Sringeri is renowned for the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, the first mutt established by the Hindu Guru Adi Shankaracharya. This famous Sringeri temple is the major reason why visitors from around the world put Sringeri on their bucket list.
The Sringeri Sharada Peetham includes two major temples, Vidya Shankara temple, and Sharada Amba temple.
Sharadamba temple was built in the 15th century and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The goddess of knowledge and arts in Hindu tradition, Saraswati is the presiding deity of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham.
According to legends, Adi Shankaracharya fashioned a sandalwood idol of the goddess which was later replaced by the one made of gold during the reign of the Vijayanagara empire.
Inside the temple, along with the shrine of Goddess Saraswati, there are two other shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Bhuvaneshvari.
Vidya Shankara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was constructed in the 14th century, The temple is an architectural marvel showcasing the splendid Dravidian, Chalukyan, Southern Indian and Vijayanagara architectural styles. There are numerous inscriptions inside the temple depicting the glorious past of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple was built in the memory of Guru Vidyashankara by his disciple Vidyaranya.
Vidyashankara temple is known for its unique architecture which is in line with astronomical concepts. There are 12 pillars inside the temple corresponding to the zodiac signs. They are constructed in such a way that the sun’s rays fall on each pillar in the exact order of the 12 months of the Hindu calendar.
The Tunga River's habitat comprises of large fish that bring swinging changes to the tones of the river's hue when they come up to the surface. While you witness this beautiful phenomenon, don't forget to feed the fish some puffed rice and fulfil your day's good deed.
The Sringeri Sharada Peetha or Matha is located South of the Sri Sharadamba temple, across the Tunga river, in Narasimha Vana.
A foot bridge, called Vidyatheertha Setu connects the two sides.
The Sringeri Sharada Peetha, is one of the four Hindu Advaita maths established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. It is said that the great Indian philosopher Adi Shankaracharya spent 12 years of his life in this region and decided to establish the first matha here when he saw something unusual.
According to the various ancient stories, one day while he was walking on the banks of the Tunga river, he saw a cobra protecting a pregnant frog from the scorching sun rays by spreading its hood. The incident left a deep impact on him because despite being the frog’s natural enemy, cobra protected her. This made him believe that this place is truly special and unique and hence decided to build the Sharada Peetham near the banks of Tunga.
The lunch and dinner served at the Mutt is a treat to the palate of every visitor. The efficiency and scale of operations are truly admirable.
Overall, a trip to the holy town of Sringeri is sure to immerse you in spiritual experiences. The monastery, numerous temples, and shrines of Sringeri beckon thousands of tourists every year for a spiritually stimulating trip
A visit to Sringeri, one of the holiest town in India, is an enriching and exhilarating experience.
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Quick Facts:
Opening Timing:
Sri Saradamba Temple
Morning Hours: 6:00 am - 2:00 pm
Evening Hours: 4:00 pm - 9:15 pm
Sri Vidyasankara Temple
Morning Hours: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Evening Hours: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Entry Fee : Free
Exploring Time : 02 hour (also depend on number of pilgrims inside temple)
Best Period to visit : October to March
How to Reach Sringeri
By Air: If you choose to travel by air, the nearest international airport is Mangalore International Airport which is about 100 kilometers away from the town. From here, you can easily get a private taxi or a bus to reach the city. Tourists from around the country, as well as Middle Eastern countries, can easily reach the town.
By Road: If you wish to visit the city via roadways, the best option is to go for the bus services that are available from major cities such as Chikmagalur, Mangalore, Bangalore, Udupi, Shimoga amongst others. The visitors have an option to opt for either the Government-owned buses or private buses that are operated regularly between these cities.
By Train: Udupi Railway Station is well connected with Chikmagalur and all the other major cities and towns. The station is located at a distance of 98 kilometers from Sringeri and is easily accessible from different parts of the country.
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Google Map Location:
Sri Sharada Peetham Sringeri: goo.gl/maps/F1QWepPgx3VyNGJM6
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Sound effects obtained from www.zapsplat.com
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