The first ray of Sun falls on specific Zodiac pillars in temple that accurately show the sun sign month.. smile emoticon MUST VISIT.. ________________________________________________________ VIDHYA SHANKARA TEMPLE लम्बिकायोगनिरतं अम्बिकापतिरूपिणम् । विद्याप्रदं नमामीशं विद्यातीर्थ महेश्वरम् ॥ The Vidyashankara Temple was built in the year 1338 A.D. is located on the pinnacle of the Sahayadri Hills in the Chikmanglur district of Karnataka, beside the Tungabhadra River. Its built with the aid of the Vijayanagara rulers, combining the Hoysala, Chalukya, Vijayanagara and Dravida architectural features. The Temple is considered to be the abode of the Sarada peetham, having been founded by Adi Shankaracharya. It shares a common courtyard with the Sharadamba Temple. The deities at Sharadamba Temple are also quite wonderful, with Venugopala and Srinivasa being made of rubies, and a Nandi, carved from a single large pearl. Vidyashankara of Vidyathirtha, who was the head of this Peetham for a period of 105 years from 1228 CE to 1333 CE, is considered to be one of the greatest Gurus of this Peetham. The presiding deity here is Sri Vidyashankara himself, in lingam form. Inside the temple, facing the sanctum sanctorum are three niches for the subsidiary deities, which include Brahma and Saraswati on the south, Laksmi-Narayana on the west, and Uma-Mahesvara on the north. The temple features 61 images carved in bas relief, of various scenes from the puranas. Buddha is depicted as one of the incarnations of Vishnu here. The temple stands on a richly sculptured basement with an excellent view from the hills. It faces the east, and has a mandapa (hall) in front of the sanctum, with three entrances: to the east, south, and north. There are six doorways leading into the temple. Between the western and northern entrances are Vamana and Bali, Kurma, Matsya, Harihara, and Markandeya embracing the linga while being dragged by Yama and his noose. There is also Ardhararisvara, Tiruparasamhara and Manmatha (Cupid), aiming his arrows at Shiva. Between the pradakshina and the northern entrance are Saraswati Devi, Candra, Hayagriva, and Annapurna with pot and ladle. Near the front entrance is a murti of Vyasa with a palm leaf manuscript in his hand, instructing Shankaracarya. There are many ornamental animals and figures, and an amazing set of stone chains hanging from the hall corners. Twelve pillars surrounding the mandapa with figures of the twelve signs of the zodiac. They are constructed in such an ingenious way that the rays of the sun fall on each pillar in the chronological order of the twelve months of the Hindu calendar. Each column is topped by a Yali with a rolling stone ball in its mouth. Each of the pillars, known as Rashistambhas, bear a symbol of the Zodiac, and they are placed in such a way that in the order of the solar months, the sun's rays fall on one pillar after another, in proper order. The Navagraha personalities and Lord Surya are featured on the ceiling. A pradakshina (passageway) circumambulates around the sanctum. There is also a navaranga, or central hall, about 18 feet in height. At the center, on the ceiling, is a beautiful panel of concentric squares ornamented with lotus buds and petals, with pecking parrots on the side. On the floor below is a large circle, marked with converging lines to indicate the path of the sun's moving rays. The temple's exterior is richly carved with many different divine personalities. Between the eastern and southern entrances are murtis of Indra, Yama with two dogs, along with Sri Rama, the Sage Vyasa, Durga and Sani (Saturn). Near the southern entrance to the pradakshina is another panel with Brahma and Saraswati along with Laksmi-Narayana, Hanuman, and Garuda. Between the southern and western entrances are Kalki on his horse holding a sword, with Venugopala, Balarama, and Parasurama. Sri Malayala Brahma Temple To the right of Sri Sharadamba Temple is the Malayala Brahma Temple, which is not associated with Lord Brahma, but rather with a legend about a brahmin scholar who, after learning the Vedas, would not share his knowledge with others. Because this went against his dharma, he was cursed to become a Brahma rakshas. Sometime thereafter, the Sage Vidyaranya, while on pilgrimage, stopped at this place. The Brahma rakshas begged the sage to free him from the curse, which he did, first making the rakshasa promise that he would stay as a caretaker of the Sharadamba matha. The name Sringeri comes from Rishyashringa-giri, a nearby hill that was once home to the hermitage of Rishi Vibhandaka and his son, Rishyashringa, whose pastimes are described in the Bala-Kanda of the Ramayana. Adi Shankaracarya is said to have selected this site for his matha because, while walking along the Tunga river, he saw a cobra with a raised hood, providing shelter from the hot sun for a frog about to spawn. Because these natural enemies had controlled their instincts, the Shankaracary chose to stay here for 12 years. There is also a deity of Lord Brahma outside the main shrine of Sri Sharada Devi. Strangely enough, there is a nail in the deity's forehead, said to have been put there because Brahmadeva had a habit of wandering away. Vidyatirtha Rathotsava is celebrated on a grand scale during Kartika Shukla paksha. The festival runs for seven days, from Tritiya to Navami. NOTES : Some useful information: Vidyashankar Temple Timings: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM Rest of the time, the temple remains closed, but you can see it from the outside. Sharadamba Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM SEVA The following Sevas are performed at the Shrine of Sri Vidyashankara Abhishekha – Ekavara, Ekadasavara and Shata Rudrabhishekha, Panchamrita Archana – Ashtotra Navagraha Pooja Footwear has to be left outside, before you enter the temple compound in the footwear stand. Better go as early as possible in the morning, as the entire area is paved with stones, and walking on those heated stones later in the day will bake your bare feet. The place is sacred to the believers and pilgrims. Do not consume alcohol, smoke or non-vegetarian food nearby the temple area and create nuisance. Also, fishing is prohibited in this area. Best times to visit: During the winter, between October to February or March, before the summer heat begins. If you simply love the monsoon rains, go ahead in rainy season (around June to September). But keep an eye on the weather in the rainy season, as the Ghat section roads this time may be bad or get closed due to landslides and bad weather. Navaratri festival is grandly celebrated in Sringeri every year. It usually falls on the month of October. Check this year’s calendar for the exact dates, if you are interested in the cultural activities. How to Get to Vidyashankara Temple Sringeri, a hugely important pilgrimage spot, is connected through bus routes to most places in Karnataka. The city of Mangalore is also nearby, and buses and trains can be taken to Mangalore and you can reach Sringeri from there. Source : http://www.sringeri.net/temples/sri-vidyashankara http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/11-09/features1550.htm http://www.trayaan.com/…/sringeri-vidyashankara-sharadamba-…
