Maheshwar Shiv Mandir/Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham (Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthana Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham) Sringeri,Karnataka

Sri Sharada Peetha Sri Kshetra Shringeri

It is a famous pilgrim centre situated on the banks of the river Tunga. It is about 100 kms. from Chikmagalur. The Sri Sharada Peetha here is supposed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya the proponent of Advaita Philosophy. Vidyashankara Temple built here is a combination of Chola, Dravida, Nagara, and Chalukya styles and stands on a plat form of 3ft. Sri Sharadamba Temple is another major temple worth visiting. Accommodation for overnight stay and free food is offered to the devotees though out the year by Peetha. The sacred fishes in the river are an attraction to both young and old.

The name Sringeri is derived from Rishyashringa-giri, a nearby hill that is believed to have contained the heritage of Rishi Vibhandaka and his son Rishyashringa. Rishyashringa appears in an episode in the Bala-Kanda of the Ramayana where a story, narrated by Vasishtha, relates how he brought rains to the drought-stricken kingdom of Romapada