Sringeri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthana Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peeta -(Sri Sharadamba Temple)

Address

Sringeri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthana Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peeta –

(Sri Sharadamba Temple), 

Sringeri,

Karnataka 577139

Amman

Sharada Devi (Saraswati)

Introduction

Location and History:

• Situated in Sringeri, Karnataka, Sri Sharadamba Temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.
• The temple was founded in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya.
• Initially housed a sandalwood statue of Sharadamba in a standing posture, which was later replaced by a seated gold statue in the 14th century during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire and the guidance of Sri Vidyaranya (12th Jagadguru).

Puranic Significance:

• Sringeri is believed to be the place where Sage Rishyasringa, son of Vibhandakamuni, did severe penance, which led to the name Sringeri.
• The temple commemorates the incident where Adi Shankaracharya envisioned the location as the holiest, marked by the sculpture Kappe Shankara (depicting a snake shielding a pregnant frog from the sun).
• This location is where Adi Shankaracharya established one of the four major mutts.

Beliefs:

• Goddess Sharadambika is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati, who manifested as Ubhaya Bharathi.
• Worshipping Sharadambika is believed to grant blessings from Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu, Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Rituals:

• The ritual of Aksharabhyasa (beginning of education) is a key tradition, where parents offer a slate or rice plate to invoke the blessings of the goddess and the guru for their children’s education.

Special Features:

• The Chandramouleeshwara Linga, a crystal Linga gifted by Lord Shiva to Adi Shankaracharya, is an important aspect of the temple. The Chandramouleeshwara Pooja is performed every Friday night at 8:30 PM.
• Sringeri is home to over 40 temples, with notable ones including:
  • Malahanikareshwara Temple (on Mallappa Betta)
  • Sri Vidyashankara Temple
  • Bhavani Temple, Sthambha Ganapati, Janardhana Temple, Harihara Temple, Kalabhairava Temple, and Durga Temple.
• The Brindavana of past Jagadgurus at the Narasimha Vana is also a significant site.

Festivals:

• Sringeri is famous for its Navaratri celebrations, which take place annually at the Sri Sharadamba Temple.
• The Chariot Festival is celebrated in February or March.
• The temple complex also houses a library, a Vedic school, a shrine for Adi Shankara, and other facilities of the Sharada Peetha (seat of learning).

Cultural and Educational Significance:

• The temple and its surrounding structures are central to Sringeri’s cultural heritage, making it a hub of spiritual and educational activities.
• The temple is closely associated with the Sringeri Math (monastic institution), which plays a significant role in the preservation of Vedic traditions and practices.

Century/Period

1500 Years old

Nearest Bus Station

Sringeri

Nearest Railway Station

Barkur Station

Nearest Airport

Mangalore (IXE)

Location on Map

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