All about Sringeri Karnataka tourist spots and attractions.
Sringeri, Karnataka is no ordinary tourist spot. It is considered to be one of the holiest spots in South India and devout followers of Adi Shankaracharya, who expounded the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, make regular trips to Sringeri, Karnataka.
According to local legend, Sri Shankaracharya came across an uninhabited region which was only open land. It is said that while traveling through the area, he came across a pregnant frog who was being protected from the hot sun by a cobra which had spanned its wide hood over the frog. Sri Shankaracharya was touched by the cobra’s selflessness and wisdom and established the temple of Sri Sharada, dedicated to the Goddess of wisdom and learning. The place later got the name of Sringeri.
The local Sringagiri hills around the town of Sringeri attracts trekkers and devotees alike, as it is said to be the birth place of Sage Rishyasringa. Flowing at the threshold of the town of Sringeri Karnataka is the Tunga River. While fishing is strictly prohibited, visitors can feed puffed rice to the fishes.
Sringeri Karnataka Tourist Attractions
Being a holy temple town, Sringeri’s main attractions, naturally, are its many temples. The most famous and popular of these is the Sharadamba Temple, Sringeri. It is said that the original idol first installed by Sri Shankaracharya was made of sandalwood. It was at some time in the 14th Century that the idol was replaced with one made of gold. The idol is seated on what is known as the chakra peetham, holding a japa mala (holy beads), with a parrot perched on one hand. On a weekly basis, on Fridays only, the Goddess is taken in a grand procession in a silver chariot around the temple premises. There are also individual shrines dedicated to other deities: Mahishasuramardini, Rajarajeswari and Shakti Ganapati.
Within the same temple complex is the Vidyashankara temple, Sringeri, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. It has a mix of various South Indian architectural styles. Dedicated to Guru Vidyashankara, the large granite temple structure’s highlight are the 12 pillars, known as Rashistambhas, with each pillar representing one zodiac sign which is engraved on it. The person who designed the pillars placed them in such a way that the sun’s beams fall on each of them in the exact order of the 12 solar months. Also don’t miss the beautifully sculpted stone lions with rotating stones in their mouths. Do have a closer look at the architectural splendour of the temple: you will see various scenes from Indian mythology, with detailed sculptures of animals, birds and human figures.
At Sringeri, Karnataka you should also visit the Janardhana temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the inner sanctums of this temple there is an image of Adi Sankaracharya in a wall niche.
Attractions around Sringeri
Once you have shown obeisance to the Gods and Goddesses of Sringeri’s temples, you can explore the tourist spots around Sringeri, Karnataka.
Waterfalls near Sringeri include the famous Jog Falls Karnataka in Shimoga District. In addition, located closeby to Sringeri Karnataka are: (1) the Sirimane waterfalls in the village of Kigga (over 10kms from Sringeri), which you can reach by hiring an autorichshaw from Sringeri; and (2) the MagheBailu waterfalls (5kms from Sringeri), which too you can reach by hiring a vehicle from Sringeri town. You must visit the main village of Maghe Bailu for its entrepreneurial and independent spirit – it produces its own electricity.
Bird watching enthusiasts will be happy to know that very close to Sringeri, Karntaka is the Uluve Bird Sanctuary. Located just 5kms from the main town of Sringeri, you can hire an autorichshaw to the sanctuary. The main residents of this sanctuary are cranes – hundreds and hundreds of them. So don’t forget to take your camera & binoculars along!
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