SCENIC SHRUNGERI

SCENIC SHRUNGERI

As it is western ghats in Karnataka are scenic enough. But Shrungeri (or Sringeri) the famous pilgrimage centre, is exquisitely scenic.

Greenery all around and calm surroundings.  Majestic hills overlooking the river Tunga that meanders in front of the Shri Sharadamba(goddess Saraswati) temple, Unending  stream of visitors. All add to the experience that is Shrungeri.

Shrungeri is in Chikmagalur  district of Karnataka, some 340 kms. from Bangalore and 103 kms. from Chikmagalur. Another great holy centre Horanadu is 75 kms. away.

The math at Shrungeri is known as Shrungeri Sharada Peetham (SSP). It is one of the 4 Hindu Advaita maths established by  Adi Shankaracharya in 9^th century AD. The head of the math is called Jagadguru (teacher of the world in Sanskrit) and also carries the Shankaracharya name as a title. His Holiness Bharati Tirtha Swamiji is the present Shankaracharya.

SSP runs no.of educational institutes, the important ones being Vedic Pathashalas.

Shrungeri is home to a number of historic temples and are maintained by SSP.
Shri Sharada Temple  is dedicated to Goddess Sharadamba, the Goddess of learning and wisdom. Adi Shankaracharya installed Goddess of learning, Sri Sharadamba over a Sri Chakra fixed on a rock on the left bank of river Tunga.

 The Vidyashankara Temple was built in the year 1338 A.D. in memory of the pontiff Vidyashankara by Vidyaranya, patron-saint of Hakka and Bukka, the brothers who founded the Vijayanagara Empire.

 SSP has also played an important role in preserving the natural beauty of Shrungeri.
Solar power is used almost everywhere in the campus and on the ceremonial chariot.

SSP runs guest houses for the visitors and serves free lunch and dinner every day.

Navarathri is the most important festival in Shrungeri. Special Pujas and Archanas are offered to Goddess Sharadamba at the temple for nine days. A ceremonial procession takes place during these days, in October/ November.

unique experience

HORANADU is a peaceful,small place. nestling amongst the lush greenery of western ghats of Karnataka.
It is a venerated pilgrimage centre where a magnificent temple to Goddess Annapoorneshwari stands tall. It has a hoary past and is visited by innumerable devotees and other travellers.

When I visited it recently, it was drizzling but made no difference to the excitement of seeing the holy image of the Goddess. The calm surroundings, quiet yet rigorous religious rituals gave a unique satisfaction. The idol of Shri Annapoorneshwari is divinely enchanting.

The temple has a tradition of serving all the 3 meals  a day to every visitor to the temple.the meals are pure vegetarian affair, simple and tasty. The meals are served in a systematic and orderly manner in the spacious dining hall adjacent to the temple. One may donate grains and cereals, and if u wish, the money equivalent to the quantity to be donated.

Horanadu is some 135 kms. from Shimoga, and some 75 kms. from  another great temple town,Shrungeri.