learning, Sri Sharada's idol. He also established an ashram
or matha for the propagation of Advaita philosophy, and his first disciple Sri
Suresvaracharya was made the head of the Matha. From then onwards, Sringeri has become
famous as a center of learning, philosophy and sublime spirituality. It is one of the holy
places of India and it attracts many pilgrims. There are many tales of Sankaracharya
entwined with this holy land.
Sringeri is the first of the four pithas established by Bhagavan Sri Sankaracharya.
Sringeri is the modern rendering of Sringa Giri or the Mountain of Rishyasringa, a great
rishi whose tomb is still preserved, and thousands of pilgrims brave the hard path to pay
a visit at the holy shrine.
From the time of Sankaracharya to this day, the Sringeri Gurus have been noted for their
scholarship and saintliness. From the available records, it is possible to write a
connected story of the spiritual ministry of each pontiff. But that would be beyond the
scope of this account. Even so a few interests would not be irrelevant. |
