Sringeri, 90 kms west of Chikmaglur town on the
banks of the river Tunga, is a city with epic associations.
The place is
said to have been named after Rishyashringa who figures in the Ramayana as the
chief priest at the great sacrifice of King Dasharatha. Widely known for the
Jagadguru Shankaracharaya Matha of the Adwaitha School of philosophy, Sringeri
also has an ancient temple of Vidyashankara.
Constructed on a
picturesque spot parallel to the river Tunga, the temple is fine example of
artistic transition from Hoysala to Vijayanagara style.
Built around 1357 A.D.,
the imposing granite structure encloses friezes of elephants, lions, dancers in
various poses etc., and figures of various Hindu gods enshrined richly with
ornamental towers.
The 'garbha-griha' has a linga
called Vidyashankara installed in the memory of Guru Vidyatheertha. To the north
of this temple is a more recent temple built by skilled craftsmen of the 20th
century and houses the highly venerated Sharadamba image.
The new temple
is built in the Dravidian style. A small 14th century, temple of Janardhana
close by is attributed to the Vijayanagara period. Sringeri also has an old Jain
Basadi dedicated to Parshwanatha Theerthankara.
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