Holy
Pilgrimage – Temples in Karnataka State
Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, Karnataka
The Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, otherwise known as Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra, is in the Kudroli area of Mangalore in Karnataka, India. It was consecrated by Narayana Guru. It is dedicated to Gokarnanatha, a Hindu deity also known as Shiva. Compared to the other temples in and around Mangalore this temple was built recently.
History
The Billava community was traditionally suppressed by the upper caste treating them as untouchables. It is in such a scenario that the community found a messiah in Narayana Guru. Narayana Guru has been regarded as the uplifter of the downtrodden and a visionary social servant.Learning about the work undertaken by Narayana Guru in establishing social equality through his temples in Kerala, a prominent Billava leader from the community Sahukar Koragappa visited the Guru along with the leaders of the community in 1908. The delegation appraised Narayana Guru about the problems faced by the Billawas.
Narayana Guru visited Mangalore on invitation from this delegation and ascertained for himself the exactness of the prevailing situation. After visiting, Narayana Guru selected the place in Kudroli and advised the community elders about a suitable location to build their temple; work began under his direction. Elders such as Sahukar Koragappa took the initiative in ensuring smooth progress in the temple's construction.
Gokarnanatha Kshethra, Mangalore, foundation stone was originally laid by the couple Siri Amma Poojaarthi and Chennappa Poojaary in 1908. They were foster parents of Koragappa Poojaary. Chennappa Poojaary is the son of Ugga Poojaary who was responsible to build Brahma Baidarkala Garadi Kshethra, Kankannady, Mangalore in the year 1882. Later the divine Shiva Linga was consecrated by Narayana Guru in Gokarnanatha Kshethra
Narayana Guru formally consecrated the temple in February 1912 with the establishment of sacred Shiva Linga, which was brought by him. He named this place as Gokarnanatha Kshethra. Narayana Guru advocated that all God's creation had the right to worship the Almighty and preached that people irrespective of the caste, creed or religion must worship one divine force, known by different names.
As per the Guru's advice, idols of Ganapathy, Subramanya, Annapoorneshwari, Bhairava, the Nava Grihas (Lords of nine planets), Shanishwara and Krishna are installed at the Kshethra. This has helped devotees worship at all these sannidanams (abodes) and seek blessings and solace for their problems. Sahukar Koragappa then donated the land needed for the Kshethra. He was also chosen as its first administrative head.
The temple was renovated under the leadership of Central Finance Minister B. Janardhana Poojary in 1989 and was completed within two years in 1991. The renovated Gokarnanatha Kshethra was inaugurated by the prime minister of India Rajiv Gandhi under the presidency of B. Janardhan Poojary in 1991. Poojary is the main architect of Mangalore Dasara.
The temple was renovated in 1989 under the leadership of B. Janardhan Poojary and under the guidance of Somasunderam, son of Koragappa. Sthapadi K. Dakshinamoorthy was the architect who designed and built the present temple in the Chola style of architecture from its original Kerala style. The new gopuram is 60 feet in height and very beautiful. A marble statue of Narayana Guru was erected in the entrance of the temple and a crown studded with precious gems was given by the devotees. It's estimated the renovation cost Rs. 1 crore, and now it has become one of the largest temple in Mangalore.[2]
Later in the year 2007 Bhagwaan Hanumaan Mandir was built in the Gokarnanatha Kshethra premises at the entrance under the leadership of B. Janardhan Poojary. Bhagwaan Hanumaan Mandir in turn adds beauty to the Kshethra.
