Sringeri in Karnataka is a small scenic town located at the foothills of the Western Ghat mountains. It has the famous Sarada Peetham, the first of the Advaita study centers created by the sage Adi Shankaracharya. It also has many other centers of great religious significance to the Hindus. The ancient town derives its name from the nearby Risshasringa hill, named after the famed sage of the epic times. Located at the height of 672 meters from sea level, this Karnataka town with an extremely high literacy rate is a very popular destination for devotees and interested visitors.

The highlight of

Sringeri at Karnataka

is the temple of Saradamba temple. Moved by a scene when he saw a cobra protecting with its hood a frog in labor, Adi Sankacharya decided this place to be a veritable haven of peace on earth and decided to establish Goddess Sarada, the goddess of learning at this very place. That gave birth to the Saradamba temple and the adjacent Sarada Peetham, the seat of learning. Sringeri of Karnataka still continues in the tradition of the Krishna Yajur Veda. The head of the matha still continues as the head of the Smarta tradition of Indian philosophy. The head, who stills uses the appellation of Shankaracharya to his name is referred to as the Jagadguru or the master of he world.

The other major attraction of Karnataka's Sringeri is the Vidyashankara temple. It was built in the early days of the Vijayanagara empire for Vidyashankara, the religious leader whom the founders of the empire Harihara and Bukka considered as their preceptor. The temple bears clear signs of Hoysala architecture. Apart from these, there are many other places of religious significance in and around the town.

Last Updated on 6/30/2011

Karnataka Tourist Destinations