ADI SHANKARACHARYA THE MAN WHO REVIVED SANATAN DHARMA.

Adi shankaracharya ~ The man who revived Sanatan dharma
When Hinduism was challenged by Buddhism,which had become a corrupt like any other religion over the centuries after its 'founding' , Adi Sankara (788-820 AD) reestablished Sanatana Dharma and reformed and reorganised the Hindu monastic tradition and gave cardinal directions to ensure continuity, reestablished four Matths (Monasteries)
(1) Sarada Math - Sringeri, Karnataka in the South, Divinity is Sakti Sarada.
(2) Kalika Math in Dwaraka, Gujarat in the West, Divinity is Bhadra Kali.
(3) Jyotir Math at Badarikashram, Uttarakhand in the North, Divinity Narayana.
(4) Govardhan Math, Puri, Orisha in the East, Divinity Lord Jagannath.

Assigned one of the four Vedas to each of the Maths (Monasteries) and Acharyas (heads of monasteries) continue to this day.
(1) Sarada Math with Yajur Veda.
(2) Dwaraka Peeth with Sama Veda.
(3) Jyotir Matha with Atharva Veda.
(4) Govardhan Matha is associated with Rig Veda.
Adi Sankara appointed four disciples at the four Mathas:
(1) Totakacharya in Joshimath.
(2) Hastamalakacharya in Puri.
(3) Padmapadacharya in Dwaraka.
(4) Sureshwaracharya in Sringeri.
Totakacharya had three disciples:
(1) Giri.
(2) Parvat.
(3) Sagar.
Hastamalakacharya had two disciples:
(1) Aranya.
(2) Vana.
Padmapadacharya had two disciples:
(1) Tirtha.
(2) Ashrama.
Sureshwaracharya had three disciples:
(1) Saraswati.
(2) Puri.
(3) Bharati.
Adi Sankara set up Dasnami Sampradaya (ten order of monks) called the "Paramahansa Parivrajakas".
Adi Sankara gave the monks saffron, a flame coloured robe, signifying the burning of all "Samskaras".
Adi Sankara created "Akharas", indestructible sects of Hinduism. These "Akharas" are armed camps to secure Sanatana Dharma both from internal disorder and external aggression.
The seven camps established by Sri Sankara are:
(1) Avahan.
(2) Atal.
(3) Mahanirvani.
(4) Anand.
(5) Niranjani.
(6) Juna.
(7) Agni
Adi Sankaracharya had knowledge of the Siddhas and established the Shakti Peethas throught the Bharatha Khanda to bring back stability in the land. The names are uttered in this sloka:
1. Lankayam Shankari devi, Kamakshi Kanchika pure /
Pradyumne Shrinkhala devi, Chamunda Krouncha pattane //
2. Alampure Jogulamba,Sri shaile Bhramarambika /
Kolha pure Maha lakshmi, Mahurye Ekaveerika //
3. Ujjainyam Maha kali, Peethikayam Puruhutika /
Odhyane Girija devi, Manikya Daksha vatike //
4. Hari kshetre Kama rupi, Prayage Madhaveshwari /
Jwalayam Vaishnavi devi, Gaya Mangalya gourika //
5. Varanasyam Vishalakshi, Kashmire tu Saraswati/
Ashtadasha Shakti peethani, Yoginamapi durlabham //
Sayamkale pathennityam, Sarva shatri vinashanam /
Sarva roga haram divyam, Sarva sampatkaram shubham// .