Vidyashankara Temple is an important pilgrimage centre located at Sringeri in Karnataka. As one enters the pristine premise of the Sringeri Temple complex, the stunning sight of the Vidya-Shankara Temple, shaped like chariot with its majestic gopuram soaring into the sky, attracts the visual senses. The presiding deity in this temple is the Shiva Linga known as Vidya-Shankara, installed over the Samadhi. This grand temple was built over the mortal remains of Vidyathirtha, the teacher of Vidyaranya. Vidyaranya is a legendary figure in the history of Karnataka who was the saint guru of the founder-brothers of the Vijayanagar Empire, Harihara and Bukka. The imposing granite structure of the Vidya-Shankara Temple with its intricate carvings leaves one astounding at its stupendous architecture. The temple is situated in the midst of the imposing Sahyadris Mountain Range. Tungabhadra River is located in the vicinity of the shrine. Vidyashankara Temple is regarded as the home to `Sarada Peetham` and is deeply revered by the residents of Karnataka. It was established by famous spiritual saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 1st millennium CE. Goddess Sarada is the main deity of the shrine installed by Aadi Sankaracharya himself.

History of Vidyashankara Temple
According to history the Vidyashankara Temple was constructed by Vidyaranya in memory of Guru Vidyashankara or Vidyathirtha. He was helped in his mission by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 14th century. Adi Sankaracharya installed the image of deity along with a Sri Chakra. It is said that he then began the Bharati Sampradaya promulgate the theory of non dualism. The temple is also known as `Shankaracharya Temple` because of its association with Adi Shankaracharya. As most architectural exploits have legends glued to them, this temple is no exception. The legend behind the temple location goes like once when Adi Shankara was looking to establish his first institution, an unusual sight confiscated his reflection of a frog delivering its spawn under a shelter provided by the hood of a cobra! A place that could cultivate love between natural foes must be sacred contemplation the saint and established the Sharada Peetha here.
The Peetha has had an unbroken line of illustrious spiritual leaders, and has enjoyed the patronage of the rulers including the Vijayanagara kings, Keladi Nayaks, the Wodeyars, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Not only is Sringeri known for its ancient temples, but as a centre of theology with a seminary, a school for priests, a Sanskrit school and a library of rare Sanskrit texts.

Architecture of Vidyashankara Temple
Vidyashankara Temple is an ancient pilgrimage centre built according to the architectural designs of the Hoysala Empire and Dravidian style. The temple has been built on a beautifully designed basement. There are six doorways that lead to the temple. The temple has been adorned with twelve pillars in the mandapam that are known as Raasi Pillars. These stand as the 12 zodiac signs. The pillars have been arranged in a way that the sun`s rays fall on them as per the solar months. 104 sculptured images executed in Hoysala style adorn the temple. On the floor one can see a large stone on which a circle is drawn with lines corresponding to the shadow of the pillar as it falls during each month. There are five cells to house the images of Vidya-Ganapati, Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara and Durga. The main temple hall features 12 pillars designated for the 12 signs of the zodiac. In the same temple, the broken wooden image of Saradamba, believed to be the original one installed by Shankaracharya also can be seen.
The columns of the Vidyashankara Temple have been embroidered with large rearing lion. These are seen holding huge rolling stone balls in their mouth. The sanctum is topped by a circular shikhara. The walls of the temple are adorned with images from the Indian Puranas carved beautifully. The temple portrays Lord Buddha as one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Twelve Pillars of Vidyashankara Temple
The Vidyashankara Temple features a remarkable architectural feature known as the "Twelve Pillars." These pillars encircle the mandapa and are adorned with intricately carved figures representing the twelve signs of the zodiac. What makes these pillars truly ingenious is their alignment with the movement of the sun throughout the Hindu calendar year. Each pillar is strategically positioned so that the sun`s rays fall upon them in precise chronological order, corresponding to the twelve months of the Hindu calendar.
Each of these unique columns is crowned by a Yali, a mythical creature, holding a rolling stone ball within its mouth, adding to the temple`s architectural charm. Inside the temple, on the temple floor, an elevated circular design with converging lines has been meticulously crafted. This design captures the shadows cast by each of the Twelve Pillars when sunlight bathes the Zodiac pillars. This architectural marvel not only showcases the temple`s exceptional craftsmanship but also demonstrates a deep understanding of astronomy and the passage of time in Hindu tradition.

