Sringeri Mutt (Sringeri Sharada Peetha)

Sringeri Mutt, Sringeri Overview

The famous Adi Shankara, who is regarded as the greatest reformer and most inspirational teacher of the 'samartha', established Sringeri Mutt in the 8th century AD. Erected on the banks of the Tunga River, Sringeri Mutt is a rustic ancient temple with a lot of history attached to it. With a vibrant history and great religious significance attached to this iconic temple, the atmosphere of the temple brims with power, and at the same time, it emanates tranquillity and peace.

Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada was referred to as Jagadguru or the teacher of the world. Sringeri Mutt is the first of the four Amnaya Peethams, which means the throne of the Vedas, established over twelve centuries ago in honour of the sacred traditions of Santana Dharma. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, who is the Goddess of Knowledge. The setting of the Sringeri Mutt on the banks of a gently hustling river as the Western Ghats combined with the soft distant murmur of waterfalls.

History of Sringeri Mutt

According to the Hindu legends, Sri Adi Shankara was on a lookout for an appropriate location, where he could spread the truths of Advaita Vedanta. One sweltering afternoon, when the Acharya was walking on the banks of the majestic River Tunga, he saw a very unusual sight and was left spellbound.

He saw that a frog was writhing in the mid-day sun, exhausted and suffering; when a cobra unveiled its hood to give the little frog some shade from the scorching heat. This incident left the Acharya in awe of the sanctity of the place, where love and care were infused between natural adversaries and encouraged them to go beyond their basic instincts. He spent 12 years of his 32-year long life at this place and decided that there couldn't be a better place to establish his first math or monastery, and so he did.

Rashi Stambhas at Sringeri Mutt

One of the more popular and admirable attractions of Sringeri Mutt is the Rashi Stambhas. They mean zodiac pillars and have been named so for a reason. The Vidyashankara Temple in Sringeri Mutt has a dome, which is supported by 12 pillars that form a circular pattern. Each pillar is engraved in it, each of the twelve divisions of the zodiac.

The pillars also have carefully carved illustrations of lions in biped positions, with stone balls inside the growling faces of the lions. Interestingly enough, these stone balls can be moved with hand. They say that the concept with which the pillars were constructed was quite astronomical. This is reinforced because the position of the pillars is carefully arranged in such a way that the first rays of the rising sun fall on specific pillars carrying specific zodiac signs, in congruence with the position of the sun.

Tips For Visiting Sringeri Mutt

1. The Tunga River's habitat comprises of large golden fish that bring swinging changes to the tones of the river's hue when they come up to the surface. While you witness this beautiful phenomenon, don't forget to feed the fish some puffed rice and fulfil your day's good deed.

2. The Sringeri Mutt prohibits any photography or videography of the temple. Be sure not to carry DSLR or other camera equipment. Camera phones can be carried inside, but needless to say, should not be used for restricted purposes.

3. The lunch and dinner served at the Mutt is a treat to the palate of every visitor. The efficiency and scale of operations are truly admirable.

How To Reach Sringeri Mutt

Located only 86 km away from Chikmanglur, Sringeri Mutt is easy to spot and even easier to get to. Since Chikmanglur does not have a railhead, Shimoga Railway Station is the closest railway station at a distance of 95 km. Private buses ply to and from Sringeri and Shimoga very frequently.

You can also reach the temple via the Mangalore Railway Station, at a distance of 120 km, which has a higher frequency run of trains throughout the day. The route from Mangalore Railway Station to Sringeri Mutt does have toll booths. Udipi Railway Station also stands to be a convenient option. A robust railway access to Sringeri Mutt is a boon to the devotees of the presiding goddess

Three bus stations can get you to Sringeri Mutt: Jayapura Bus Stand, Balehonnur Bus Stand and Horanadu Bus Stand. The tickets to these bus rides can be booked manually or online.