Sringeri and Its Traditions
It is our belief that places where Mahatmas have lived are holy and sanctified. Of them all, Sringeri is a really sacred place for devotees. It has had the association of ancient sages — Rishyasringa, Vibhandaka, and others.
Bhagavatpada Adi Sankara is also associated with this sacred place. To spread Sanatana Dharma, he established the Dakshinamnaya Sharada Peetham in Sringeri and made Sri Sureshvaracharya his immediate successor.
In the Peetham, Sri Chandramoulisvara and Sri Sharadambal are primarily worshipped. The Navaratri festival for Sharadambal is specially celebrated with all grandeur. The pujas and festivals in Sringeri are to this day carried on in the traditional way without any flaw.
The Acharyas of the Peetham are not mere sannyasins. They are highly learned in Sastras and serve as the beacon light for pandits and devotees in their quest for spiritual knowledge. They not only clear intellectual doubts but also show the dharmic way of life.
Since the days of Vidyaranya, the Acharyas of the Peetham have received the title, “Karnataka Simhasana Patisthapanacharya.” Even now, in response to the wishes of the devotees, the Acharyas continue to conduct a Raja Durbar at the time of the Navaratri festival.
May the devotees of Sringeri Sharada Peetham, who have all along followed its old traditions with great piety and reverence, benefit in every way.
अवतीर्णश्च कालट्यां केदारेऽन्तर्हितश्च यः । चतुष्पीठप्रतिष्ठाता जयताच्छङकरो गुरुः ॥
avatīrṇaśca kālaṭyāṁ kedāre’ntarhitaśca yaḥ । catuṣpīṭhapratiṣṭhātā jayatācchaṅakaro guruḥ ॥
Hail to Acharya Sankara, who incarnated in Kaladi, established the four Peethams, and merged in Kedar!
