Sringeri Sri Sharada Peetam (The Sacred Seat of Spiritual Excellence)

Sringeri, the holy of Goddess Sri Sharadamba, is a small town situated on the banks of river Tunga in the spectacular range of the picturesque western Ghats in the state of Karnataka. Synonymous with sacredness and speraking with spiritual splendour, this first and foremost Amnaya Peetam (the Seat of the Veda) instituted by Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya about 1200 years ago reigns supreme in the heart of millions who seek peace from the perils of bondage. Ever since Sri Adi Shankaracharya established Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetam at Sringeri, this sacred seat of Transcendental wisdom has been blessed by an unbroken chain of illustrious preceptors.

This short book published with the blessings of Jagadguru Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamiji the present and the 36th Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Sri Sharada Peetam serves as a guide to benefit pilgrims visiting Sringeri. The reader can find details on the sharada Peetam, and its various temples and shrines, besides the information about facilities such as accommodation and dining available to the visiting pilgrims.

The scriptures categorically declare that the goal of human life is to realise the Supreme Self, and that a Guru, who is an enlightenment. In order that sincere spititual aspirants are blessed with guidance from enlightened souls, the most compassionate Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya established at Sringeri the holy Sharada Peetam about 1200 years ago, commencing thereby the sacred Sringeri Jagadguru Parampara. The Jagadgurus of this celebrated Peetam have all been well-known for their astonishing spiritual attainments, innate compassion and deep dedication to the sustenance and propagation of Sanathana Dharma.

Acceding to Sri Adi Shankara's prayers, Sri Sharadamba (Goddess Saraswathi), and Lord Sri Chandramouleeswara have made Sringeri the place of their celestial presence. The succeeding Acharyas too have added a great lot to the divinity of this town by estanlishing shrines for various Deities at the Math complex. By the grace of the present Acharya, His Hioliness jagadguru Sri Bharathi THeertha Mahaswamiji, a majestic shrine for the Founder Guru, Sri Adi Shankara has recently been added to the sacred list of Sringeri shrines. As a result, Sringeri has become a very important religious centre thronged by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year.

In order that the pilgrims reap the maximum benefit from their visit to Sringeri, the administrative wing of Sri Sharada Peetam has, with the blessings of his Holiness Jagadguru Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamiji, brought out this short book "Sringeri Sri Sharada peetam – Pilgrim's Guide". This guide provides the visiting pilgrims with information about the hoary history of Sringeri as well as its Sharada Peetam, the greatness of the Jagadgurus, the details of the various shrines and the sevas therein, and about the facilities provided for the pilgrims by the Math administration for their comfortable to bring this book out. I am sure that the pilgrims visiting Sringeri will find the content of this book very helpful.