Festivals
The temple observes many festivals. Maha Shivaratri, Navrathri, Krishnashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Nagara Panchami, Deepavali, Dasara, Sri Narayana Jayanthi are celebrated with traditional gaiety and splendour. It has worshipers from all over the world. The temples branches are in Mulki, Udupi and Katpady. In addition to idols of Sharada Matha and Maha Ganapati, life-size idols of Nava Durgas are installed in the premises in an attractive way during Navaratri. All religious rites are observed for the entire period. Tableaux form a special part of the festivities and are taken around the main thoroughfares of Mangalore. Idols are then immersed in the well-decorated temple ponds in the presence of devotees.The dasara festival is celebrated with much grandeur. The dasara celebrations of this temple is popularly called Mangalore Dasara
The birthday of Sri Narayana Guru is ceremoniously followed. The Kshethra also follows the ritual of feeding devotees who visit it daily. Community Sri Satyanarayana Pooja, Sri Shani Pooja, free mass marriages and distribution of scholarship to deserving students are traditions, too. Today, the Kshethra attracts devotees from all religions and communities. The Billava community has come of age. The Kshethra can be rightly called the melting pot of all religions symbolising unity in diversity.
Mangalore Dasara is celebrated in a very spectacular way by worshiping the idol of Ganesh, Adhi Shakthi Maatha, Sharada Maatha, Navadurgas such as Shaila Puthri Maatha, Brahmachaarini Maatha, Chandrakaantha Maatha, Kushmaandini Maatha, Skanda Maatha, Kathyaahini Maatha, Maha Kaali Maatha, Maha Gowri Maatha and Siddhi Dhaathri Maatha under the leadership of B. Janardhan Poojary. Poojary was the first person responsible to start the worship of Navadurgas and the other idols at one place in the history of universe. All these idols are grandly worshiped for nine days of navarathri. On the tenth day, these idols are taken in the grand procession of Mangalore Dasara throughout the city; the procession returns back to Gokarnanatha Kshethra on the next day morning where all the above idols are immersed in the lake inside the temple premises.
Earlier, from 1912 to 1990 during dasara only the idol of Sharada Maatha was being worshiped. In 1991 Poojary gave a new dimension not only to the dasara and to the people of Mangalore but also to the entire universe by worshiping Navadurgas and all the other mentioned idols.
Location
This temple is situated in Kudroli area (about 5 km from the City Bus Stand) in the city of Mangalore.Transport to Mangalore
Mangalore's location makes it accessible via all forms of transport. Transport systems in Mangalore include private buses, KSRTC buses, trains, taxis and autorickshaws.Four National Highways pass through Mangalore. NH-66 (previously known as NH-17 till April 2011 , which runs from Panvel (in Maharashtra) to Edapally Junction (near Cochin in Kerala), passes through Mangalore in a north–south direction, while NH-48 runs eastward to Bangalore. NH-13 runs north-east from Mangalore to Solapur National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is upgrading the national highways connecting New Mangalore Port to Surathkal on NH-66 and BC Road junction on NH-48. Under the port connectivity programme of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP), a 37.5-kilometre (23.3 mi) stretch of these highways will be upgraded from two-lane to four-lane roads. NH-234, 715-km long Highway connects Mangalore to Villupuram.
Mangalore's city bus service is operated by private operators and provides access within city limits and beyond. Two distinct sets of routes for the buses exist—city routes are covered by city buses, while intercity routes are covered by service and express buses. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates long distance bus services from Mangalore to other parts of the state. The other key players who run bus services from Mangalore are the Dakshina Kannada Bus Operators Association (DKBOA) and the Canara Bus Operators Association (CBOA). These buses usually ply from the Mangalore Bus Station. White coloured taxis also traverse most of the city. Another mode for local transport is the autorickshaw.
Rail connectivity in Mangalore was established in 1907. Mangalore was also the starting point of India's longest rail route The city has two railway stations—Mangalore Central (at Hampankatta) and Mangalore Junction (at Kankanadi). A metre gauge railway track, built through the Western Ghats, connects Mangalore with Hassan. The broad gauge track connecting Mangalore to Bangalore via Hassan was opened to freight traffic in May 2006 and passenger traffic in December 2007. Mangalore is also connected to Chennai through the Southern Railway and to Mumbai via the Konkan Railway.
