Adi Shankaracharya Quiz Questions And Answers

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| By Abhilash R
Abhilash R, Blogger & Writer
Abhilash R - Hindu blogger and writer, passionate about sharing insights into Hinduism and spirituality through the power of words.
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Adi Shankaracharya Quiz Questions And Answers - Quiz

Have you ever heard about the great Indian Vedic scholar Adi Shankaracharya? If so, take this quiz based on his personal life and test your knowledge of him. Adi Shankaracharya was an Indian philosopher, an intellectual giant, a genius of linguistics, and above everything, he was considered India's pride. The following quiz asks questions related to his great work. Do you think you can answer them all? Play it out and learn some amazing things about Sri Adi Shankaracharya.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Which of the following was a key philosophical contribution of Adi Shankaracharya that distinguishes his Advaita Vedanta from other schools of Indian philosophy?

    • A.

      The concept of Vishishtadvaita, where the soul and God are distinct but inseparable

    • B.

      The dualistic interpretation of the Upanishads, emphasizing the separation of the soul and God

    • C.

      The doctrine of "Maya," which posits that the world is an illusion and only Brahman is real

    • D.

      The promotion of Bhakti as the sole path to liberation

    Correct Answer
    B. The dualistic interpretation of the Upanishads, empHasizing the separation of the soul and God
    Explanation
    Adi Shankaracharya's key philosophical contribution in Advaita Vedanta is the doctrine of "Maya," which asserts that the material world is an illusion and only Brahman, the supreme, formless, and unchanging reality, is true. This non-dualistic philosophy contrasts with other schools such as Vishishtadvaita, which acknowledges the distinction between the soul and God, and Bhakti movements that emphasize devotion as the primary path to liberation.

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  • 2. 

    Adi Shankaracharya is believed to be an incarnation of

    • A.

      Hanuman

    • B.

      Ganesha

    • C.

      Shiva

    • D.

      Vishnu

    Correct Answer
    C. Shiva
    Explanation
    Adi Shankaracharya is believed to be an incarnation of Shiva because he was a prominent Hindu philosopher and theologian who played a significant role in the revival of Hinduism. Shankaracharya's teachings and writings were focused on the worship and devotion of Lord Shiva, which further solidifies the belief that he was an incarnation of Shiva. Additionally, Shankaracharya's life and works were deeply rooted in Shaivism, a sect of Hinduism dedicated to the worship of Shiva, further supporting the belief that he was an incarnation of Shiva.

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  • 3. 

    Adi Shankara took Sanyasa at the age of

    • A.

      8

    • B.

      12

    • C.

      14

    • D.

      18

    Correct Answer
    A. 8
  • 4. 

    Shankara’s mother did not want him to take up Sanyasa which incident made his mother change the decision…

    • A.

      Shankara falling ill and allowed him to take Sanyasa as a cure

    • B.

      A crocodile caught hold of the leg of Shankara and released the leg only when the mother agreed to Shankara taking Sanyasa

    • C.

      Shiva came in dream and ordered

    • D.

      Shankracharya performed miracles

    Correct Answer
    B. A crocodile caught hold of the leg of Shankara and released the leg only when the mother agreed to Shankara taking Sanyasa
    Explanation
    When Shankara's mother initially did not want him to take up Sanyasa, a crocodile caught hold of Shankara's leg. The crocodile only released his leg when Shankara's mother agreed to his decision of taking Sanyasa. This incident likely made his mother change her decision as she saw it as a sign or divine intervention, realizing that it was necessary for Shankara's well-being and spiritual journey.

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  • 5. 

    Guru of Adi Shankaracharya

    • A.

      Govindapada

    • B.

      Gaudapada

    • C.

      No Guru

    • D.

      Dattatreya

    Correct Answer
    A. Govindapada
    Explanation
    Govindapada is considered to be the guru of Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya was a renowned philosopher and theologian who played a significant role in the revival of Hinduism. Govindapada was the teacher of Shankaracharya's teacher, Gaudapada, who in turn taught Shankaracharya. Therefore, Govindapada is the correct answer as he is the guru in the lineage of Adi Shankaracharya.

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  • 6. 

    Which among the following text was composed by Adi Shankaracharya

    • A.

      Ramayana

    • B.

      Yoga Vasishta

    • C.

      Vivekachudamani

    • D.

      Uddava Gita

    Correct Answer
    C. Vivekachudamani
    Explanation
    Vivekachudamani is a philosophical text that was composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It is a renowned work in Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy. The text explores the concept of self-realization and emphasizes the importance of discrimination between the eternal and the temporary. Adi Shankaracharya, a prominent Indian philosopher and theologian, is known for his profound contributions to Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Therefore, Vivekachudamani is the correct answer as it was written by Adi Shankaracharya.

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  • 7. 

    Dakshinamurti Stotra of Adi Shankara is addressed to

    • A.

      Ganesha

    • B.

      Shiva

    • C.

      Vishnu

    • D.

      Devi

    Correct Answer
    B. Shiva
    Explanation
    The Dakshinamurti Stotra of Adi Shankara is addressed to Shiva. This stotra is a hymn that praises and worships Shiva as the supreme teacher and embodiment of knowledge. It is a devotional composition that seeks blessings and guidance from Shiva in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and liberation. The stotra highlights Shiva's role as the ultimate guru who imparts wisdom and dispels ignorance. Therefore, the correct answer is Shiva.

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  • 8. 

    Bhaja Govindam was composed by Adi Shankara

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Bhaja Govindam is a devotional hymn composed by Adi Shankara, a renowned philosopher and theologian from ancient India. This hymn emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual knowledge and renouncing material attachments. Adi Shankara is widely regarded as the founder of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy and is credited with numerous works that have had a significant impact on Hinduism. Therefore, it is true that Bhaja Govindam was composed by Adi Shankara.

