[Advaita-l] The pada called *bhagavatpAda*

[Venkata sriram P]

Pujya sadAji,
 
A small correction:
 
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Shankarāchārya is called Bhagavadpādaha and not Bhagavadshiraha.
 
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Here, the word pAda doesn't imply the feet.  Scholars are addressed with respect 
in those days as bhagavAn / pAda etc.  Shri Abhinava Gupta of Kashmir was
respectfully addressed as *abhinava gupta pAda*.  Similarly, mimAmsakAs
were respectfully addressed as *bhATTa pAda*.  
 
On the similar lines, Sankara was addressed with respect and adored sometimes
as *bhagavAn* and sometimes addressed as *pAda*.
 
So, bhagavan+pAda became *bhagavatpAda*.  It is a mark of respect shown to scholars.
 
Nothing associated with feet of puruSa.
 
regs,
sriram