In one corner of the temple’s parikrama is a statue of Shankara, seated on a pedestal, with his four principal disciples sitting at his feet. In this statue, Shankara’s face is depicted with startling clarity, and with features quite different to his standard portrayal. His face, outlined with a saffron cloak around his shaven head, has well delineated eyes, a prominent nose and clearly outlined lips with the suggestion of a beatific smile that simultaneously conveys realism and a deep sense of spirituality and vairagya or detachment.
