Shringeri Sharadamba Temple

Shringeri Sharadamba Temple is a Hindu temple in Sringeri, Karnataka, dedicated to the goddess Saraswati. Carved figures cover the outer surfaces of the pillars, while the central area houses a golden shrine with inlaid doors.

Adi Shankaracharya founded the site in the 8th century, originally installing a sandalwood statue of the goddess. During Vijayanagara rule, a new golden shrine replaced the earlier object of worship.

Pilgrims offer coconuts and flowers that are placed before the shrine, where priests conduct daily Sanskrit recitations. Devotees walk clockwise around the inner courtyard, touching the stone pillars as a mark of reverence.

The site opens in the early morning and closes in the afternoon before reopening in the evening. Visitors should keep shoulders and knees covered, and footwear is removed before entering the inner shrine area.

A golden processional chariot stands in a separate building beside the main shrine and is brought out during special ceremonies. The eight panels on the shrine doors depict different forms of Lakshmi, each with distinct hand gestures and attributes.