In eastern Karnataka, around 160 miles west of Bangalore, there is a town and a holy location (tirtha) called Shringeri.
Shringeri is a tiny town, but it is spiritually important
since it is home to the Shringeri Math, one of the four Dashanami maths, or
monastic institutions founded by the philosopher Shankaracharya.
Shringeri math ascetics are known for their rigid commitment
to ancient practices, and the town has a long history as a religious study
center.
