The Vidyashankara temple is situated in the Karnataka district of Chikmagalur, in the holy town of Sringeri. Aside from its religious significance, the temple is a must-see for fans of architecture because it blends Dravidian and Hoysala styles. One of the Advaitha matha founded by Adi Shankara himself is located in Sringeri. Its history dates back to the eighth century and is still being practiced today. The first head of this matha was Sureshwarachrya, a disciple of Sri Adi Shankara.
Vidyashankara Temple History
Several documents document the continuing lineage of the Sringeri vidyashankara temple. The two most well-known philosophers in this matha are Vidya Shankara, also known as Vidyathirtha, and his pupil Vidyaranya. Legendary in both Karnataka and South Indian history is Vidyaranya. During this time, Muslim incursions into the south began. The brothers Harihara and Bukka used the Vijayanagara Empire as a fortress to protect Hindu customs and temples from the onslaught of Muslim invaders from the north, and Vidyaranya played a key role in their establishment. It is thought that Vidyaranya persuaded the brothers Harihara and Bukka to build a temple over his Guru Vidyathirtha’s Samadhi. Vidyashankara Temple is the name of this temple. Lord shiva is the main god to worship like Uttameshwara temple.
Vidyashankara Temple – Architecture
In the year 1338 AD, the Vidyashankara temple was built. Built around the Samadhi of Vidyathirtha, this is a beautiful and interesting temple that bears a slight resemblance to an old Chariot. It blends Vijayanagara style elements with the general characteristics of the Dravidian style. Standing on a richly sculpted plinth, this temple has six doorways.
The mandapa is surrounded by twelve pillars that are adorned with images of the zodiac’s twelve signs. They are cleverly designed so that the sun’s rays fall on each pillar in the order that the Hindu calendar’s twelve months are listed chronologically. A Yali holding a rolling stone ball in its mouth atop each column.
On the floor of the temple, a circle is sketched with lines that represent the shadows that each pillar casts. Here are five different shrines. The Vidya Shankara Linga, a Shiva Linga, is located over Sri Vidyashankara’s Samadhi at the main shrine. The other shrines are dedicated to Durga, Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. A grand square vimana sits atop the Garbhagraha.
Additionally, this temple is home to a broken sandalwood idol of Sharadamba, which is thought to have been placed there by Adi Shankara. The current Gold statue of Sharadamba was installed in its place by Sri Vidyaranya, who believes that this idol was damaged during the Muslim invasion.
The Tunga River’s banks are where the temple is located. Fish are frequently seen waiting to be fed puffed rice by devotees on the steps of the temple. These fish are revered greatly.
The Quick Facts about Sringeri’s Vidyashankara Temple & Timings
- Contact:+91-8265- 252525 /262626/272727/295555
- Address:Sringeri, Chikmagalur District, Karnataka – 577139
- Darshan timings:Morning: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
- The best time to visit:is October to March.
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