The enchanting pilgrim centre of Sringeri is more than just a place of pilgrimage - it is a place from where the pilgrim returns with a sense of fulfilment and spiritual renewal. From the time the great saint philosopher Adi Sankara founded the first of his four maths (the others being Badrinath, Dwaraka and Puri) in this charming spot washed by River Tunga's holy waters, Sringeri has acquired immense importance as a pilgrim centre.
Thousands of devotees visit the place seeking peace and spiritual bliss. The town boasts of over 40 temples, most of which are housed in private homes of the residents. However, the most celebrated among the temples are the Sri Sharada Temple and the Sri Vidyashankara Temple. Although the latter is a unique structure of outstanding architectural beauty, it is the Sri Sharada Temple that is better known and attracts devotees.
Sri Sharadamba, the presiding deity of Sringeri, is associated in popular imagination with Goddess Saraswathi, the goddess of learning and arts, even as some scholars opine that she has a separate identity. The temple is associated with Sringeri math, a celebrated institution since the times of Vidyaranya.
The Vidyashankara Temple, built over the mortal remains of Vidyathirtha, the teacher of Vidyaranya (mentor of the early Vijayanagar king), is an imposing granite structure located amidst picturesque surroundings on the banks of River Tunga. Perched atop a hillock is the less visited Shiva temple of Bettada Sri Malahanikareswara, popularly known as Sri Mallikarjuna, reputed to be as old as the Ramayana itself. Inside the sanctum is the large black-stone Shivalinga, believed to be swayam udbhava. The temple hall rests on carved decorated pillars. Guru Nivas, across the river, is the dwelling place of the present Jagadguru H H Bharati Thirtha.
The Sharada Temple, an ordinary structure till 1906, underwent renovation before it became the present, elegant granite structure, with the original sanctum surrounded by an ambulatory passage, vestibule and an open, spacious central hall with three entrances. It has an impressive gopuram built in the Dravidian style. There are two smaller idols, the utsava murthis, one in silver and the other in bronze.
The Vidyashankara Temple, built in 1356 AD, is remarkable for its architectural elegance and sculptural grandeur, and is a blend of Hoysala, Vijayanagar and Dravidian styles. The twelve pillars in the hall represent the zodiac signs on which the Sun's rays fall according to the order of the solar months, a marvellous synthesis of architecture and astronomy. A guide could prove useful in pointing out the various interesting aspects of the temple.
Sringeri is a small town and it's easy to cover distances. The Sharada Temple, the Vidyashankara Temple and the Guru Nivas are at a walkable distance from the bazaar and the bus station. The Mallikarjuna Temple can be reached either by a flight of steps or by road. A few other temples in the surrounding areas can easily be covered in a day by engaging an autorickshaw. Sringeri is well connected by bus to Bangalore and a few other major cities. Guest houses of the math are available for stay on payment. There are a few private lodges too. Food is no problem as there are a number of restaurants and eating joints that offer simple vegetarian meals and snacks. The temple also serves free food to devotees in a huge, airy and clean dining hall.
