Sringeri Sri Sharadamba Temple

Adi Shankaracharya was the one who established both the Sharadamba temple, as well as the Sharada Peetham, at Sringeri. Legend has it that Adi Shankaracharya was drifting all over the country, along with his followers that is when he came to this place, which is referred to by- Sringa Giri, because of the existence of an asharama, on top of a hill, that was found in this area, this ashrama was constructed by Rishyashringa, and his father, by the name of, Vibhandaka Maharishi. When Adi Shankaracharya came to this place, he witnessed an unusual site; there was a cobra, which was providing shade to a frog, which was in the process of giving birth from the harsh heat of the sun, by spreading his hood. He was truly mesmerized when he saw this! At that time, Adi Shankaracharya was accompanied by Goddess Saraswathy, who had taken the guise of a girl, Bharatri, who was just an adolescent. The Goddess resolved to reside here, after which Adi Shankaracharya, too, made up his mind and decided to stay here. This is where he laid down the framework for the Sharada Peetham, which became one, among the other mathas that he had started across India, in various states and towns. People believe that he lived here for about twelve years, apparently, he built four shrines encompassing the matha, those were namely- the shrine of Durga, the shrine of Lord Hanuman, the shrine of Kali and that of Kalabhairava. Because Goddess Saraswati had resolved to live here, he erected a shrine to honour her, here and also mounted an idol of the Goddess that was made of sandalwood that was seen standing, here. However, when the Mogul emperor, Malik Kafur, invaded this area, the figurine is said to have been damaged and shattered. When the Vijaynagar kings came to power, they mounted a figurine of Sharadamba, which was made of gold, in which she can be seen, sitting, here. Not long ago, a tower, which is referred to as gopuram, was also built in the temple complex.