October 5, 2018

My TripAdvisor Review No.377: VidyaShankara Temple, Sringeri, Chikmagalur district. Dedicated to the Jagadguru VidyaShankara.

This is another one of the wonderful temples we visited in Sringeri Mutt. It is located further on the left of Sri Sharadamba temple besides the River Tunga, and has very beautiful stone carvings and sculptures all around it. It is dedicated to the 10th Jagadguru of Sringeri, Sri VidyaShankara, and was built in the year 1338 AD.

The temple is so constructed that the morning rays of the sun falls on the pillar representing the relevant zodiac for the month, for that entire month. There are 12 such pillars corresponding to the 12 zodiac signs and the phenomenon speaks volumes of the architectural mastery. It is a unique monument built entirely of stone combining both Hoysala (Chalukya) and Dravidian architectural styles. The central ceiling is an excellent piece of workmanship with lotus and pecking parrots. The vimana over the garbagriha rises magnificently with sikhara, mahapadama and stupi. The basement is elaborately sculpted with animals, puranic stories, Shiva, Vishnu, Dasavatara, Kali, Shanmuka and so on. To the student of Hindu iconography this temple is a veritable storehouse of sculpture.

Buddha is depicted as one of the incarnations of Vishnu here. From across the river the temple looks seated like a majestic swan. Darshan timings of this temple is from 7 am to 1 pm, and evening 5 pm to 8.30 pm. Devotees can also partake in the free meals offered at the Prasadalaya from 12.15 pm to 2.30 pm (lunch), and from 7.15 pm to 8.30 pm (dinner).

The VidyaShankara temple is definitely a beautiful temple, and worth a visit if you are touring in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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