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Maharashtra Shri Sringeri Sharda Math
This Mutt or Peetam as it is called normally was mainly set up to spread Adi Shankara’s preachings to the entire world. The Peetam that had a humble beginning in the 8th century by Adi Shankara is now grown big and wide to have around 120 branches across the country. The Peetam is the location for many pujas, spiritual discourses, social and cultural activities and various seminars.
History
Around the 8th century, there lived a visionary named Adi Shankara, for whom Goddess Sharda was the ultimate Goddess as she symbolized knowledge. He started the Sringeri Sharda Mutt in a very small way around 1200 years ago. Sringeri was the holy place which was deemed convenient by the Acharya for setting up his first Mutt. The divinity of the place drew him towards it. Sringeri, located on the banks of the Tunga river attracted the Acharya the very instant he landed here because he saw a cobra providing shelter to a frog who was in labour, to protect it from the heat waves of the sun. This sight pulled Acharya immediately towards the nature of the place and he decided to start off his journey from Sringeri, that very instant.
The Peetam continued to give spiritual discourses to people across the country through its branches and had different Acharyas controlling it right from the time of inception. Currently, this Peetam is controlled by the 36th Acharya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji who provides immense peace and positive energy to people visiting the Peetam.
Architecture
The architectural pattern of the Sringeri Mutt belongs to the South Indian, Kovil type which has huge traditional gopurams that can be seen from a long distance. This temple exudes immense knowledge and peace of mind as one enters into it. Devotees feel instantly connected to the charm of the Mutt as they feel very positive after the very first visit. Goddess Sharda, or Saraswati is the presiding deity here and She is an embodiment of knowledge and education. The deity in all the Mutts spread across the country has a very peaceful and caring face that focuses on giving full blessings to the devotees who visit Her. Most of the Mutts are made of wood and the deity in all the mutts that were earlier made of sandalwood is now changed to a stone and gold deity.
How to Reach
By Air – Mumbai is the nearest airport for this temple. The next nearest airport is Pune.
By Rail – Dadar is the nearest railway station from where the temple can be accessed easily. Sion is the next nearest railway station.
By Road – It is easier to drive down to Chembur from Dadar. There are many cab facilities available in Mumbai that go to Chembur. The state government also plies buses to Chembur regularly.
Important Shrines
The Sharadamba or Saraswati Shrine is the most famous shrine here. However inside the Mutt, all the festivals related to Hindu deities are celebrated with great fervour.
Significance of the Temple
There are lots of festivals celebrated inside the Mutt premises like Rudrabhishekam, Pushpa Alankar, Panchamirtha Abhishekam, Maha Ganapathi Homam, Sahasranama Archana, Ashotram etc.
Attraction
The main attraction of this Mutt is the varied activities that happen around the temple all throughout the year. Subramanian Swamy temple, Sidhi Vinayak temple, Mahalaxmi temple etc. are some of the famous temples nearby.
Weather and Time to Visit
The months of September to November are apt for visiting the Mutt because the climate is great and it is a festive season in Maharashtra owing to Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Puja. June to August should be preferably avoided because it can rain heavily and cause severe difficulty while travelling.
Accommodation
Owing to some of the famous temples in the vicinity, there are a number of accommodation facilities in the area around Dadar that suit the different budget levels and requirements of various tourists who visit the place.
Tips for Devotees
This Mutt is different from other temples, in that it is more of a centre for spiritual development. Devotees are expected to involve themselves fully in all activities of the Mutt.
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