Amaru: When Adi Sankara had to Learn the Art of Love

The epochal debate between Jagadguru Adi Sankara and the erudite Mimansakaraka couple, Mandana Mishrra and Ubhaya Bharati of ancient Mahishmati, is a fascinating account, told many times. With his astounding commitment to truth, Adi Sankara had to undergo transmigration to seek out knowledge on the householder’s way of love and relationship, to eventually win the debate.

Amaru by Shobana Ravi recreates the tale of that transmigration. How did it all unfold? What were the consequences? How did it impact the family of the dead king resurrected to life? How did Sankara’s disciples prevent their Master’s body from being consigned to flames, while awaiting his return? Amaru takes you to that tumultuous time in history, visualizing the events as they may have transpired.

Partly fictional, Amaru stays close to the events recorded in Sankara Digvijaya by Madhava-Vidyaranya, presenting the Bharat of then—soaked in culture, splendour and a passion for learning, while valorously keeping invaders at bay—spanning the magnificent Karkota dynasty, the sacred Sharada Peetham, the scholarly Nalanda, and much more. In an exhilarating sweep, Amaru brings it all alive vividly—philosophical discussions, emotional upheavals and civilizational history—an action and intellectual thriller that is a page turner.