Friday, July 29 2005 10:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kalady (Kerala): President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam paid a visit to the birth place of saint philosopher Adi Sankara here this morning (July 29, 2005).

The house where Adi Sankara lived about 1200 years ago, is now a temple, Adi Sankara Janmabhoomi temple and is administered by the Sringeri Mutt.

The President on his arrival this morning (July 29, 2005) was received with 'Poornakumbha' by the Mutt Administrator V R Gouri Shankar and other officials.

He participated in poojas performed before Goddess Shardamba and Lord Ganesh and was offered prasadam by the temple officials.

The President also paid respects at the samadhi of Aryamba, mother of the Adi Sankara.

Kalam was presented with a shawl and memento blessed by the Sankaracharya of Sringeri, Sree Sree Bharata Teertha Maha Swamigal.

He also visited Muthula Kadavu, a revered spot on the river bank near the Mutt, which has recently been renovated.

According to legend, the 33rd Pontiff of Sringeri, Sri Sachidananda Shiva Abinava Narasimha Bharati, located this place with the help of scholars.

The then Maharajah of Travancore, Sree Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, offered the land and Rs 10,000 to the Mutt to set up the temple at the birthplace of Adi Sankara, Mutt sources said. The temple was built and Kumbhabishekam performed on February 21, 1910.