ABOUT Sringeri, 90 kms west of Chickmagalur town on the banks of river Tunga, is a city with epic associations.

The place is said to have been named after Rishyashringa who figures in the Ramayana as the chief priest at the great sacrifice of King Dasharadha. It is also the site of the first mah (monastery) established by Adi Shankaracharya, the famous Hindu theologian and exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, in the 8th century. The three other maths is at Joshimath in the Himalayas, Puri in the east and Dwarka in the west. A very interesting legend is behind this establishment Shankaracharya discovered Sringeri at a time when the place was not inhabited by anyone. He saw a frog in labor protected from the blazing sunrays by a raised hood of a cobra. Greatly moved by the sight, he thus installed the Goddess of learning, Sri Sharada, at Sringeri, thus giving birth to this pilgrim centre. Sringeri is just 150 km from Mangalore and 336 km from Bangalore. SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS Sringeri is home to a number of historic temples. Prominent amongst these are the Sharada temple, where the garbha - griha has a linga called Vidyashankara installed in the memory of Guru Vidyatheertha, and the Vidyashankara temple, which is constructed on a picturesque spot parallel to the river Tunga. The temple is a fine example of artistic transition from Hoysala to Vijayanagara style. Built around 1357 A.D., the imposing granite structure encloses friezes of elephants, lions, puranic scenes, dancers in various poses etc. and figures big and small of various Hindu gods enshrined in niches with ornamental towers. A unique feature of the temple is the twelve zodiac pillars arranged such that the sun's rays fall on the pillar corresponding to the appropriate month. Another elegantly built temple is the Chenna Keshab temple. Pilgrims throng not just to these, but also to the famous math known as Sringeri Sharada Peetham. It is one of the four Hindu Advaita maths established by Adi Shankaracharya. A small 14th century temple of Janardhana close by is attributed to the Vijayanagara period. Sringeri also has an old Jain Basadi dedicated to parshwanatha Theerthankara. OTHER ACTIVITIES Excursions While on a tour to Sringeri, there are quite a number of beautiful places nearby, such as Agumbe, Jog Falls, Kudremukh and the Sringagiri hills. Festivals The Sarada Navrathri festival, consecrated to the Mother Goddess, worshipped as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, occurs in the beginning of the autumn (Sarad) season, drawing a flock of pilgrims & tourists alike. Quick Facts State District Coordinates Karnataka Chikmagalur 13.42 N 75.25 E

Official language(s)Kannada, Hindi, English Climate / Weather 20- 38C. Best time to visit October - March.

Getting There Nearest Airport Mangalore Airport 110 Kms

Nearest Train StationsBirur Railway Station 95 Kms Main Road Highways NH 13 Tourism Info: District Tourism Officer, Mathaias Towers, Chickmagalur - 577101. Phone 08262 228493