Sharadamba Temple
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Legend/Story
According to Hindu legend, the goddess Sharada was created by Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, to represent the power of knowledge and wisdom. The goddess is said to have appeared before the great sage Adi Shankaracharya, who established the Sharada Peetham, a center of learning, in Shringeri in the 8th century AD. The Sharadamba Temple was built in the 14th century AD by the Hoysala kings of South India.
Architecture
The Sharadamba Temple is a beautiful example of South Indian temple architecture. The temple is built in the Dravidian style and is surrounded by a large courtyard. The temple complex includes several smaller shrines dedicated to different Hindu deities, as well as a meditation hall and a library.
The main shrine of the temple houses an idol of the goddess Sharada, who is depicted holding a book and a musical instrument. The idol is made of gold and is adorned with precious stones. The temple's walls are decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu legend.
Pooja Timings and Best time to visit
The Sharadamba Temple is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day. The temple conducts several poojas throughout the day, starting with the morning pooja at 6:30 AM and ending with the night pooja at 8:30 PM. The temple also conducts special poojas on auspicious occasions such as Navaratri, which is celebrated with great fervor at the temple.
The best time to visit the Sharadamba Temple is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding natural beauty is at its peak. The temple experiences heavy footfall during the months of September and October, when Navaratri is celebrated with great pomp and show.
The Sharadamba Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Sringeri in the Chikmagalur district of the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sharada, who is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom.
According to Hindu mythology, the temple is said to have been established by the great philosopher and saint, Adi Shankaracharya, in the 8th century AD. Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have installed a statue of Goddess Sharada in the temple and established the Sharada Peetha, which is one of the four primary peethas (or seats of learning) in the Advaita Vedanta tradition.
The Sharadamba Temple is known for its exquisite architecture, which is a blend of Dravidian and Hoysala styles. The temple complex includes several shrines, a library, and a matha (or monastery) where students can study Hindu scriptures and philosophy.
One of the highlights of the temple is the annual Sharada Navaratri festival, which is celebrated in the month of October. During the festival, the temple is adorned with colorful decorations, and devotees perform special puja (worship) ceremonies and cultural programs.
The Sharadamba Temple has played an important role in the development of Indian culture and spirituality. The temple's library, which is known as the Anandashrama, is one of the oldest and most extensive libraries in India, with a collection of over 30,000 manuscripts and books. The library is open to scholars and students of all religions and has contributed significantly to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge and culture.
In addition to its cultural and spiritual significance, the Sharadamba Temple is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the temple's beautiful architecture, participate in the Navaratri festival, and learn about Hindu philosophy and culture at the Sharada Peetha. The temple is easily accessible by road and is located in a picturesque setting amidst the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats.
