Name the Guru of Advaita Philosopher Adi Shankaracharya:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:

Adi Shankaracharya (c. 8th century CE) is one of the most pivotal figures in the history of Hinduism, renowned for consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta (non-duality). His spiritual journey and philosophical authority stemmed directly from his master, Govinda Bhagvatpada. Govinda Bhagvatpada was himself a disciple of Gaudapadacharya, establishing a lineage (Guru-Parampara) crucial to Advaita. Shankaracharya received initiation into Sannyasa and profound instruction in the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita from Govinda Bhagvatpada, enabling him to later travel across India, establish four major *mathas* (monasteries), and revitalize the Advaita tradition through his extensive commentaries.

The incorrect option is 1 (Vitthala): Vitthala is a form of the Hindu god Vishnu, particularly revered in the Varkari tradition of Maharashtra. He is not historically associated as the direct spiritual teacher of Adi Shankaracharya.

The incorrect option is 2 (Shukadev): Shukadev (or Shuka) is a revered sage in Hindu texts, traditionally known as the narrator of the *Bhagavata Purana* and the son of Vyasa. He lived in a much earlier era and was not Shankaracharya's Guru.

The incorrect option is 3 (Gaudapadacharya): Gaudapadacharya was a highly influential philosopher and author of the *Mandukya Karika*. While he was the guru of Govinda Bhagvatpada, making him Shankaracharya's *Paramaguru* (great-guru), he was not Shankaracharya's direct teacher.