Sri Sureshwaracharya (श्री सुरेश्वराचार्य)

Bhaktamal | Sureshwara
Real name - Mandan Mishra
Other name - Shri Sureshvaracharya
Worshipped - Bhagwan Shiva
Guru - Adi Shankaracharya
Birth date - Ashwayuja Shukla Ekadashi, Vijayadashami
Languages: Sanskrit
Marital status - Unmarried
Famous - First Peethadheesh of Sringeri Sharada PeethamShri Sureshwaracharya was a renowned scholar and philosopher who played a vital role in the flourishing of Sanatana Vedic Dharma. He was one of the most prominent disciples of Adi Shankaracharya Bhagavadpadacharya who entrusted him with the responsibility of propagating Sanatana Dharma and Vedanta as the first Peethadhipati of Sringeri Sharada Peetham.

His meeting with Adi Shankaracharya led to an intense philosophical debate, after which he accepted Shankaracharya as his guru and became a monk and changed his name to Sureshwaracharya. Sri Sureshwaracharya, originally known as Mandana Mishra, is renowned for his significant contributions to Advaita Vedanta, particularly through his metrical commentaries or Vartikas on Shankaracharya's commentaries on the Taittireeya and Brihadaranyaka Upanishads. These works have earned him the title of "Vartikakar" in the Advaita tradition. The major philosophical writings of Sri Sureshvaracharya include Naishkarmya Siddhi, Vartika on Taittireeya Upanishad commentary, Vartika on Brihadaranyaka Upanishad commentary, Manasollasa, Panchikarana Vartika and Balakrida.

Sri Sureshwaracharya's works have played a key role in shaping Advaita Vedanta, providing clarity and depth to the teachings of his guru Adi Shankaracharya. His scholarly contributions continue to be studied and respected in Vedantic circles. Sri Sureshwaracharya's birth anniversary is celebrated on Ashwamedha Shukla Ekadasi, which is celebrated along with the Navaratri festival with special rituals and discourses at Sringeri.