Sringeri Mutt

Situated in the Chikmagalur district on the banks of Tunga river, Sringeri Mutt or ashram is one of the four primary temples of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. It was established by Adi Shankaracharya who spent 12 of his 32 years of his life. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi (Sharada) or the Goddess of Knowledge. It reflects the brilliance in ancient Indian architecture and cultural art of Sringeri. It also has to offer picturesque views of the Western Ghats valleys and waterfalls.

The best attraction about Sringeri Mutt is a dome on the Vidyashankara Temple which rests on twelve pillars in a circular form. These twelve posts are marked by the twelve signs of the zodiac. The pillar is arranged in such a manner that the rays of the sun fall on each of them in the order of the twelve solar months. 
A black Shiva Linga is housed in the sanctum sanctorum with Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga being the other deities worshipped at the temple. Other things to not miss while here are the lunch/dinner (Annadanam) being served, the Tunga river nearby which is full of large fish and the temple elephant blessings.