It’s December again(sorry for posting it late).. And its time for our tradition to celebrate the year by taking a vacation. But this time thanks to covid19 I couldn’t meet my pals or plan any outing with them. In fact, the one we planned got cancelled(which included Goa, Jaipur and many more). But its okay. Because this time it was different as I planned a dayout with my family.
So here are the places we visited:
1. Koodli
The Varanasi of South, Koodli, is amongst the holiest places of Southern India and the site of confluence of two holy rivers Tunga & Bhadra. A place filled with peace, faith and piety Koodli is a must see if you find yourself in Shimoga(Well, I’m from Shimoga). It is located at a distance of mere 16 km from the city of Shimoga in Shimoga district.
The place is known as the ‘Varanasi of South’ due to the presence of temples like Rameshvara, Narasimha, Brahmeshvara, and Rushyashrama.
Standing at the meeting point of Tunga and Bhadra one cannot help but immerse himself in the peace and tranquillity that surrounds the place.
2. Shanti Sagara
The pond, said to be created during 12th century also known as sulekere is a second largest pond in Asia.
A temple devoted to Lord Siddeshwara located in the proximity. Situated at a distance of 30 km in the Channagiri Taluk of Davanagere, this lake has a background marked by 800 years. This lake is the main source of irrigation and one can experience an ocean kind view here. With some added tranquillity and serenity at right amounts.
A great channel designed by Sir M Visvesvaraya also attracts a large crowd.
3. Ramthirth Pushkarni of Santhebennur
This was the highlight and main attraction of our trip.
This is the biggest Pushkarini in Davanagere District. This Pushkarini is also known as Ramatirtha Pushkarini.
Sante-Bennur is a small town located Channagiri Taluk, Davanagere District. It’s approximately 20 kilometers from the taluk.
At the entrance is a board which reads as follows:
It said that Pushkarini was built during Vijayanagara Rule which is around 16th century. Few people say “Bidanur Dynasty” spoiled the beauty of this place during war time.
According to a few people, Mysore Maharaja used to visit Ramatirtha Pushkarni with his queen/s for resting.
The construction is precise. Due to its superb design and workmanship the structure has stayed intact for centuries. The tank has totally 8 Mantapas. Five around the perimeter wall, two on its steps and one in the water. The grandest of all is the central Vasanta Mantapa.
“Vasanta Mantapa” This has 4-levels of construction with the approximate height of 50 feet. It’s Base and side walls are completely built using stones. As we go top, it has a balcony kind of architecture. And the side walls for every floor in this tower have good people and animal statue kind of designs. This gives an additional attraction to the tower. At the top most it has Gopura.
Opposite to the Pushkarini is a big empty room. This was built by Ranadulla Khan, commander of the Sultan of Vijapura (Bijapur), a few centuries ago. There is a saying that he built this as a “Musafir Khane” (Guesthouse).
Musafirkhana, the guest house which was later added by Muslim rulers. They conveniently placed it between the temple and its tank, cutting out the temple’s view completely. Now it looks as though the Musafirkhana and Pushkarni were built together. Perhaps, it won’t be wrong to call it cultural invasion.
Though the history says it was built by Hindu community, currently this place is known simply as Honda or with the name Navab-Bhavan by this younger generation. This may be due to increased Muslim community surrounding to these areas.
4. Harihareshwara Temple
Harihareshwara temple which is located in Harihar taluk of Davangere District. This temple is a combination of Both Hari(Vishnu) and Hara(Shiva). Just 12kms from Davangere District the Harihareshwara temple is located on the right bank of the river Tungabhadra. It is a large structure in Hoysala style of architecture built in 1224 ad by POLALVA, a general of the Hoysala king NARASIMHA II. The temple on the plan has an indented garbhagriha, an antarala, a navaranga maha mandapa followed by a spacious multi-pillared sabhamandapa with an entrance in the North-South and West, all in East-west orientation. The navaranga has a porch in the south and north.
So, this was our small day out in Davanagere which also included visiting many many temples and also some shopping(Mothers!! I tell you). It was a short and sweet trip & one of the very few memorable things of 2020.
And when in Davanagere, don’t miss out on the specials in food department. Do I even have to mention it?
Now lets have a photo trip-
♥️
Divya
mytinyatlas 