Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.1169

c9.1169

B. Maṇḍanamiśra defeated. When Śaṅkara reached Maṇḍanamiśra's house a ceremony connected with obsequies was being conducted there. The door for entry to the house was closed. Śaṅkara, by his yogic power entered the home and revealed the object of his visit to Maṇḍanamiśra, who agreed to the proposal of Śaṅkara. Accordingly a debate began between the two. Bhāratīdevī, wife of Maṇḍanamiśra and an erudite scholar in her own title acted as the arbiter in the discussion. Before the debate started she put a garland of flowers on the neck of both the contenders and announced that he would be considered as defeated in the debate the garland on whose neck began fading first. The debate continued for a number of days and the garland on Maṇḍanamiśra's neck began showing signs of fading. According to the terms and conditions of the debate Maṇḍanamiśra acknowledged defeat. He accepted Śaṅkara's discipleship.