Main Info
Sringeri- “A natural and spiritual paradise”
Sringeri Tourism
Located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, Sringeri is a small hill town where the first Matha named Sringeri Sharada Peeta was established. This Matha was founded by the Indian theologian named Adi Shankara, who also a promoter of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy during the 8th century.
The birthplace of Adi Shankara who was also known as Adi Shankaracharya differs as per different texts. He was either born in a village name Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu or in Kaladi in Karnataka. He was a traveler and also the propagator of philosophies related to monastic life which was based on traditions approved by Brahma Sutras and Upanishads. Apart from Sringeri matha, he also established four other mathas all over India viz. Puri in the East, Badrinath and Jyotirmath in the North, and Dwarka in the West. This ensured the rejuvenation and spread of Advaita Vedanta.
More on Sringeri
Historic significance of Sringeri
Sringeri has an interesting story related to the past event. As per the popular folklore, Adi Shankaracharya was once walking past the Tunga River and he came across a very peculiar sight. He saw a cobra with a raised hood, sheltering a frog from the hot sun by providing the frog with a shade. He was amused at the sight and he was greatly impressed with the place where the animals had befriended each other despite their instincts of natural enmity. Mesmerized by the places and creatures around, he stayed here for 12 years.
Etymology
The name ‘Sringeri’ is derived from the name ‘Rishyashringa Griri’. A hill located nearby, Rishyashringa Griri embraced the heritage of Rishyashringa and his father Rishi Vibhandaka. Guru Vashishtha in Bala-Kanda Ramayana narrates about how Rishyashringa saved the drought-stricken empire of Romapada by bringing rains.
Four Guardian Temples
Sringeri village has four guardian temples on its respective four sides and these were built by Adi Shankara. Following are a few interesting things about the temples:
Kalikamba temple is located on the Northside of the village and is dedicated to Devi Kalikamba, a beautiful form of the Goddess.
Kere Anjaneya temple lies in the West and is dedicated to Sri Anjaneya, whose figure is carved on a rock inside a cave.
Durgamba temple in the South is dedicated to Devi Durgamba, also known as ‘Vana (forest) Durga’, or the Goddess of the forest.
Kala Bhairava temple situated on the Eastern end of the village and is dedicated to Lord Kala Bhairava, a fiercer form of Lord Shiva.
Restaurants and Local Food in Sringeri
You will not find sophisticated eateries serving elaborate dishes in this small town of Sringeri. However, you can always come across a few good places that serve delicious local food. You should not miss the traditional sweet called Srinegri Halwa. Besides this, you can get popular South Indian cuisine such as Akki Roti, Vada, Dosa, Idli, Ragi Mudde, Kesari Bath, and traditional sweets like Mysore Pak and Chiroti.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1- Arrive at Srinegri, check-in the hotel and rest. Later in the day, visit Adhishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple, Adi Shankara Temples Annapoorneshwari Temple, and Sirimane Falls.
Day 2- On this day you can visit Vidyashankara Temple and scenic locations such as Koodlu Teertha Falls, Jogigunde Falls, and Agumbe Ghat.