Sringeri Sharada Peetham
Founded by Adi Shankara, this is the most senior of the four principal seats of learning. Its Sharada Temple on the Tunga River bank and the exquisite Vidya Shankara stone temple are highlights.
About 30 km from Agumbe, this site is traditionally said to have been founded in the 8th century by the philosopher Adi Shankara. It is the first of the four great monasteries of Advaita Vedanta Hinduism. The Sharada Goddess Temple on the bank of the Tunga River attracts many worshippers. Next to it, the Vidya Shankara Temple, built in the 14th century, blends Hoysala and Dravidian styles. Its 12 zodiac pillars show different months as the sunlight moves across them. Steps along the river allow visitors to feed large numbers of sacred fish. Visitors must remove their shoes to enter the temple and dress appropriately. Free vegetarian meals are provided.
Opening hours
About 06:00–14:00 and 17:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Kigga & Narasimha Parvatha Trek
- Sirimane Falls
- Kudlu Theertha Falls
- Kundadri Hill
- Hanumana Gundi Falls (Sutanabbe)
- Jogigundi Falls
- Malgudi Days House (Doddamane)
- Agumbe Sunset Point