THE FACTS

 

The Attack: In 1791, during the Third Anglo-Mysore War, the Sringeri Math and the temple of Goddess Sharada were indeed attacked and plundered by a contingent of irregular Maratha horsemen (Pindaris) under the command of Raghunath Rao Patwardhan. The temple's idol was desecrated, many Brahmins were killed, and considerable wealth, estimated at about 60 lakh rupees, was looted.

The Aftermath & Tipu Sultan's Aid: The head of the Math, Sri Sachidananda Bharati Swamy, fled and subsequently wrote to Tipu Sultan for help in reconsecrating the idol and restoring the temple. Tipu Sultan, who had a good relationship with the math and often addressed the Swamy as "Jagadguru", expressed anger and grief over the incident. He made monetary arrangements (including 200 rahatis in cash and other gifts) for the re-consecration of the idol and provided security and aid for the repairs.

Maratha Reaction: The incident was not a planned Maratha policy, but rather an act by irregular troops. The Maratha polity leaders, including the Peshwa, were reportedly anguished over the act and made efforts to compensate the Swami, though Tipu's help was more immediate and substantial in the restoration. 

This event is well-documented in historical records, including a collection of 30 letters exchanged between Tipu Sultan and the Shankaracharya of Sringeri.