Sri Sharda Peetham

Traditional texts such as Shankara Vijaya mention the Sringeri Matha. Sri Shankaracharya is reported to have spent twelve years here. Sri Shankara named his pupil Viswarupa as his successor and bestowed the spiritual title of Suresvaracharya on him before departing towards the north. The Sringeri matha has a documented history dating back to the 8th century. The Sri Guru Charitra, a 15th century Marathi book, details the genealogy of this matha's gurus up to Vidyaranya. Sringeri got its name from the old Shringa Giri, a hill in the area that is said to have housed Sri Vibhandaka Maharishi and his son Sri Rishyashringa's ashram. According to legend, Sri Shankaracharya was attracted by an unexpected sight while travelling through here. To protect a spawning frog from the blazing heat, a cobra reared up and extended its hood. The holiness of the location captivated Sri Shankara, who saw natural rivals helping each other. Saraswathi Devi, who had been following Sri Shankaracharya and his followers in the guise of a little girl named Bharathi, remained as Sharada Devi on the location. Sri Shankaracharya founded a matha here, which became known as Sri Sharada Peetham, or Sharada Devi's seat.