Sharadambe Devi Temple / Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Sringeri Sri Sharadambe Devi Temple

At a distance of 1 km from Sringeri Bus Stand, Sri Sharada Peetham is a famous place of worship in Sringeri. It is one of the popular places to visit as part of Sringeri tour packages.

Sri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri was established by the renowned 8th-century philosopher saint Sri Adi Shankara. This is the first of the 4 Peethams established by the Sri Adi Shankara in honour of the sacred traditions of Santana Dharma. This Peetham in Sringeri is dedicated to Goddess Sharadamba, the Goddess of learning and wisdom. It is one of the prime places to visit in Sringeri.

History of Sringeri Sri Sharadambe Devi Temple

Situated along the banks of the Tunga River, Sringeri Mutt is an ancient temple steeped in history. The Sringeri Matha comprises two prominent temples. The first, dedicated to Shiva, is known as the Vidya Shankara temple, while the second one is Sharadamba temple. The original Shiva temple was constructed in the 14th century, and the temple for goddess Saraswati followed in the 15th century. According to the monastery's tradition, Adi Shankara established a sandalwood representation of Saraswati as Sharadamba within a modest shrine, which was later replaced by a gold version during the Vijayanagara period. The shrine underwent reconstruction in the 15th century. The temple's structure remained wooden until the early 20th century, when an unforeseen fire caused significant damage, leading to the construction of the present structure in 1916.

Mythology

According to Hindu legend, Sri Adi Shankara sought a suitable location to disseminate the principles of Advaita Vedanta. When the Acharya came to Sringeri, he witnessed a remarkable scene on the banks of the Tunga River. A cobra was shielding a laboring frog with its hood, providing it respite from the intense midday sun. This extraordinary event profoundly impressed the Acharya, highlighting the sanctity of the site where compassion transcended natural enmities. He dedicated 12 years of his 32-year life to this location, ultimately concluding that it was the ideal place to establish his first math or monastery, which he proceeded to do.

Architecture of Sringeri Sri Sharadambe Devi Temple

The Saradamba Temple is built in the contemporary Dravidian architectural style, featuring a gopuram at its entrance and expansive covered walkways intended for pradakshina. The temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and the arts. Within the temple, there is a maha-mandapa adorned with sculptures of the saptamatrikas. The sanctum contains a golden idol of the goddess, depicted seated in a golden chariot. In addition to Saraswati, the sanctum also includes smaller shrines dedicated to Ganesha and Bhuvaneshvari. To commemorate the golden jubilee Vardhanthi of the Jagadguru in 1999, golden doors were installed at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum of the Sri Sharada temple.

Additionally, the Saradamba Temple houses a library on its first floor, which contains approximately 500 palm-leaf manuscripts along with an extensive collection of paper manuscripts, the majority of which are written in Sanskrit. These manuscripts encompass not only Advaita philosophy but also classical topics such as Sanskrit grammar, Dharmasutras, ethics, and the arts.

Festivals of Sringeri Sri Sharadambe Devi Temple

Each year, the Navarathri festival is celebrated with great grandeur in Sringeri. This occasion honors the triumph of the Goddess over malevolence. Throughout the festival, Goddess Sharada is revered in her numerous manifestations. A notable aspect of the celebration in Sringeri is the Rathothsavam, where Goddess Sharadambha is paraded in a magnificent golden chariot. The sight of the beautifully adorned and illuminated chariot, shimmering with gold and showcasing the divine presence of Sri Sharadambha, is truly breathtaking. Additionally, Shivarathri is observed with immense fervor in Sringeri.

Sharadambe Devi Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

To preserve the sanctity and spiritual ambiance of the temple, it is required that visitors dress in a modest manner. Men are encouraged to don traditional garments such as dhoti or mundu. Women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other forms of traditional clothing. It is advisable to refrain from wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or any other revealing apparel.

Non-Hindus are welcome to visit Sringeri Mutt. However, they are expected to respect the religious customs and practices while on the premises.

Sringeri Sri Sharadambe Devi Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 2 PM & 4 - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 2 PM & 4 - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 2 PM & 4 - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 2 PM & 4 - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 2 PM & 4 - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 2 PM & 4 - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 2 PM & 4 - 9 PM

Sringeri Sri Sharadambe Devi Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Aksharbhyasa: Rs. 250

Best Time to Visit Sringeri Sri Sharadambe Devi Temple

Sringeri enjoys a temperate climate year-round, yet it possesses a unique allure during the winter months. The winter temperatures range from 14 to 32 degrees Celsius, creating an ideal environment for exploring the area and enjoying serene moments at the temple. Additionally, this season is marked by vibrant celebrations of festivals such as Navaratri and Guru Purnima, offering a distinctive chance to experience the rich traditions and cultural practices of the mutt. The period from April to June signifies the summer season, characterized by elevated temperatures that may be uncomfortable for some visitors. Following this, the monsoon season from July to September transforms the landscape into a verdant paradise; however, the heavy rains can pose challenges to travel plans.

How to Reach Sringeri Sri Sharadambe Devi Temple

Visitors can reach the Sringeri Mutt by bus or cab from Bangalore, Chikmagalur, Mangalore, Shimoga, and Udupi. Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport, which is 101 km from Sringeri. Udupi Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which is about 79 km from Sringeri.