Vidyashankara Temple
The Zodiac-Pillared Temple by the Tunga
Overview
The Vidyashankara Temple stands within the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, a revered monastic centre on the banks of the Tunga river in Karnataka's Western Ghats. Built in the 14th century, it commemorates the guru Vidyashankara and is associated with the sage Vidyaranya of the Vijayanagara era. Its architecture blends Hoysala ornament with the emerging Vijayanagara idiom, and its hall is famed for twelve pillars carved with the zodiac signs, aligned to the sun's movement. MyTripMyTravel arranges a calm, guided visit alongside the riverside Sharada shrine and the surrounding hills.
Sringeri is one of the most important centres of the Advaita Vedanta tradition, home to the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, a matha linked to the lineage of Adi Shankaracharya. It sits in lush hill country on the Tunga river.
Within the complex, the Vidyashankara Temple honours the teacher Vidyashankara and is tied to Vidyaranya, the sage associated with the founding of the Vijayanagara empire. Built in the 14th century, it marries the intricate carving of Hoysala temples with the newer Vijayanagara style.
Its most talked-about feature is the main hall's set of twelve pillars, each bearing a zodiac sign, arranged so that sunlight is said to fall on them in the order of the solar months, a display of the builders' astronomical care.
At a glance
Vidyashankara Temple in brief
What to see
Highlights
Zodiac pillars
Twelve rashi pillars keyed to the sun's path through the solar months.
Hoysala carving
Detailed sculpture across the outer walls.
Riverside setting
Positioned on the Tunga within the matha grounds.
Sharada temple
The nearby goddess shrine of the Sringeri peetham.
Living heritage
Part of an active Advaita monastic centre.
Visitor information
Our tips
Dress modestly for an active religious site.
Combine it with the Sharada temple in the same complex.
Mornings are cooler and quieter.
Remove footwear as directed.
Good to know
Vidyashankara Temple, your questions
What is special about the pillars?
Twelve pillars are carved with the zodiac signs and aligned to the sun's movement.
When was it built?
In the 14th century.
Whom does it honour?
The guru Vidyashankara, with links to the sage Vidyaranya.
What style is it?
A blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagara architecture.
Is it still active?
Yes, it stands within the working Sringeri matha.
Visit with us
See Vidyashankara Temple, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Vidyashankara Temple into a wider Sringeri and South India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Vidyashankara Temple
Free, no obligation quote. Your details stay private.