Sringeri, on the Tunga river in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, is the seat of the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, the first of the four mathas that Adi Shankaracharya founded.
You come here for the Goddess Sharadamba, the deity of learning, and for the blessings of the Jagadguru Shankaracharya. Your darshan is free. You book sevas and poojas in your name on the Peetham's own seva portal, seva.sringeri.net. You book on the official portal, not on a reseller.
Free darshan and sevas
- Your darshan of Sharadamba is free and open to all.
- You book sevas and poojas in your name on the official seva portal, seva.sringeri.net, above all during Navaratri, the Peetham's biggest festival.
- On Navaratri, on Rathotsava, and on festival days the crowds are large, so book your seva early and reach the temple in good time.
[The exact seva types and offering amounts are shown on the official portal, seva.sringeri.net. Last checked 14 September 2026.]
Rooms and meals
The Peetham runs guest accommodation for pilgrims at Sringeri, and it serves a free meal, the prasad bhojana, in its dining hall. You arrange a room through the Peetham's own office, and you find the current details on sringeri.net. Do not book a Sringeri room through a stranger who found you online.
How to book, step by step
Open the official Sringeri seva portal, seva.sringeri.net, and pick the seva or pooja you want in your name. Add your details and the offering amount, pay online, and keep your confirmation. For a room or for a Navaratri visit, check the current arrangements on sringeri.net and contact the Peetham office. Reach the temple in good time on festival days, carry your confirmation, and dress modestly, as the temple asks you to.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Your biggest mistake would be booking a seva or a room on a private site that adds a fee. Book only on the official portal, seva.sringeri.net, and through the Peetham office. Next, do not come at Navaratri without a plan, into a very heavy crowd. Do not miss the old Vidyashankara temple in the same complex, a marvel of stone. Do not forget the free meal, which the Peetham serves to all.
Questions people ask
Is Sringeri darshan free?
Yes, your darshan of Sharadamba is free. You pay only for a seva or pooja in your name, booked on the official portal.
What is the official Sringeri website?
sringeri.net, and the seva portal seva.sringeri.net, of the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam. Nothing else is the Peetham.
Can I book a seva online?
Yes, you book sevas and poojas on the official portal, seva.sringeri.net, above all during Navaratri.
Can I stay at Sringeri?
Yes, the Peetham runs guest accommodation. Arrange it through the Peetham office and check the current details on sringeri.net.
When is it busiest?
At Navaratri, the biggest festival, and on Rathotsava and other festival days.