The Mangalore Harbour has shipping, storage, and logistical services, while the New Mangalore Port handles dry, bulk, and fluid cargoes. The New Mangalore Port is also well equipped to handle petroleum oil lubricants, crude products and LPG containers. It is also the station for the coast guard. This artificial harbour is India's ninth largest port, in terms of cargo handling, and is the only major port in Karnataka.
Mangalore Airport (IATA: IXE) is near Bajpe/Kenjar, and is located about 15 kilometres (9 mi) north-east of the city centre. It is the second airport in Karnataka to operate flights to international destinations.
Halasi Temple, Karnataka
Halasi (Kannada ಹಳಸಿ) also called as Halsi or Halshi, is a town in Khanapur Taluk, Belgaum District in Karnataka, India. It is 14 km from Khanapur and about 25 km from Kittur. It is famous for having been the capital of a branch of Kadamba Dynasty. The town is rich in historical monuments and temples and is near Khanapur.Halasi is in Background of Western Ghats in lush green atmosphere. It was the second capital of the Kadambas of Banavasi. The huge Bhuvaraha Narasimha temple has tall images of Varaha, Narasimha, Narayana and Surya. The place has a fort, and also temples of Gokarneshswara, Kapileshwara, Swarneshwara and Hatakeshwara.
Halasi has groups of monuments like Kalmeswara, Suvarneswara, Ramalingeswara and Bhuvaraha temples
Bhoo Varaha Laxmi Narasimha Temple
Halasi was called Palasika in ancient times and the Bhoo Varaha Laxmi Narasimha Temple is one of the best examples of the Kadamba style of architecture. The 50 feet tall tower of the inner shrine or garbhagruha is very similar to the Madhukeswar temple in Banavasi built by them.According to historians, it was built during the Kadamba period or 5th century AD, and inscriptions inside the temple also support this. As per the records, it was built by Shivachitta. In 1169 AD, the idol of Ananta Viravikrama Narasimha installed by Matayogi.
According to a legend associated with this shrine, Pandavas built this temple overnight during their exile and worshiped Lord Vishnu here.
According to the temple priest, the two feet tall idol of Narasimha, on the left side of Vishnu, is swayambhu or udbhava and not sculpted by anybody.
Inside the temple
There are two
garbhagruhas facing each other. In the right one is the four feet idol
of Lord Shri Vishnu in a sitting posture. The idols of Suryanarayana and
Mahalaxmi are just behind the main idol.The garbhagruha on the left side has the idol of Bhoo Varaha Swamy. In 1186-87, a 5 feet standing idol of Varaha was installed by Vijayaditya III. Lord Vishnu's Varaha avatar, where he carries Mother Earth (or Bhoodevi) in his mouth, can be seen. The beautifully carved lotus on the ceiling goes to prove that the Kadambas patronised and developed their own art form.
Just outside the main temple are smaller temples dedicated to Ganesha, Shiva and Vitthala. One fine statue of Radha Krishna can also be seen in a smaller shrine.
Location
Halasi is 14 kms from Khanapur. Khanapur is about 26 km from Belgaum.
