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The Vidyashankara Temple was built in the year 1338 A.D. entirely using stone by King Bhuvanaikadeva, at Sringeri. The temple is built in stone adopting both Hoysala Chalukya and Dravidian architectural styles.
This temple is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India due to its architectural wonder.
The temple stands on a star shaped plinth. The presiding dieity is Sri Vidyashankara, an incarnation of Shiva associated with wisdom and learning and is installed in the Garbagriha. Ganesha, Durga, Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara are also installed inside the Garbagriha.
In the eastern half of the temple is a twelve-pillared mandapa. The twelve pillars represent the zodiac signs. The ceiling has delicate details with lotus and parrots.
One of the most fascinating features of the Vidyashankara Temple is its astronomical alignment.
The temple is designed in such a way that during the equinox, the rays of the sun fall directly on the deity’s idol, symbolizing the harmonious blend of architecture and celestial alignment.
The Gopura or Vimana over the Garbhagriha comprises of the shikhara and mahapadma.
The basement is sculpted with puranic stories, animals, gods, goddesses, dashavatara and so on.
The corners have the iconic stone rings of the Hoysala empire.
The rathotsava at Sri Vidyashankara Temple is celebrated during Kartika Shukla paksha on a grand scale. The festival is spread over 7 days.
Address:
Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam,
Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham,
Sringeri – 577 139.
Darshan Timings:
Morning – 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening – 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
The following Sevas are performed at the Shrine of Sri Vidyashankara:
Abhishekha – Ekavara, Ekadasavara and Shata Rudrabhishekha, Panchamrita
Archana – Ashtotra
Navagraha Pooja
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Ancient Temple
Situated: Sringeri, Chikmagalur district, Karnataka
Distance: 90 Km west of Chikkamagaluru, 105 Km from Mangalore, 336 Km from Bangalore
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Rest rooms available. Free food is provided two times a day. Sringeri has many restaurants and staying options.
