Exploring Saundaryalaharī by Ādi Śaṅkaracārya as a Reflection of Vedāntic and Śākta Tantric Inquiry
Abhik Ganguly, Prerna Malhotra
The Criterion An International Journal in English August 31, 2026 DOI: 10.66376/criterion.v17.n4.38 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Saundaryalaharī reflects a hermeneutic tradition where devotion and nondualism complement each other, revealing a Śākta inflection within Advaita where the Goddess is Brahman as manifest Śakti. |
Abstract
Saundaryalaharī, the hundred-verse hymn, is traditionally attributed to Ādi Śaṅkaracārya.At the intersection of Śākta Tantra and Advaita Vedānta, a unique position is occupied by this hymn.This hymn extols the Divine Mother as dynamic Śakti, without which Śiva is inactive.Simultaneously, Nirguna Brahman as the Ultimate Reality is upheld by Advaita Vedānta.Ānanda Lahari, the first section of the hymn, lays an emphasis on Tantric ritual praxis, and Saundarya Lahari, the second section of the hymn, is a blend of devotional poetics with śṛṅgāra rasa that turns aesthetic contemplation into spiritual practice.The bliss of consciousness is expressed in her beauty.This study through a close textual study of selected verses argues that this hymn is reflective of the broader hermeneutic tradition where devotion and nondualism become complementary.Ādi Śaṅkaracārya's Saundaryalaharī reveals a Śākta inflexion within Advaita, where the Goddess is verily Brahman herself as manifest Śakti.