Sringeri

Religion is closely associated with the history and culture of Sringeri. From times immemorial it has been the abode of several well-known sages. The celebrated sage Adi Sankaracharya`s matha is located here. It is also considered the birthplace of Rishyasringa, a sage. Throughout India Shankaracharya had established four mathas throughout India. One of these is located here. Sarada Peetham was established in the 1st millennium. Here the idol of Sarada is seen with a Sri Chakra.

The sage also popularized the philosophy of non-dualism. The primary idol in this temple is the Sphatika-linga. According to an anecdote this linga was handed over to Shankaracharya by Lord Shiva. The sage had contributed a great deal to the Bhakti Movement in India. The backdrop of the temple comprise of Tunga River. It adds more beauty and serenity to the holy place.

Sringeri in Karnataka primarily is a temple town but the best part about this city is its exquisite beauty. Situated by the banks of a river it provides the perfect spot for introspection and peace. Sringeri lies in the district of Chikmagalur and is accessible from Bangalore by road. Train services from Mangalore and Shimoga are available too. The nearest airport would be that of Mangalore.

Sringeri Sharada Peetham in a ancient Hindu monastery established by Adi Shankaracharaya in 8th century AD, that is in the early phase of medieval era and the later phase of ancient times.

Sringeri Sharada Peetham is on the banks of the Tunga River in Chikkamagalur district, Karnataka, India, 105 kilometres from Mangaluru and 303 kilometres from the state capital Bengaluru.

Sringeri Sharada Peetham is the southern Advaita Vedanta matha or monastery established by Adi Shankara in 8th century AD.

The majority of members of Smartha community follow the Advaita Vedanta philosophy of Adi Shankara. Smarta and Advaita have become almost synonymous, though not all Advaitins are Smartas. Traditionally, Shankara of the 8th century is regarded as the greatest teacher and reformer of the Smartha. According to Hiltebeitel, Shankara established the no dualist interpretation of the Upanishads as the touchstone of a revived smarta tradition. The Sringeri Sharada monastery founded by Shankara in Karnataka is still the centre of the Smarta sect.

Management of Sringeri Sharada Peetham : The head of Sringeri Sharada Peetham or Guru Parampara is venerated as Jagadguru. The head has so far been chosen by the prevailing pontiff usually from among his disciples usually chosen as a Brahmachari, educated in the Vedas and other required learning. Succession to the Sankaracharya title is through disciple selection by the existing Sankaracharya. The successor to the matha is usually named at a young age, from among the Vedic Brahmana community.

Successors of Sringeri Sharada Peetham : Vidushekara Bharathi Swami has been appointed as the real successor of the Sringeri Sharadha Peetham coronate by Sree Bharati Theertha Maha Swamigal.

Sringeri Sharada Peetham records its tradition from the 8th century onwards. The history of the Sringeri matha since the period of Sri Bharathi Tirtha (I) and Sri Vidyaranya (14th century) onwards has been documented. Most of the names from the Sringeri lineage up to Vidyaranya are also found in the Sri Guru Charitra, a 15th-century Marathi work by Gangadhara Saraswathi. The idol of Sureshwaracharya, who was Madan Mishra in his purvashrama, was installed here as the successor of Shankaracharya before the latter resumed his tour to found his three pithas at Puri, Dwaraka and Badrinath.