Sringeri Temple

Sringeri Sharada Peetham was established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. It is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Malnad hills, on the banks of the Tunga River. This place is named after the great Rishi Rishyashringa. This matha is one of the Advaita centers of authority. It holds authority over the Yajur Veda, especially Krishna Yajur Veda among Smarthas, i.e., followers of the Advaita School.

Sringeri Mutt is a rustic ancient temple with a lot of history attached to it. With a vibrant history and great religious significance attached to this iconic temple, the atmosphere of the temple brims with power, and at the same time, it emanates tranquillity and peace.

Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada was referred to as Jagadguru or the teacher of the world. Sringeri Mutt is the first of the four Amnaya Peethams, which means the throne of the Vedas, established over twelve centuries ago in honor of the sacred traditions of Santana Dharma. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, who is the Goddess of Knowledge. The setting of the Sringeri Mutt on the banks of a gently hustling river as the Western Ghats combined with the soft distant murmur of waterfalls.

History of Sringeri Temple

In the ancient traditional sources of the Shankara Vijaya, the Sringeri Matha is mentioned. Legend has it that twelve years were spent by Sri Shankaracharya at this place. It is believed that before Sri Shankara left for the North, he appointed Viswarupa, who was his disciple, to succeed him with the spiritual title of Sureshvaracharya. Ever since the 8th century, the Sringeri Matha has been recording history. Sri Guru Charitra, which was a 15th century Marathi work, comprises the lineage of gurus of this matha right up to Vidyaranya.

Another famous legend says that one day while Adi Shankaracharya was roaming around the banks of the Tunga River he spotted an unusual sight of a cobra spreading its hood to protect a pregnant frog against the sunlight. Seeing the kindness of the cobra towards his natural enemy, he was besieged and decided to build a temple on this unique yet pure land. The scenic town of Sringeri has some legends and historical temples to boast about primarily why the Sringeri Sharada Peetha is celebrated here. This place, also known as Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peetam, is one of the famous tourist attractions in Chikmagalur worth a visit.

Architecture of Sringeri Temple

Sringeri Sharada Peetham has been constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture in different phases. Built-in the shape of a square, the temple also has the main entrance. It is a three-storied tower with a porch standing on a tower structure without any pillars. These structures have single stories built within them. The glorious temple has small complexes constructed inside to serve its needs.

The main idol is a gold statue that is placed on a throne in a seated position. The stone and wooden works in the temple make the craftsmanship exceptional to look at. There is also a learning center for Vedic studies constructed near the temple complex.