Kaladi, birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya
Adi Shankaracharya Janmabhoomi Kshetram at Kaladi is an impressive structure. This houses the ashram as well. It is on the banks of Poorna river, also known as Periyar river. This complex also houses the samadhi of Aryamba, Adi Shankaracharya’s mother.
Kaladi
Kaladi, which means footprint in the local Malayalam language, is close to the international airport at Kochi. This was the place where Adi Shankaracharya spent his childhood. It was here that all the incredible stories of the brilliance of this child, who is credited to have revived Hindu faith, took place.
Rajasekara, a chieftain, whose dream was influenced by Hindu god Shiva, is believed to be the founder of Kalady. He also built a temple for Shiva at this place. There are two temples in the place — one for Saradamba and other for Shankara as Dakshinamurthi . Sringeri Mutt and Kanchi Mutt have their branches here. Furthermore, Sringeri Mutt runs a Sanskrit university here.
Kaladi is the birth place of the great humanitarian and philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya. It is blessed with several important temples, including shrines dedicated to Sri Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramakrishna.
Kaladi came to prominence only after its rediscovery in the late 19th century by the then Shankaracharya of Sringeri and the subsequent consecration of an Adi Shankara temple in 1910. Not far from this ashram is the sthoop, which houses an exhibition of prominent events from Adi Shankaracharya’s life, on the walls of its eight storied structure.
Crocodile Ghat
It is believed that the Sankaracharya was caught by a crocodile in Periyar river that refused to leave him until his mother let him accept Sanyas (renunciation). This location is called Crocodile Ghat.
Ramakrishna Mission
Not far from the ashram is Ramakrishna Mission which was again a beautiful structure and maintained very well. The main hall invites you to spend few quiet moments.
(source : visit in 2017, Wikipedia )
