Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple

The Sringeri Sharada Peetham, established by Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada over twelve centuries ago, is a remarkable institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the sacred tradition of Sanatana Dharma. Sringeri, located on the banks of the Tunga River, is steeped in spiritual history. It was here that the Acharya was drawn to the site after witnessing a cobra shading a frog in labor, a symbol of love between natural adversaries. This divine sight marked Sringeri as a place of immense sanctity, where harmony transcends natural opposition.

The Peetham was founded as the first of the four Amnaya Peethams (sacred monastic centers) by Adi Shankara to disseminate the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. The Acharya invoked the Goddess Sharada, the embodiment of wisdom, consecrating her icon at the site, thus establishing the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham. His prime disciple, Sri Sureshwaracharya, was appointed the first Acharya of the Peetham, which has since continued with an unbroken lineage of spiritual leaders or Guru Parampara.

Sringeri has long been a beacon of spiritual power and traditional learning, renowned for its scholarly contributions to Vedantic thought. The Acharyas have enriched the tradition with profound commentaries on the Vedas and original works on Advaita Vedanta, while the presence of Goddess Sharada has cemented Sringeri as a revered place of knowledge.

During the 14th century, under the divine guidance of the 12th Acharya, Sri Vidyaranya, the Peetham received royal patronage from the Vijayanagar Empire. Kings such as Harihara and Bukkaraya honored the Acharya, making Sringeri a powerful institution both spiritually and politically. The Peetham became known as the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam. Over time, rulers from Mysore, Hyderabad, Travancore, and others recognized the spiritual authority of Sringeri's Acharyas, including prominent figures like Tipu Sultan and the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Today, the 36th Acharya, Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, continues this rich legacy, guiding seekers on the path of spiritual wisdom and peace. The Sringeri Sharada Peetham stands as a symbol of India's timeless spiritual heritage, fostering the values of Sanatana Dharma and Advaita Vedanta.