History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Shri Vidyashankara Temple, Sringeri, Karnataka, India
The Vidyashankara located in the temple town of Sringeri in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka is beautifully carved temple with stones in memory of saint Vidyashankara. Sringeri is the place where Adi Shankaracharya had set up first Math out of four here in 8th century. The Vidyashankara temple is located near the Sharda peetham and on bank of river Tunga in Sringeri. Vidyashankara also known as Sri Vidya Tirtha was 10th Jagadgurus of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham or head of Math who was believed to be very popular and great saint. He had headed the Math for more than 100 years with very effectively and promote the Sanatan Dharma. Then another great head was the Sri Vidyaranya, 12th Mathadhikari of Sharda Peetham who had influenced a lot to Harihara and Bukka, brother who had founded the Vijayanagara empire. It is believed that Saint Vidyaranya had helped a lot in establishing of Vijayanagar empire and building the army which could stand against the Muslim invaders. It is said that saint Vidyaranaya influence the Harihara and Bukka to built this marvelous temple at the place of Samadhi of his Guru Sri Vidyashankara and which was constructed in year 1338. Currently this temple is managed and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India due to its architectural marvel.
This Sringeri was brought into prominence when once the saint Adi Shankaracharya was passing through the river near city then he observed an unusual sight which caught his attention. He saw that a pregnant frog was guarded from the heat by its natural enemy the serpent. This amazing incident made him wonder that this place is very special and hence decided to make first of the four mathas which he was going to set up in eight century. Then near the Sharda Math, Vidyashankara temple was built in the 14th century. The temple has a mix architecture of Hoysala, Chalukyas and Dravidian styles. The rings like architecture is one of the attractive carving skills which is magnificently done. The temple wall has the mirror image of the sculptures which will remind you of the Great Hampi.
The specialty of the temple is there are 12 pillars attributed to 12 sun signs present in astrology. The door is on the east side so the first rays of sun fall on one of the pillars and denotes which month is. There are so many precise cuts in the temples which strongly says that there were complicated tools which they took help to carve beautifully which today in presence we are unaware of. The walls have sculptures of various animals like lions, elephants and horses all around the bottom. The main deity in the temple is the Lord Shiva. On the left of the Shiva the Lord Ganpati resides while on the right Devi Durga resides. Shrines dedicated to Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara with their consorts placed in Garbhagriha. You can see the broken sandalwood idol of Sharadamba here which was believed to be installed in the Sharadamba temple by Adi Shankara. This idol was probably damaged during the Muslim invasion.
The scene of the serpent and the frog is also captured inside the small shrine on the bank of the river Tunga.
A lot of fishes come to the bank of the river, where the devotees feed them puffed rice, biscuits and flour.
The Vidyatirtha Rathotsava is greatly celebrated during the month of Kartika. The festival continues for seven days where thousands of devotees come to worship here. The Aradhana is performed for Vidyashankara on Shasti, Saptami and Ashtami. The Abhishek to the holy shrine is performed every day in the morning. The Navgraha puja is also held in this temple.
How to Reach Vidyashankara Temple, Sringeri, The Temple Town, Karnataka, India
Vidyashankara temple is located near Sharda Peetham in heart of temple town Sringeri, thus you can easily reach via personal or public transport. As Sringeri is major pilgrimage destination of Karnataka and home to one of the four main math of Sanatan Dharma, it is easily reachable via road, rail and air network. Nearest major railway station from Sringeri is in Udupi and Mangalore from where you can get train to all major station of India. You can get government and private vehicle from nearby cities to reach here by road. You can reach here via air connectivity easily as Mangalore airport is at just 110 km from Sringeri. Sringeri is located at 86 km from Chikmanglur, 108 km from Mangalore, 97 km from Shimoda, 140 from Birur, 318 km from Bangalore, 280 km from Hubli.
