सौन्दर्यलहरी- Saundaryalahari

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Approximately 1200 years ago, Adi Sankara Bhagavatpada, a champion philosopher, noble saint, peerless mystic, and unparallelled poet Incarnated as the son of Sivaguru and Aryamba in Kalady, Kerala. During that period, the essence of Sanatana Dharma (what is referred to as Hinduism now) was lost. Instead, ancient India was sunk in a quagmire of degraded rituals, superstitions, and scriptural misinterpretations. Besides reordering, restructuring, and unifying the socio-religious chaos, Adi Sankara Bhagavatpåda expounded advaita (non-duality) philosophy that established Brahman as Pure Consciousness, the Infinite or Absolute Reality. According to advaito, the world is illusory with a relative existence, and the individual being is not different from Brahman (just as the essence of the wave is not different from that of the ocean).

Guru Adi Sankara Bhagavatpada's melodiously divine compositions as well as resplendently pulsating commentaries on all major scriptural texts continue to marvel and delight spiritual seekers everywhere. His insightful writings elucidate the subtle wisdom of Vedöntő in a way that ordinary people could understand. He traveled widely throughout India, and established monastaries to further propogate this timeless message. Among them, Daksinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham (Sringeri) was the first monastery established by Adi Sankara Bhagavatpada. Even a millennium plus years later, various monastaries and institutions throughout the world continue to venerate and spread His message. Within a short lifespan of 32 years, He accomplished what no one else did. Salutations to Guru Adi Sankara Bhagavatpada!

With the Divine Grace of Sri Sharadamba and the Blessings of Ubhaya Jagadgurus Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam, Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation (SVBF in USA), the first overseas affiliate of Sri Sharada Peetham Sringeri, is publishing - Saundaryalahari' on the auspicious occasion of Guru Poornima, 2023 SVBF, USA has been engaged in the spread of the cultural and philosophical aspects of our Sanatana Dharma. It is pleasing to note that under the auspices of the institution, another valuable offering is being made through this publication.

The significance of Saundaryalahari authored by Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya will be evident to the reader as this publication provides a comprehensive understanding of this sacred hymn in English along with a lucid description in Sanskrit.

Dr. Jyotsna Kalavar, an ardent devotee and, has worked on this publication displaying an exceptional ability to elucidate lucidly the intricate meanings of this beautiful work, dedicated to the Divine Mother. Dr. Kalavar has added a description of the grammatical aspects of the Sanskrit words contained in Saundaryalahari. Her efforts make this publication a treasure for the Sanskrit literate as well as a must-have for anyone trying to comprehend this inimitable work of devotion penned by Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

SVBF's support and dedication to publishing such invaluable works have allowed the broader audience to access the profound teachings of the Jagadguru. Its commitment to disseminating spiritual knowledge across borders and cultures is commendable, and it is through such efforts that the knowledge and wisdom contained in our Dharma reach and inspire countless individuals.

Invoking the grace of Sri Sharadamba and Their Holinesses, may this publication inspire and awaken within every reader a renewed reverence for the divine and a deeper understanding of the devotional and mystical realm of Saundaryalahari.