Birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya likely to become a national monument

Thiruvananthapuram: The birthplace of Indian Vedic scholar and teacher Adi Shankaracharya in Kalady is likely to be declared as a monument of national importance. Tarun Vijay, chairman of the National Monuments Authority, which falls under the Ministry of Culture, approached Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan expressing their intent to take over the monument in Kalady. 

The Raj Bhavan has shared this development with the Kerala government and sought a report from the State Department of Culture. The stand of the state is also crucial in the case. 

Kalady was redefined as the birthplace of Adi Shankara in the 19th century. The initiative was taken by the Sringeri Mutt. Currently, there is a temple established in Kalady at his birthplace. The Adi Shankara Stupa, built-in 1978, is famous for the Kanchi Mutt built-in memory of Shankaracharya at Kalady. The stupa is 152 feet high and has walls painted with the various phases of Adi Shankara's lifetime.

The birthplace on the banks of the Periyar is steeped in the myths and beliefs associated with his life.