Transportation to Belgaum
Road
Belgaum is connected by road via the National Highways 4 (connecting Maharashtra [Now part of the Golden Quadrilateral], Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu) and 4A (connecting Karnataka and Goa). NWKRTC run buses to all corners of Karnataka as well as neighboring states. There are many prominent private buses providing services to all major destinations in Karnataka and surrounding states.Air
Main article: Belgaum Airport
Belgaum Airport was the only airport in north
Karnataka for many decades (with an airforce base). The airport currently
serving the city is Belgaum Airport at Sambra, located at
10 km from the city on SH20. Belgaum
was directly connected with Mumbai
but the only flight to Mumbai was stopped in November 2011 owing to the
financial crisis at Kingfisher Airlines. Since then SpiceJet
has announced daily flights to Bangalore
starting from 22nd Nov 2012.[citation needed]Rail
Belgaum is on the main Indian Railways grid being part the of south western division and is well connected by rail to major destinations such as Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, New Delhi and Chennai. The Belgaum railway station is the oldest in this region.[citation needed]Halasuru Someshwara Temple, Bangalore
Halasuru Someshwara Temple (Kannada: ಹಲಸೂರು ಸೋಮೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ), located in the suburb of Halasuru (also called Ulsoor) in Bangalore city (also Bengaluru) is a dedicated to the deity Someshwara (the Hindu god Shiva). It is the oldest temple in the city and dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire period. According to art critic and historian George Michell, the temple belongs to the early 17th century rule of Hirya Kempe Gowda II
Legend
In the "Gazetter of Mysore" (1887), Benjamin Lewis Rice describes a legend behind the consecration of the temple. Kempe Gowda, while on a hunt, rode far away from his capital Yalahanka. Being tired, he rested under a tree and fell asleep. The local deity Someshwara appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to build a temple in his honor using buried treasure. In return the chieftain would receive divine favor. Kempe Gowda found the treasure and dutifully completed the temple According to a different version of the legend, King Jayappa Gowda (1420-1450 CE) from minor dynasty called "Yelahanka Nada Prabhu" was hunting in a forest near the present Halasuru area, when he felt tired and relaxed under a tree. In a dream, a man appeared before him and told him that a linga (universal symbol of the god Shiva) was buried under the spot he was sleeping. He was instructed to retrieve the it and build a temple. Jayappa found the treasure and initially built the temple out of wood. Another account attributes the temple to the Chola Dynasty with later renovations made by the Yelahanka Nada Prabhus.Temple plan
According to Michell, the temple plan follows many of the basic elements of Vijayanagara architecture though at a lower scale. The temple has a square sanctum (garbhagriha) which is surrounded by a narrow passage way. The sanctum is connected to a closed mantapa (hall) whose walls are decorated with pilasters and sculptures in frieze. The closed mantapa is connected to a spacious open mantapa comsisting of four large projecting "bays" (area between four pillars). The piers leading to the sanctum and those facing outward from the open mantapa are the standard Yali (mythical beast) pillars. The eastern gopuram is a well executed, typical 16th century structure.There are several notable sculptures and decorative features in the complex. An impressive pillar (kambha or nandi) pillar) stands near the tall tower over the entrance gate (gopura). The tower itself exhibits well sculptured images of gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology. The open mantapa consists of forty eight pillars with carvings of divinities in frieze. To the north is the navagraha temple (shrine for the nine planets) with twelve pillars, each pillar representing a saint (rishi). The entrance to the sanctum exhibits sculptures of two "door keepers" (dvarapalakas). Other notable works of art include sculptures that depict King Ravana lifting Mount Kailash in a bid to appease the god Shiva, Durga slaying Mahishasura (a demon), images of the Nayanmar saints (Tamil Shaivaite saints), depictions of the Girija Kalyana (marriage of Parvati to the god Shiva), the saptarishis (seven sages of Hindu lore). Recent excavations at the temple site has revealed the existence of a temple tank (Pushkarini which is kalyani) which could be 1200 years old
The temple has some exquisite features, such as a huge kambha or
nandi pillar in front of the beautiful gopura. The gopura is covered with
skilfully carved statues of gods and goddesses. The nandi mantapa consists of
48 pillars sporting beautiful carvings of divinities. To the north is the
Navagraha temple which has carved pillars depicting the 12 rashis. Two
dwarapalakas (guards) watch over the main entrance to the garba gruha (sanctum
sanctorum).
The temple also houses beautiful sculptures which narrate the story of King
Ravana of Lanka lifting Mount
Kailasha in a bid to
convince Lord Shiva to permanently settle in his kingdom. A carving of Goddess
Durga slaying Mahishasura is also nearby, along with idols of the nayanmars
(Tamil Shaivaite saints). Lord Vishnu and Brahma also have a place at this
temple and are worshipped alone with Shiva.
