mathas established by Shankara.

Active Recall

Question

Which Veda is associated with the Sringeri Matha?

Answer

The Sringeri Sharada Peetham in the South is traditionally associated with the Yajur Veda.

Core Insight

The strategic geographical placement of these mathas at the four ends of the subcontinent helped create a sense of national spiritual unity in ancient India.

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