Temples in Sringeri
Sringeri is a temple town first. At its centre is the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, which tradition holds to be the first matha established by Adi Shankaracharya, with the Sharadamba temple and the Vidyashankara temple side by side on the bank of the Tunga.
The matha keeps clear rules for visitors, including a traditional dress code, silence inside the temples and no photography. Knowing them before you arrive makes the visit much smoother.
Famous Temples in Sringeri
Sharadamba Temple is the main temple of the Sharada Peetham, dedicated to Goddess Sharada, the goddess of learning. It is the spiritual heart of the town and the focus of the Navaratri festival.
Vidyashankara Temple, next to the Sharadamba temple, was built in 1338 in memory of the teacher Vidyashankara. It is carved from stone in a mix of Hoysala and Dravidian styles, and its hall has twelve pillars marked with the signs of the zodiac, arranged so that the sun's rays fall on them in the order of the solar months.
Narasimhavana, across the footbridge over the Tunga, is where the Guru's residence stands. It is a quiet, wooded part of the matha where silence is expected.
Kigga Rishyashringeshwara Temple, about 9 km from Sringeri, is dedicated to the sage Rishyashringa, who gave Sringeri its name. The deity is worshipped as a bringer of rain.
Malahanikareshwara Temple sits on a small hill in the town and is reached by a flight of steps, with views over Sringeri.
Tips for Visiting Temples in Sringeri
- Wear traditional Indian dress for the Sharadamba temple and the Guru's residence.
- Men should remove their shirt before entering the Guru's residence.
- Leave your shoes outside the matha complex and do not wear them on the footbridge.
- Keep silent inside the temples and at Narasimhavana, and switch off your phone.
- Do not take photos inside the temples or of the deities.
- Put donations only in the official boxes, and avoid unofficial guides.
- Visit early in the morning for a quieter darshan.
Questions
Sringeri — FAQ
What is the dress code for the Sharadamba temple in Sringeri?
Men should wear a dhoti with a shalya or angavastram, and women a saree, salwar with dupatta or langa davani. Shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops and low-waist jeans are not allowed. Visitors in other clothes can usually see the deity only from outside the inner hall.
What is special about the Vidyashankara temple?
The Vidyashankara temple is a 14th-century stone temple with carvings on every wall and twelve zodiac pillars in its hall. The pillars are placed so that the sun's rays fall on them in the order of the solar months.
Can I take photos in the Sringeri temples?
No. Photography is not allowed inside the temples or at the Guru's residence. You can photograph the outside of the temples, the courtyard and the river.
Who founded the Sringeri Sharada Peetham?
Tradition holds that Adi Shankaracharya founded the Sringeri Sharada Peetham as the first of his four mathas, with Sureshvaracharya as its first head. It is still an active centre of Advaita Vedanta teaching today.