Visitors must not miss the carvings of the girija kalyana (the holy wedding of
Lord Shiva and Parvathi). These carvings adorn the outer wall of the sanctum
sanctorum. Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, the seven rishis, the 12 aditya and 11
rudras are also a part of the wedding procession, with King Himalaya performing
the kanyadana. A sri chakra is found inside the Kamakshi sannidhi which
is a rare thing, as they are usually found only in Mookambika and Sharada
temples. Apart from Someshwara, four more lingas –– Bheemeshwara,
Nanjundeshwara, Arunachaleshwara and Chandramouleshwara –– grace the
temple. In 1982, some miscreants set the temple chariot afire, and a new
chariot was built in 1992. The temple is under the Muzrai Department's
maintenance.
Hangal Tarakeshwara Temple and other Temples, Karnataka
Hangal also spelled as Hanagal (Kannada: ಹಾನಗಲ್ಲ ) is a town in Haveri district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is 75 km away from Hubli-Dharwad.It is on the left bank of the Dharma river, and has ruins of some fortification on the river bank. The town has a huge lake near Billeshwara temple called Anekere. This town is named Viratnagar of Mahabharath. famous Cultural sport of the hangal is "HattiHabba" The town has the huge Tarakeshwara temple. Other temples in the town are the Ganesha temple, Virabhadra temple, Billeshwara and Ramalinga temples. And a famous Veerashaiva Kumaraswami matha located in this town.
History
Hangal was also known as Hanungal.Hangal was the capital of the Hangal Kadambas, feudatories of the Kalyani Chalukyas. It is mentioned as Panungal in early records and identified by tradition with Viratanagara of Mahabharata days. It was once the headquarters of a district called Panungal-500.
Kadambas
Main article: Kadamba Dynasty
- Kadambas is an ancient dynasty of south India which primarily ruled the region of the present day state of Goa and nearby Konkan region (part of modern Maharashtra and Karnataka state). The early rulers of this dynasty established themselves at Vaijayanti or Banavasi in 345 AD and ruled as independent rulers for more than two centuries.
- The Kadambas, the earliest known dynasty to patronize Jainism was that of the Kadambas who ruled around 485 A.D. This is evident from Kamalajinalaya built near Banavasi by Ravivarma. There were several other Jaina monuments built under Kadamba patronage. Parsvanatha temple at Kuppatur built for Kadamba queen Maladevi and Jaina temple built in Hangal, fort are two such examples.
- In 607 AD, Chalukyas of Vatapi (Badami) sacked Banavasi and Kadamba kingdom was incorporated into expanding Chalukya empire. In the 8th century AD, Badami Chalukyas were overthrown by Rashtrakutas who ruled supreme in south India till 10th century.
Kadamba of Hangal
Main article: Kadamba of Hangal
Western Chalukyas
Hangal attained significance under the Kalyani Chalukyas who were the chief powers in the Deccan (10th–12th century). Chalukyas were renowned for their architectural (Gadag style) innovations, built out of the grey green chloritic schist of the region. For example the monuments (temples) at Mahadeva Temple, Gadag, Hangal and Lakkundi. So Hangal comes under the core area of Western Chalukya.The Western Chalukyas (in 973) rose to power by defeating the Rashtrakutas with the help of Kadambas. Then Kadambas chief Chatta Deva was allowed by Taila II to rule Banavasi, he (during 980 - 1031 AD), consolidated his domain in the western Tungabhadra river basin under Chalukya shelter.
Hoysalas
Hangal gained importance during the rule of Kalyani Chalukyas (10th to the 12th century), and later came under the Hoysalas with the decline of the Chalukyas. Bileshwara temple at Hangal is in the Hoysala style.Tourism attraction
At Hangal there are many historical temples, those are related to Chalukyas and Hoysalas. Tarakeshwara temple, Veerabhadra Temple, Billeshwara Temple are very attractive.Tarakeshwara temple
Hangal has a huge structure with wonderful series of images and polished tall Chalukya pillars. The Tarakeshwara temple (mid-12th century) dedicated to Shiva.The outer walls of the temple are articulated with both Dravidian and nagara style of miniature shikaras.