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  • 9. 

    Which of the following temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya

    • A.

      Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Kerala

    • B.

      Badrinath Temple

    • C.

      Kalighat Temple

    • D.

      Brihadheshwara Temple

    Correct Answer
    B. Badrinath Temple
    Explanation
    Badrinath Temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya. Adi Shankaracharya was a renowned Hindu philosopher and theologian who played a significant role in the revival of Hinduism during the 8th century. He established several temples across India, including the Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya discovered the idol of Lord Badrinarayan in the Alaknanda River and established the temple to enshrine it.

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  • 10. 

    Adi Shankaracharya meditated here

    • A.

      Sarvanja Peetam in Mookambika

    • B.

      Vivekananda Rock in Kannyakumari

    • C.

      Mount Abu

    • D.

      Kamakya Temple Guwahati

    Correct Answer
    A. Sarvanja Peetam in Mookambika
    Explanation
    The Sarvanja Peetam in Mookambika is believed to be the place where Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned philosopher and theologian, meditated. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with reviving and propagating Advaita Vedanta philosophy in India. Therefore, it is likely that the correct answer is Sarvanja Peetam in Mookambika, as it is associated with Adi Shankaracharya's meditation.

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  • 11. 

    Bharati, wife of Mandana Misra, attempted to defeat Adi Shankaracharya in debate by talking on the subject of

    • A.

      Ethics

    • B.

      Law

    • C.

      Science

    • D.

      Sex

    Correct Answer
    D. Sex
    Explanation
    Bharati, wife of Mandana Misra, attempted to defeat Adi Shankaracharya in debate by talking on the subject of sex. This topic was chosen to test Shankaracharya's knowledge and understanding of human desires and attachment, as well as his ability to maintain his celibacy and spiritual purity. By discussing sex, Bharati aimed to challenge Shankaracharya's beliefs and teachings, and potentially undermine his credibility as a spiritual leader.

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  • 12. 

    Sense of duality was removed completely from Adi Shankaracharya by

    • A.

      Sri Krishna

    • B.

      Ramanujacharya

    • C.

      Hanuman

    • D.

      Chandala

    Correct Answer
    D. Chandala
    Explanation
    Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned Hindu philosopher and theologian, was known for his teachings on Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. The Chandala, who belonged to the lowest caste in the Indian social hierarchy, is said to have approached Shankaracharya for spiritual guidance. Through their interaction, it is believed that Shankaracharya realized the true essence of non-duality, transcending societal boundaries and recognizing the inherent divinity in all beings. Therefore, the Chandala played a significant role in removing the sense of duality from Shankaracharya's consciousness.

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  • 13. 

    Shankaracharya did not establish a mutt here

    • A.

      Dwarka

    • B.

      Ujjain

    • C.

      Sringeri

    • D.

      Puri

    Correct Answer
    B. Ujjain
    Explanation
    Among the given options, Ujjain is the only place where Shankaracharya did not establish a mutt. A mutt is a monastery or religious institution associated with the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which was founded by Shankaracharya. While Shankaracharya established mutts in Dwarka, Sringeri, and Puri, there is no record of him establishing a mutt in Ujjain. Therefore, Ujjain is the correct answer.

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  • 14. 

    The core teaching of Shankaracharya is: Brahman alone is real. This world is ____. The Jiva is identical with Brahman.

    • A.

      Real

    • B.

      Unreal

    • C.

      Fake

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    B. Unreal
    Explanation
    The core teaching of Shankaracharya is that Brahman alone is real, while this world is unreal. According to Shankaracharya, the Jiva (individual self) is identical with Brahman. This means that the ultimate reality is Brahman, and the material world we perceive is illusory or unreal. Shankaracharya's philosophy emphasizes the concept of Advaita (non-dualism), stating that the individual self and the ultimate reality are ultimately one and the same. Therefore, the correct answer is "Unreal."

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  • 15. 

    Shankara did not write commentary of

    • A.

      Bhagavad Gita

    • B.

      Upanishads

    • C.

      Brahma Sutra

    • D.

      Ashtavakra Gita

    Correct Answer
    D. Ashtavakra Gita
    Explanation
    Shankara did not write a commentary on Ashtavakra Gita. While he is known for his commentaries on various philosophical texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Brahma Sutra, he did not provide a commentary on the Ashtavakra Gita. This text is a dialogue between the sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka, and it presents profound teachings on Advaita Vedanta. Although Shankara did not write a commentary on it, the Ashtavakra Gita remains highly regarded and has been commented upon by other scholars and spiritual teachers.

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  • 16. 

    Kanakadhara Stotram dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi was composed by Adi Shankaracharya.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The Kanakadhara Stotram is a hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned philosopher and theologian of ancient India. This hymn is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Adi Shankaracharya is widely regarded as the author of this devotional song, which is believed to be a powerful prayer for seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Therefore, the given statement is true.

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  • 17. 

    Hanuman Chalisa was compsed by Adi Shankara.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is incorrect. Hanuman Chalisa was actually composed by Tulsidas, a 16th-century poet and saint in India. Adi Shankara, on the other hand, was a philosopher and theologian who lived in the 8th century and is known for his Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

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  • 18. 

    Adi Shankara left the physical body at the age of

    • A.

      16

    • B.

      32

    • C.

      48

    • D.

      64

    Correct Answer
    B. 32
    Explanation
    Adi Shankara left his physical body at the age of 32. This information is not provided in the question, but it is a known fact about Adi Shankara's life.

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  • Current Version
  • Aug 15, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 25, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Abhilash R
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