Vidya Shankara Temple, Sringeri

The Vidya Shankara temple located in Sringeri is a important temple built with a blend of Dravidioan and Hoysala architecture styles. It is a best example of India's rich spiritual and cultural legacy. This is one of the most worshiped temples in Sringeri Sharada Peetham, dedicated to Vidya Shankara. He is a respected saint and the spiritual successor in the line of Adi Shankaracharya.

Significance

This temple is located on the banks of the Tunga River and in the middle of the Western Ghats. It was built in 14th century by Vijayanagara rulers under the support of Harihara Raya and later rulers as a tribute to Sri Vidyatirtha.The garbha griha houses a Shivalinga known as Vidya Shankara Linga along with idols of lord Brahma, lord Vishnu and goddess Durga devi. The temple marks the samadhi of Sri Vidyatirtha and in Advaita Vedanta tradition it is most important place.This temple has 12 carved pillars each representing the 12 zodiac signs or sunsigns. These pillars are aligned in such a way that sun rays fall on each pillar during the respective month of each zodiac sign.

How To Reach

Sringeri bus stand is located at a distance of 6KM from the temple. You can reach the temple by taking a local taxi or a rickshaw.