Garbhagriha of Vidyashankara Temple
The Garbhagriha, a central sanctum sanctorum within the Vidyashankara Temple, holds significant religious and architectural elements. Positioned on the western side of the temple, it features a distinguished entrance adorned with the divine figures of Vidya Ganapati and Durga. Above this sacred chamber rises a majestic square vimana, exquisitely embellished with sikhara, mahapadama, and stupi. The roof is covered with sloping channeled slabs.
Around the remaining three sides of the Garbhagriha, visitors can witness intricate sculptures dedicated to Lord Vishnu`s ten avatars, collectively known as the Dashavatara. Additionally, the deities Brahma and Maheshwara, along with their consorts, grace the temple`s interior. The niches of the temple are adorned with numerous sculptures depicting episodes from Hindu mythology.
The outer curved walls of the temple are adorned with elaborate relief sculptures, illustrating various scenes from the Puranas. Animal motifs, such as lions, elephants, and horses, embellish the lower portions of the temple walls. A notable architectural feature of this temple, harking back to the Vijayanagar period, is the presence of stone rings suspended from the corners of the central hall. These elements collectively contribute to the temple`s cultural and religious significance, showcasing the rich artistry and devotion of its creators.

Image of Goddess Sarada
The original image of Goddess Sarada was made of sandalwood. Later in the 14th century it was replaced by a golden image. It portrays Ma Sarada sitting on the Sri Chakra Peetham. She has a Japa Mala in her hand and a parrot is seen sitting on her hand. Besides the Vidyashankara Temple there are few other temples here dedicated to Shakti, Lord Ganesha, Mahishasuramardini, Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and Rajarajeswari. The image of Venugopala and Srinivasa made of ruby are also installed in the temple. A Nandi made of pearl is also installed in the shrine. Several inscriptions have been inscribed which states about the contribution of the Vijayanagar rulers.

Festivals of Vidyashankara Temple
Several festivals are celebrated in the Vidyashankara Temple on a grand scale. Devotees throng the temple during the procession of Saradamba on every Friday. A silver chariot carries the idol around the temple. The Navaratri festival is also organised with great fervour.

Other Shrines in Vidyashankara Temple Complex
Within the expansive Vidyashankara Temple complex in Sringeri there are several other temples dedicated to various deities. In addition to the venerated Sri Sharadamba Temple, other shrines contribute to the spiritual and cultural ambiance. These include:
Sri Thorana Ganapathy Temple
Sri Adi Shankaracharya Temple
Sri Shakthi Ganapathy Temple
Sri Kodandaramaswamy Temple
Sri Malayala Brahma Temple
Sri Sureshwaracharya Temple
Sri Vageeswari Vidyaranya Temple
Sri Janardhanaswamy Temple
Sri Anjaneya Temple
Sri Garuda Temple
Sri Balasubrahmanyaswamy Temple
In addition to these prominent shrines, Sri Adi Shankara, the illustrious sage and philosopher, established guardian deities around Sringeri in four cardinal directions. These guardian deities further enriched the temple complex`s spiritual aura. These guardian deities and their respective temples include:
Kala Bhairava Temple in the East
Kere Anjaneya Temple in the West
Kalikamba Temple in the North
Durgamba Temple in the South
Collectively, these temples and shrines within the Vidyashankara Temple complex serve as significant centers of devotion, reflecting the profound religious heritage and the spiritual legacy established by Sri Adi Shankara in Sringeri.