Introduction:
When there is peace,when there is war,when life torments,when life
is bountiful,when fortune smiles or when it doesn't, Sringeri is the
destination. A place so holy, scenic, peaceful, serene, a place founded by Adi
Shankaracharya (AD 788-820), who left an indelible impace of his impassioned intellect and
universality on Indian philosophy, poetry, science, ethics, intellectualism and humanism.
Sringeri is the Abode of Gods, the Abode of Acharyas, the
Abode of Intellectualism and Humanity, the Abode of Grace..........
Sringeri is located amidst the Sahyadri hills in Chikmaglur district of Karnataka
on the left bank of the river Tungabhadra. The place is said to have
been named after Rishyashringa who figures in the Ramayana as the chief priest at the
great sacrifice of King Dasharatha. Widely known for the Jagadguru Shankaracharaya Matha
of the Adwaitha School of philosophy, Sringeri also has an ancient temple of
Vidyashankara. Constructed on a picturesque spot parallel to the river Tunga, the temple
is fine example of artistic transition from Hoysala to Vijayanagara style.
Built around 1357 A.D., the imposing granite structure encloses friezes of elephants,
lions, dancers in various poses etc., and figures of various Hindu gods enshrined richly
with ornamental towers.
The 'garbha-griha' has a linga called Vidyashankara installed in the memory of Guru
Vidyatheertha. To the north of this temple is a more recent temple built by skilled
craftsmen of the 20th century and houses the highly venerated Sharadamba image.
The new temple is built in the Dravidian style. A small 14th century, temple of Janardhana
close by is attributed to the Vijayanagara period. Sringeri also has an old Jain Basadi
dedicated to Parshwanatha Theerthankara. |
