Kaladi in Ernakulam District is a famous Hindu pilgrim center on the banks of the river Periyar. Located around 40 km north-east of Kochi, this quiet town is the birthplace of the great saint philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. There are two shrines here maintained by the Sringeri Math; one is dedicated to Shankaracharya and Dakshina Murthi, while the other is dedicated to Goddess Sharada.