Teachers in Hinduism

                                                                          Adi Shankara

Born -Kaladi (now Ernakulam  District, Kerala)
His Guru - Govinda Bagavatpada
Doctrine - Advaitha Vedanta
Works - Copious commentaries (Bhasya)  on  Brahma Sutra, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita and
 many Prakarana Granthas (philosophical treatises).

All the monks in India trace their spiritual lineage to a common guru, Adi (the first) Shankaracharya. 'Acharya' means  religious teacher. Sage Anathagiri gives the dates of Adi Shankara from 44-12 B.C. whereas Western historians assigns 8-9 century A.D.

The title Shankaracharya , then headed the unbroken lineage of venerable teachers.

He was the first to establish the monastic life. His 4 disciples are :-
1. Suresvara
2. Padmapada
3. Hastamalaka
4. Totaka

He then, founded 4 mathas to help the historical development, revival and spread of Advaita Vedanta through his disciples (achariyas) and their lineage, respectively.

1. Saradha peetham, Sringeri
2. Govarthanamath, Puri
4. Dvaraka pitha
5. Jothirmath

Till now, many monks make up the Swami Order, take vows of poverty (non-attachment to possessions), chastity and obedience from men who themselves are swamis. They are the one who contribute to the unbroken lineage of Hindu teachers with their ideal selfless service to all mankind.

There are 10 sub divisions (dasanamis) of Swami Order:-

1. Giri (mountain)
2. Sagara (sea)
3. Bharathi (land)
4. Puri (tract)
5. Saraswati (nature of wisdom)
6. Thirtha (place of pilgrimage)
7. Aranya (forest)
8. Vana
9. Parvatha
10. Asrama

For example Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda Giri, Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri, Swami Barathi Thirtha Sringeri

A Hindu swami's monastic name usually ends with ananda (supreme bliss). It  signifies their aspiration to attain emancipation (the one who seeks to achieve union with the Swa or Self).