Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest philosophers and spiritual leaders of ancient India, dedicated his life to restoring the principles of Sanatana Dharma and countering other practices that were prevalent at the time. Among his many encounters, one significant event involved a debate with a brilliant scholar named Amarasimha, who belonged to the Jain religion.
Amarasimha, aware of Adi Shankara’s intellectual prowess, proposed a unique condition for their debate—he would answer all of Adi Shankara’s questions from behind a screen. Adi Shankara agreed, not thinking much of this peculiar condition.
As the debate commenced, Amarasimha, hidden behind the screen, responded to each of Adi Shankara’s questions with remarkable accuracy and insight. Adi Shankara, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva (Dakshinamoorty), was initially surprised by Amarasimha’s deep knowledge and ability to answer even the most challenging queries. However, with his divine intuition, Adi Shankara soon realized that it was not Amarasimha who was answering the questions, but Devi Saraswati herself, the goddess of knowledge.
The Power of True Worship
Although Amarasimha’s Jain practice did not involve deity worship, he had secretly worshipped Devi Saraswati with great devotion to enhance his intellectual abilities and ensure the success of his writings, which often criticized Sanatana Dharma. Recognizing his sincere devotion, Devi Saraswati agreed to help him in the debate by answering Adi Shankara’s questions.
When Adi Shankara realized that it was Devi Saraswati assisting Amarasimha, he addressed the goddess directly: “Oh Mother! Are you helping Amarasimha, who has written books condemning Sanatana Dharma? You have honored his devotion and helped him until now, but that is enough.”
Upon hearing this, Devi Saraswati, respecting Adi Shankara’s wish, disappeared from the scene, causing the screen to fall apart. Deprived of the divine assistance, Amarasimha could no longer keep up with the debate and was easily defeated by Adi Shankara. Humbled, he accepted his defeat.
The Preservation of Knowledge
After his defeat, Amarasimha, filled with remorse, began burning all the books he had written against Sanatana Dharma. Adi Shankara, realizing the value of preserving knowledge, intervened to stop him. Although many books were destroyed, Adi Shankara managed to save one—Amarasimha’s Sanskrit book, which came to be known as the Amarakosha. This work became a crucial reference for Sanskrit scholars and is revered as a Sanskrit dictionary to this day.
Conclusion
This story highlights the profound connection between Adi Shankaracharya and Devi Saraswati, underscoring the importance of divine grace in the revival and preservation of Sanatana Dharma. It also illustrates the power of sincere devotion, as even someone who initially opposed the dharma could receive the goddess’s blessings due to his unwavering faith.
Hara Hara Shankara Jaya Jaya Shankara! Jai Shaaradha Jai Vaani Jai Saraswati!
