Sringeri

Sringeri is the site of the first monastery established by Adi Shankaracharya, the Hindu theologian and exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, in the 8th century AD. It is situated on the banks of the River Tunga. Set amidst picturesque surroundings, you will feel like being in seventh heaven in Sringeri.

Location

Sringeri, one of the foremost Shakthi Sthalas of India, lies in the Western Ghats in Karnataka, 150 km from Mangalore and 336 km from Bangalore.

Best Time To Visit

For a Tour to Sringeri, the best time to visit is between the months of October and March.

History

Sri Shankaracharya discovered Sringeri at a time when the place was not inhabited by anyone. He saw a frog in labor protected from the blazing sunrays by a raised hood of a cobra. Sankara was greatly moved by the sight, and thus installed the Goddess of learning, Sri Sharada, at Sringeri.

Tourist Attractions

Make your Tour to Sringeri memorable by visiting these famous tourist places near Sringeri –

• Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham: One of the important Hindu Advaita Mutts, it is the first of the four original Mutts traditionally said to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya.
• Chenna Keshab temple: Built over a period of time, this temple’s architecture is elegant, particularly that of the outside walls.
• Sharadamba Temple: Dedicated to the Goddess of learning and wisdom, Sri Sharada, this temple has undergone several renovations over the years. The present structure was built in the traditional South Indian (Dravidian) style of temple architecture.
• Vidyasankara temple: Constructed by Vidyaranya in honor of the pontiff, the niches in the temple have a number of sculptures from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythologies.

Places around Sringeri

Explore the land of Sringeri, visiting the places around it, while on a Tour to Sringeri –

• Agumbe: This spectacular sunset point, 56 km away, is also known as the Cheerapunji of South India as it receives the highest rainfall in South India. This picturesque landscape is renowned for its glorious sunset.
• Jog Falls:One of the highest waterfalls in India, Jog Falls is situated 114 km away. It is formed by the Sharavathi River, gushing down from a height of 253 meters.
• Kudremukh:This isolated hill-station, famous for the Kudremukh National Park, overlooks the Arabian Sea and is linked with deep valleys and steep cliffs.
• Sringagiri hills:This hill is said to be the birth place of Sage Rishyasringa.

Fairs And Festivals

• Sarada Navrathri festival:This festival is consecrated to the Mother Goddess, worshipped as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The festival occurs in the beginning of the autumn (Sarad) season and is therefore special for Goddess Sarada.

How To Reach

Come on a Tour to Sringeri, using the following means of transport -

• By Air-The nearest airport is at Mangalore.
• By Rail -The nearest railway station is Birur on the Bangalore - Pune railroad.
• By Road -Sringeri is well-connected by a network of roads. There are buses to Sringeri from Chikmagalur, Hassan, Shimoga, Birur, Agumbe and other places in Karnataka.