Vidyashankara Temple

Sri Chakra-shaped Vidya Sankar temple is a jewel on the crown of Sringeri. A sculptured treasure house denoting a blend of Vijayanagara, Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture, the shrine was constructed by Vijayanagar rulers under the guidance of Sri Bharati Krishna Theertha (1333-1380 AD), a disciple of Sri Vidya Sankara Theertha (1229-1333 AD).

There are six entrances with Dwarapalakas representing lord Shiva, lord Vishnu and Shakti aspects. The outer wall of this temple resembles a spectacular gallery of sculptures. The lower portion contains five panels, each depicting rows of animals like horses, camels and lions, yalis and dwarfs. Then there are innumerable images of gods and goddesses and scenes from the Puranas. In the sanctum, there is a Linga dedicated to Sri Vidya Sankara, who entered Jeeva samadhi in Lambika Yoga at this particular place in the year 1333 AD.

He had ordained his disciples to open the samadhi only on completion of 12 years, when they would find an image of Chaturmurti Vidyeshwara, similar to the one in Simhagiri shrine. However, when Sri Bharati Theertha was away, a few inmates, out of curiosity, opened the samadhi on completion of only three years. They were shocked to find only a Linga. As ordained in a dream, Bharati Theertha and Vidyaranya consecrated another Linga as Vidya Sankara over the samadhi.

The model image at Simhagiri was consecrated as Chaturmurti Vidyeshwara and worship was instituted. The devout believe that Sri Vidya Sankara is still in the samadhi in Lambika Yoga. There are separate shrines for Vidya Ganapathi and Mahishasuramardhini.

The hall in front of the sanctum is symmetrical and has a dome in the middle resting on 12 pillars in a circular form. The pillars represent the 12 Rasis in order, their Devatas and zodiac signs.

It is amazing to note that every month, the Suns rays fall on a particular pillar representing that month. An image of Sanishwara is kept in oil. Another small shrine dedicated to Sri Janardhana with Sridevi and Bhoodevi and the Brindavana of Sri Sureshwaracharya (820-834 AD), who succeeded Sankara Bhagavatpada, are located between Vidyaranya and Sarada temples.

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