Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Where Divinity Reigns

Sringeri Sharada Peetham is one of the significant Hindu institutions established by Adi Shankaracharya over twelve centuries ago. It is located in Sringeri in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka on the banks of the Tunga River. The Peetha was established to preserve and spread the Advaita Vedanta philosophy or nondualism of Sanatana Dharma.

Sringeri Sharada Peetham. Source Sringeri Sharada Peetham

Sringeri Sharada Peetham History

The Sharada Peetham of Sringeri is rich in interesting historical accounts. It is the first of the four Amnaya Peethas, or the seats of learning, established to safeguard and spread the Vedic teachings. The place gets its name after the sage Maharshi Rishyashringa, who officiated the Putrakameshti Yagna for King Dasharatha. This resulted in the birth of Lord Rama and his brothers. Hence, Sringeri’s antiquity dates back even before the Ramayana. Furthermore, it is also a place sanctified by the penance of the great Maharshis.

The reason why Sri Adi Shankaracharya chose Sringeri as the first of his Amnaya Peethas is fascinating and holds great significance. After the dissolution of the non-Vedic practices, Sri Adi Shankara wanted to establish a seat of learning for Advaita Vedanta. When he reached Sringeri, he came upon an unusual sight of a cobra spreading its hood to safeguard a pregnant frog from the scorching sun. Awe-struck by the prevailing harmony amidst natural adversities in the place, Adi Shankara found Sringeri suitable to establish his first mutt. He further invoked the goddess of knowledge, Sri Sharadamba, and dedicated an idol to her.

The founding of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire is attributed to Jagadguru Sri Vidyaranya of the Sringeri Mutt. Over the years, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Peshwas, the Keladi rulers, and Travancore Rajas were all drawn towards the mutt.

The lineage of Gurus of Sringeri Sharada Peetham

Sri Adi Shankara appointed one of his disciples, Sri Sureshwaracharya, as the first Acharya, or preceptor, of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. Since then, the mutt has maintained a continuous spiritual lineage without interruption, which represents Adi Shankara himself. The present pontiff of the Sringeri mutt is Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswami, whose successor to be is Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Mahaswami.

Temples of Sringeri Mutt

There are two major temples of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. The first, built in the fourteenth century, is the Vidhyashankara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The second is that of Sharadamba (Saraswati), the goddess of knowledge and learning. In later years, a library, a Vedic school, and a shrine for Adi Shankara were built in the temple complex.

Temple and puja timings

Sharadamba temple: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Maha-Mangalarati: 10:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 7:30 PM
Other temples: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Guru darshan: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Chandramoulishwara Puja by Jagadguru: 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Fridays: 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM

The best time to visit Sringeri Sharada Mutt

The best time to visit Sringeri is during the winter months, from November to February. However, the weather would be chill though. Hence, pilgrims should carry warm clothes during this time. The summers are hot, and Sringeri experiences heavy rains during the monsoon. Pilgrims are requested to carry torches, as Sringeri is surrounded by forests. They should also carry umbrellas if visiting during the monsoon season.

How to reach Sringeri Sharada Peetham

By road

There are regular buses that ply to Sringeri from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Udupi, Shimoga, Hassan, Chikmagalur, Dharmasthala, Kollur and Koppa.

By train

There is no railway station in Sringeri. The nearest railway station to Sringeri is Udupi railway station, located approximately 79 km away. Pilgrims can also take a train to Shimoga. From Udupi or Shimoga, they can hire a cab or take a bus to Sringeri.

By air

The nearest airport to Sringeri is Mangalore, located approximately 105 km away. From there, pilgrims can hire a cab to Sringeri Sharada Peetham.

Where to stay?

There are guest houses near the Sringeri Sharada temple for pilgrims to stay provided by the Sringeri Sharada Mutt at a nominal cost. The mutt provides the accommodation on a first cum first basis. Pilgrims can also opt to stay in Udupi (81 km), Shimoga (96 km), or Mangalore (117 km) to visit the Sringeri Mutt.