The temple is famous for its very large domical ceiling in the main hall, which rises, in concentric circles of cusped mouldings, and then, at the apex, falling again in a great rosette or pendant.
- Kirtimukhas are wonderfully done, including Scenes from the Ramayana on these walls.
- The open hall contains (at its centre), a most intricately carved, domical corbelled lotus ceiling.
- The rock is carved in the form of a lotus and is 30 feet in diameter, is a octagonal piece of stone supported on 8 pillars.
- The temple consists of a sanctuary with a great adjoining pillared hall.
- Pillars are lathe-turned have bell-shaped section. There are plenty of decorative art on pillars, having elephants carved in such a way that a visible space separates the trunks from the pillar. A simple diamond shaped motif that are carved in bands around pillars are done in different sizes and minor variations.
- Nandi pavilion resting on 12 pillars and leaning balcony seating.
- The columns are lathe turned (have geometric shapes).
- Both halls have stepped pyramidal roofs.
- The outer walls are decorated with carvings of miniature temples.
- There are memorial stones carved with religious (Mastigallu)and military scenes(Veeragallu).
Veerabhadra Temple
Veerabhadra Temple, located in the Hangal Fort, is a beautifully carved temple. There is a crying need to carry out conservation and restoration work by the Archeological Survey of India.Billeshwara Temple
The Billeshwara temple is in the Hoysala style. The main attraction in this Temple are its elaborately carved jambs of the doorframe of the garbhagudi. At the lower end of each one (right and left sides of the doorframe) there are 5 carved figures - Manmatha is in the central projection, Rati is at his side with Daksha (the goat headed god) and both are flanked by attendants. It consists of a sanctuary face (incomplete), the outer walls are decorated with designs that look like temple towers and it also has a carved decoration consisting of diamond shaped depressions. The square panels have - carved into them - serpents with intertwined tails, animals, musicians, and foliage.Kumaraswamy Matha
JainTemple Fort
The Jain temple at Hangal in the fort area (at horticulture department premises). It is mostly built after AD 1150. The temple is beautifully decorated but there is need of conservation and restoration. The temple has Hoysala style of architecture. The temple was built on a stepped plan. It has an open hall and sanctuary but both do not have their superstructure now. The sculptural decoration (includes flowers, garlands, torana, animals, birds and gods) upper portion of the wall is elaborate. The temple walls are decorated with thin pilasters. The open hall has lathe turned pillars.
Transport
Hanagal is approximately 370 kms from Bengaluru and 40 kms from Haveri City. This town can via reached Bengaluru-Chitradurga-Haveri-Hanagal route also via Dharwad-Hubli-Shiggaon-Hanagal route. The nearest rail head is Haveri railway Station , its Railaway Statio code is HVR. Haveri is 7 hours away from Bangalore by train. It is the stop 72 km before Hubli and 72 km after Davanagere. By road, it is about 340 km from Bangalore on NH-4 towards Mumbai.Harihareshwara Temple, Karnataka
The Harihareshwara Temple at Harihar in Karnataka state, India, was built in c. 1223–1224 CE by Polalva, a commander and minister of the Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II. In 1268 CE, Soma, a commander of King Narasimha III of the same dynasty made some additions The temple houses the deity Harihara, a fusion of the Hindu Gods Vishnu and Shiva. The image of the deity is a fusion of the right vertical half of Shiva and left vertical half of Vishnu. he image holds in its right hand, the attributes of Shiva and in the left hand, those of Vishnu.
