Sharada Temple

Sharada Temple is also known as the Sharadamba Temple. The temple is devoted to Goddess Sharadamba, the Goddess of wisdom and learning. Acharya Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada established this Dakshinamnaya Peetham. It is believed that an old sandalwood idol of the Goddess was replaced by a stone and gold image in the 14th century. The temple also has a lingam which is believed to have been given to Shankaracharya, by Lord Shiva.

Due to a fire, the structure of the temple was destroyed, which was later reconstructed in the South Indian style of architecture. The temple has maha mandapam and several stone pillars carved with images of deities such as Goddess Durga, Dwarapalakas and Goddess Raja Rajeshwari. The doorways covered with gold and having eight panels with images of Ashta Lakshmi, are the other attractions of this temple. All the sculptures are carved according to the Shilpa Sastras practised in Tamil Nadu.

Navratri and a special puja performed on the Chaitra Shukla Poornima are some of the festivals celebrated at the temple. The Deepotsava, Lalitha Panchami and Sri Sharadamba Rathotsava are the other festivals celebrated on Karthika Poornima, Magha Shukla Panchami and Magha Tritiya, respectively. A popular shrine known as Sri Shakti Ganapati is situated on the south-western side of the temple.

Timing:        6 am – 2 pm
            5 pm – 9 pm