Sringeri Sharadamba Templeश्रृंगेरी शारदाम्बा मंदिर

About Sringeri Sharadamba Temple

The Sharadamba Temple stands on the northern bank of the Tunga river at Sringeri, a hill town in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, in the rain-soaked Malnad country of the Western Ghats. It is the main shrine of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, the southern of the four cardinal seats of learning traditionally founded by Adi Shankara. Goddess Sharadamba, a form of Saraswati, is revered as the goddess of learning, and many families bring children here to begin their education. The peetham is led by the Jagadguru Shankaracharya; Bharati Tirtha is the 36th in the line.

Tradition says that Adi Shankara, walking by the Tunga, saw a cobra spreading its hood to shade a frog in labour, and was so moved that natural enemies could live in peace here that he chose the place for his monastery. The name Sringeri is linked with the sage Rishyashringa, believed to have lived on a nearby hill. Shankara is said to have installed a sandalwood image of Sharadamba in a simple shrine; during the Vijayanagara period it was replaced by a golden image. The shrine was rebuilt in the 15th century and enlarged in the early 20th century, and the goddess has a golden chariot dedicated in 1999.

The temple has a pillared hall and a sanctum where the goddess is seated, and it also houses the peetham's library of palm-leaf and paper manuscripts, mostly in Sanskrit. Beside it stands the Vidyashankara Temple, completed in the 14th century in the early Vijayanagara period. Raised on a high plinth with yali balustrades, it combines Hoysala and Vijayanagara features in an unusual apsidal plan, and its outer walls are covered in sculptures of deities from many traditions. Across the river are the residence of the Jagadguru and the samadhi shrines, reached by a footbridge. The river setting, framed by the green hills of the Malnad, is part of the peace that draws visitors back.

Sringeri Sharadamba Temple timings & aarti

Sharadamba temple usually open 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM; other temples 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Sringeri Sharadamba Temple

Festivals at Sringeri Sharadamba Temple

• Sharannavaratri (Navaratri)Sep/Oct
• Shankara JayantiApr/May
• Guru Purnima (Vyasa Purnima)Jul
• Annual chariot festivalFeb/Mar

Visitor tips

Dress code

Traditional dress is advised: dhoti or kurta for men, saree or salwar-kameez for women. Shorts and sleeveless clothes are best avoided.

Entry

Free. Sevas and prasada can be arranged through the Sringeri Math office.

• Time your visit for the 10:30 AM Guru Darshanam if you wish to see the Jagadguru; timings change when he is travelling.
• Visit the Vidyashankara Temple beside the Sharadamba shrine to see its sculpture.
• Carry an umbrella in the monsoon; Sringeri gets very heavy rain.
• Contact the Math office in advance for accommodation during Navaratri.

Places to visit near Sringeri Sharadamba Temple

• Vidyashankara Temple14th-century carved stone temple beside the Sharadamba shrine
• Horanadu Annapoorneshwari TempleGoddess temple in the Western Ghats, in the same district
• Kudremukh National ParkHill forest of the Western Ghats in Chikkamagaluru district
• KoppaTaluk town, about 30 km away

Frequently asked questions