Legend
According to a Hindu legend, a demon named Guha (or Guhasura) once lived in these parts and a considerable surrounding region, from Uchchangi Durga in the east, Govinahalu in the south, Mudanur in the west and Airani in the north was under his control. Guha successfully appeased Hindu god Brahma with his penance and obtained a boon, by virtue of which, it would be impossible for either Hari (Vishnu) or Hara (Shiva) to singly kill him. Guha then became a regular tormentor of gods and humans alike. In order to overcome Brahma's boon and eliminate Guha, Vishnu and Shiva together took the form of Harihara (a fusion), came down to earth and killed the demon. The descent of the incarnation on earth is said to be at nearby Kudalur, at the confluence of the rivers Tungabhadra and Haridra.Temple plan
The temple is constructed in a staggered square mantapa (hall) plan, typical of Hoysala constructions. Therefore, the outer wall of the mantapa shows many projections and recesses The wall of the mantapa is a parapet wall resting on which are half pillars that support the outer ends of the roof (cornice). The ceiling of the open mantapa is adorned with artistic decoration such as lotuses. The ceiling is supported by lathe turned full pillars. The material used for the temple is soapstone (also called potstone). he original tower over the shrine (Vimana) is missing and has been replaced in modern times with one of brick and mortar Preserved within the temple premises are several old-Kannada inscriptions and hero stones.Other Attractions
Sree
Parvathi Temple
at temple premises Omkar Math: Sri Math
has its building or boundary to the south of Sri Harihareshwara
Temple on the banks of
the holy river Tungabhadra. By the influence of Sri. Adi Shankar on the
universal thought of Advaita, Sri Shivananda Teertha established Omkar Math
with the co-operation of local devotes on 1941 march 28 where in Sri
Sharadambha,Sri Dattatreya and Sri Adi Shankara on the idols of Sri Math. Swami
Sri Shivananda Teertha trust is being established to keep the activities of Sri
Math alive and jubilant. For more information visit on www.omkarmath.org
Banashankari Temple
on the Banks of Tungabhadra.
Kannyaka Parameshwari
Temple in Temple Street.
Jai Hanuman
Temple opp Old Shoba
Talkies.
Rama Mandhira in Rajaram
Colony and Narayana Ashrama on harihara-Hosapete highway.
Raghavendra Swamy temple
(popularly known as Raayara Matha)
Ayyappa temple other side
of the river.
Rajanahalli Hanumappa
temple (Hanuman temple in Rajanahalli, around 6 km from Harihar on bypass
highway)
Graamadevata temple
Maargadha Dhurgamma temple
(towards ranibennur on NH4, around 3 km)
Kumaranahalli Sri
Ranganatha temple and Sri Ranganatha Ashram built by Swamy Shankaralinga
Bhagavan (towards Malebennur, around 20 km)
Mother Mary's Church
Hazarat Chaman Shah Wali
Dargha at Bathi Sharief, 6 km towards Davangere
Hazarat Naadband Shah wali
baba Dargha
Hazarat Ahmed Shah Wali
Mahmood Shah Wali Dargha
Kondajji situated a few
kilometers from Harihar is a picnic spot. It is also a major Scouts and Guides
camp. It has a lake, where boating is available and hills.
Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary around 20 km
How to get to Harihar
Situated exactly in the middle of Karnataka, Harihar has a good connectivity from South and North.
BY air - The nearest airport is at Hubli 131 km from Harihar. From there one can take flights to Bangalore and Mumbai. The nearest international airport is 275 km away in Bangalore, from where one can take flights for most of the important cities in India. Harihar also has a private airport owned by Aditya Birla Group in their campus and often used by politicians and famous personalities.
BY RAIL - Harihar is connected with most of the metros like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai through regular trains. Harihar is a new railway junction which connects Hospet and Bellary via kottur. It is yet to start operating.
By road
With NH4 (Part of Golden Quadrilateral)
passing close by there is a good network of roads that connects Harihar to
other important cities of the region.
Buses
It is a 2.5 hours drive from Hubli
(131 km) and 5 hours drive from Bangalore
(278 km). Most of the buses which ply from/to North Karnataka to/from South Karnataka (if not all) go via this place. The town
is 14 km from Davanagere city, was earlier a part of Chitradurga district
(78 km). This town is also near to Hampi, a historical place and
Tungabhadra Dam, Hospet. Most of the buses plying from North Karnataka to
Dharmasthala, Shimoga, Mysore
go via Harihar. Other private travels include:
- Mahesh Travels
- Vijayanand Roadlines (VRL)
- Durgamba travels
- SRE travels
Trains
Good train facility, again connecting Hubli - Bangalore route. Intercity
express "Rani Chennamma Express" and Janashatabdi Express
are the major trains which people there rely upon and commonly commute in.
