Sringeri, 90 kilometers west of Chikmagalur town on the banks of the river Tunga, is a city with epic associations. The place is said to have been named after Rishyashringa who have been named after Rishyashringa who figures in the Ramayana as the chief priest at the great sacrifice of king Dasharatha. Widely known for the Jagadguru Shankarcharaya Matha of the Adwaitha School of philosophy, Sringeri also has an ancient temple of Vidhashankara. Constructed on a picturesque spot parallel to the river Tunga, the temple is a fine example of artistic transition form Hoysala to Vijayanagara style. Built around 1357 A.D.
The imposing granite structure encloses friezes of elephants, lions, pouranic scenes, dancers in various poses etc., and figures big and small of various Hindu gods enshrined in niches with ornamental towers. The garbha-gudhi has a linga called Vidyashankara installed in the memory of Guru Vidyatheertha. To the north of this temple is a more recent temple built by skilled craftsmen of the 20th century and houses the highly venerated Sharadamba image. The new temple is built in the Dravidian style. A small 14th century temple of Janardhana close by is attributed to the Vijayanagara period. Sringeri also has an old Jain Basadi dedicated to Parshwanatha Theerthankara.
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