Episode 30

Vijayanagara:Art and Architecture p2: Disciple's Ode : Vidyashankara Temple

In this episode we will explore the art, architecture and philosophy of Vidyashankara Temple of Sringeri, which was one of the most important temples that were built during the Vijayanagara Empire.

The Vidyashankara temple was built in the year 1338 A.D., in commemoration of the pontiff Sri Vidyashankara, by Sri Vidyaranya, patron-saint of Harihara and Bukka, the brothers who founded the Vijayanagara Empire.

If you haven't heard about the foundation and rise of Sangamas, do checkout the episodes on Sangamas and Birth Of Vijayanagara in the Foundation Series episodes here Foundation Series Collection.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Follow these image hyperlinks to better follow the episode as I describe the art and architecture of the Vidyashankara Temple.

  1. Official Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Vidyashankara Temple Page
  2. Official Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Early Jagadguru(s) Bio
  3. Google Maps Marker - Tunga River & Temple
  4. Vidyashankara Temple and Sharadamba Temple Complex Pictures
  5. Vidyashankara Temple Vimana with Sukhanasa infront of it
  6. Side view of the Temple - Vimana and Sculptures
  7. Diagonal view of the Temple - Entraces and Stone Chains
  8. Relief sculpture of the Lord Narasimha on the Southern wall
  9. Rear view of the Temple - Western side entrance
  10. Rear view of the Temple - Close up
  11. Relief sculpture of Lord Brahma on the Temple wall
  12. Relief sculpture of a Deity#3 on the Temple wall
  13. Relief sculpture of a Deity4# on the Temple wall
  14. Lord Vishnu's Dasavatara (Ten Incarnations) carvings on West side wall
  15. Lord Vishnu's Dasavatara#2 (Ten Incarnations) carvings on the West side wall
  16. Reliefs of Animals on the bottom of the walls
  17. 12-Zodiac Sign Pillars Interior of the Temple
  18. Lion side-rails at one of the entrances
  19. Low relief sculptures starting at the base of the temple
  20. Vidyashankara Temple Video

About the Podcast

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Ithihasa India History Podcast
An Indic history podcast that explores different eras and periods of the vast expanse of India's unique history.

About your host

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Narendra Vikram

An Indian, who happens to be a Techie and a self taught history student. I love exploring geopolitics, world history, rise & fall of civilizations.

Over years, I have enjoyed learning about our past and realized that Humanity as such has a very volatile memory. One of the reasons why we as species keep making the same mistakes over last few thousand years.

The same wars are being fought with new twists and we keep digging at times a hole for ourselves in the same way as our ancestors did.

Why is it so difficult to remember the past? Or is it that we don't pay enough attention to it as it doesn't help pay our bills and serves of no utilitarian purpose?

Whatever the reasons, the past doesn't seem to forget us and keeps haunting many cultures, societies and nations even today.

This aspect fascinates me and this is an humble attempt to just share what I learnt and if needed re-learn it.

Disclaimer: No moral sermons will be given from a high horse.