Other trains include Hubli-Bangalore Fast Passenger which is by all
means the convenient train to go to Bangalore (departs from Harihar at 9:30 pm,
arrives at Bangalore at 6:10 a m) or to come to Harihar (departs from Bangalore
at 10:00 pm and arrives at Harihar at 5:30 am). Another train which has come to
light recently is the Dharwar-Mysore express train which departs from
Harihar at 10:45 pm.
- Train# 2079, 2080 : Janashatabdi express
- Train# 583 : UBL (Hubli Junction) to SBC (Bangalore city) fast passenger
- Train# 586 : SBC (Bangalore city) to UBL (Hubli Junction) fast passenger
- Intercity express Dharwar to Bangalore, Bangalore to Dharwar.
- Dharwar Mysore Express
- Chalukya Express Bangalore to Mumbai and back
- Sharavathi Express Mysore to Mumbai and back
- Now another railway line is connecting to Hospet via Kottur. [In progress] Then Harihar will directly connect with Hospet, Bellary and Hyderabad.
Panchlingeshwara Temple, Hooli, Karnataka
Hooli is in Belagavi/Belgaum District in Karnataka India. It is about 9 km from Saundatti. Hooli has so many temples, each has its own well. Even the remotest location on the hills has temples Saundatti is a pilgrimage centre located 78 kms from Belgaum..
One of the oldest villages in the Belgaum District, it is famous for Panchaligeswara temple. Some of the other ruined temples waiting for conservation and restoration. On the outskirts of Hooli is the Trikuteshwara Temple. The village is historically rich, boasting of a ruined fort atop a hill, numerous temples and many freedom fighters. Hooli has been under the rule of the Ratta's of Saundatti, Patwardhans of Ramdurg and most of the temples here are of Chalukya architecture and were initially Jain Basti's indicating a Chalukya rule. The name of the village is a corrupted form of PooValli meaning a flowery ear ornament. The village was also called MahishpatiNagar in ancient times
The nice architecture of Hooli Panchalingeshwar Temple is to be adored. It is a protected monument that comes under Archeological Survey of India. Earlier, during summer afternoons people used to rest in the shade of this temple. Because the temple was made of stone, it was unbelievably cool even in the scorching summer.
Opposite the Panchalingeshwara temple is the relatively modern Hari Mandir. The Sant Culture or Nath tradition influenced heavily by Jnaneshwar flourished here.
Conservation and restoration
Other temples at Hooli are
- Andhakeshwara Temple
- Bhavnisankara Temple
- Kalmeshwara Temple
- Kashi Vishwanatha Temple
- Madaneshwara Temple
- Suryanarayan Temple
- Tarkeshwara Temple
- Hooli Sangameshwar Ajjanavaru Temple: its great god of Hooli
- Beerdevar temple Hooli
Shivakashi Stream
Shivakashi Valley seems to be a place which was once densely covered by trees. At this location you can find the marks left by monsoon springs and water falls. Based on stories from village elders there were tigers once upon a time. Village folks hunted them off decades ago.The location otherwise is dotted with many temples and wells. There is a Dhyan Mandir used by Krishnaraj Swamiji as the legend has it. The view from the top of the hill is picturesque. The water cascades down at various levels and flows to join the lake in front of KereSiddeshwara Temple.
Hooli Surname
Ancestors born & brought up at this place migrated to nearby villages over a long period of time, they were referred to as people from "Hooli", hence many families have their surnames as "Hooli".However, the most common surnames in the village itself are Kulkarni, Patil, Chikkareddi. These families have been living in the same area for hundreds of years now and every family is invariably interrelated.
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My humble
salutations to the great devotees , wikisources
and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )
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