Sri Adi Shankaracharya Sri Sharada Lakshminarasimha Peeta – Karnataka

Address

Sri Adi Shankaracharya Sri Sharada Lakshminarasimha Peeta – Karnataka

Hariharapura, Koppa Taluk, Chickmagalur District,

Karnataka – 577120

India.

Moolavar

Lakshminarasimha

Amman

Sri Sharadamba

Introduction

Location

• Sri Adishankaracharya Sharada Lakshmi Narasimha Peetam is a prominent Vishnu temple located in Hariharapura, a small village in Karnataka, approximately 20 kilometers from Sringeri.
• The temple is set on the banks of the River Tunga and is renowned for its association with Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have established it. The temple is over 1500 years old and is dedicated to Lord Narasimha.
• There is also a shrine for Sri Sharadamba, the Goddess of knowledge, which was installed by Adi Shankaracharya.

Puranic and Historical Significance:

• Historical Connections: The area was ruled by Vijayanagara King Harihara Maharaya, who recognized the significance of the Sharada Lakshmi Narasimha Peetam and contributed to its growth by gifting lands to the mutt.
• Skanda Purana: According to the Skanda Purana (Sahyadri Kaanda), Hariharapura is where Lord Daksha Prajapathi performed his great Yajna (Sacrifice). From the Yajna Kunda, Lord Parama Shiva appeared as Dakshahara Someshwara, blessing all beings. This is why the area is known as Yaga Bhoomi, a sacred site for performing rituals like Homas, Havanas, and Yajnas.
• Sage Agasthya’s Penance: The site later became a Tapo Bhoomi when Sage Agasthya meditated here and performed penance. He worshipped a Lakshminarasimha Saligrama, which remains in the main shrine today.
• Jnana Bhoomi: The site transitioned into a land of wisdom when Adi Shankaracharya consecrated the idol of Sharada Parameshwari (Goddess of knowledge) and established the Sri Chakra Yantra. He also initiated Sri Swayamprakasha Krishna Yogendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji with mantra diksha, marking it as a center of spiritual knowledge.
• Vijayanagara Empire: Under the rule of Harihara Raya, the area saw the construction of an Agrahara and the gifting of several villages to the mutt. This is when the area came to be known as Hariharapura.

Special Features and Significance:

• Triad of Sacred Grounds: Hariharapura is considered a triangle of spiritual significance: Yaga Bhoomi, Tapo Bhoomi, and Jnana Bhoomi. The temple houses shrines dedicated to Kailaseshwara, Lakshiminarasimha, and Sharada Parameshwari.
• Sharada Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple: The main temple, dedicated to Sharada Lakshmi Narasimha, has a beautiful shrine to Sri Sharadamba, the Goddess of wisdom. Initially made of wood, the shrine is now a magnificent stone structure adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
• Devotional Impact: The enchanting presence of Sri Sharadamba within the sanctum, with her affectionate, motherly gaze, inspires peace and serenity in the hearts of devotees, dispelling worldly fears and providing solace.

Cultural and Architectural Significance:

• The temple’s architecture reflects traditional stone carvings and sculptural grandeur, showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient temple builders.
• The proximity to the holy Tunga River further enhances the sanctity of the site, making it a cherished place for spiritual practice and pilgrimage.

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

Hariharapura                                       

Nearest Railway Station

Shimoga Station

Nearest Airport

Mangalore

Location on Map

lightuptemple