Immersing ourselves in Adil Shahi Sultanate's tombs, ruins, mahals, and masjid for two days, spending an evening in Basanta Vana seemed like a good idea. This was going to be the last leg of our Vijayapura trip. Located at a distance of 5 KM from the city on Sindagi road the Shiva statue can be spotted from a distance. Walk through the lush green park lead us to the idol. Sitting cross-legged in yogic posture, Shiva's face radiates love and compassion.
Info: T.K. Patil Banakatti Charitable Trust of Vijayapura (Bijapur) installed this 85 feet tall and 104 feet width statue. The unveiling ceremony was held on February 26, 2006 on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri. It bagged the coveted place of third biggest Shiva statue in the country weighing 1500 tonnes. Six master artisans from Shivamogga and hundreds of workers have made this astounding structure possible within a short span of 13 months.
Nothing to be surprised because sculptures from Shivamogga are known for their impeccable carving techniques. The rudrakshi which adorns this statue is about 50 kg each in weight and the serpent swirling around neck is 145 feet in length. It is said Basanth Kumar Patil and brothers created "Word record" by donating 58 kg gold equivalent to their mother, Smt. Tulasibai Patil's weight on the inauguration of Shiva statue.
It is truly a great piece of work. Agreed the idol is massive, but it is the attention to detail that impresses the most. The rudrakshi which adorns this statue is about 50 kg each in weight and the serpent swirling around neck is 145 feet in length. captivates one's gaze. The crescent moon, trident, Damaru, rudrakshi beads, armlet, anklet, serpent, third eye, matted locks, everything is carved into perfection. The idol was made out of cement and concrete. There is a small Shiva Linga below the statue. Many devotees offer pooja with a help of a priest. Mahashivaratri sees a huge influx of devotees as many as two lakhs.
It is pretty evident the place is commercialized as the trust wants to make this a major pilgrimage center. Nonetheless a beautiful evening can be spent here. We saw kids playing in the park in slides, merry-go-round while their parents relaxing on the lawn. Several coconuts were wrapped in colorful clothes were tied to the ring around the base of the statue. It could have been fulfilling a vow (Harake) to God.
Shops around the place sold pooja items, soft-drinks, snacks, artificial jewelry, souvenirs, etc. After having a glass of sugarcane juice we took leave from the place.
Entry Fee: Rs 5
Camera Fee: Rs 5
Parking Fee: 20
1. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
-Augustine of Hippo
2. “Not all those who wander are lost.”
-J.R.R. Tolkien
3. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
-Lao Tzu
4. “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
-Gustave Flaubert
5. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”
-Mark Twain
6. “Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience.”
-Francis Bacon
7. "You can't have a narrow mind and a thick passport."
-Pauline Frommer
8. “Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you traveled.”
-Mohammed
9. "I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world."
-Mary Anne Radmacher
10. "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list."
-Susan Sontag
11. Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”
-Mark Twain
12. "Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."
-Unknown
13. "Travel-the best way to be lost and found, all at the same time".
-Breanna Smith
14. "Once a year, go somewhere you have never been before".
-Dalai Lama
15. "Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown".
-Unknown
16. "The journey not the arrival matters".
-T.S. Elliot
17. "There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign”.
– Robert Louis Stevenson
18. "A traveler without observation is a bird without wings".
-Moslih Eddin Saadi
19. "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home".
– James Michener
20. "To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries”.
– Aldous Huxley
Early morning drive from Bhuj to Dwaraka was beautiful. During our entire Gujarat travel Fafda, Jalebi, and Bajjis were our default breakfast. It really is an amazing feeling to wander around like locals. Hundreds of Flemingos flocked together with such a grace that we felt for a minute that they are traveling with us. Tried and failed capturing photos as both of us were in locomotive state, one in the sky, another on the road.
As we entered the temple all we could hear was devotees chanting "Radhe Radhe Bolo Jai Kanhayya lalaki". We couldn't help but smile and sing along with them. Situated on the banks of River Gomati Dwarakadheesh Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Known as Jagat Mandir this five-story structure is built in Chalukya architecture on 72 pillars. The steeple at a height of 78.3 metre. We entered the temple through Moksha Dwara (Door to Salvation). Another entrance is Swarga Dwarag (Door to Heaven) that leads to steps of Gomati River. We could get glimpse of Lord Krishna for a minute because of the huge influx. It so happens in every famed temple in India.
The flag atop the temple represents sun and moon indicating Krishna's presence is eternal until the existence of sun and moon on the earth. We were fortunate to observe flag changing at the temple which happens five times a day. Each flag is a contribution by a devotee. We were told if we register now for flag offering our turn will come in two to three year's time.
Legend: To avenge the death of his son-in-law Kamsa, Magadha king, Jarasandha repeatedly attacked and plundered Mathura. To escape this Yadavas decided to migrate and settle in Dwaraka on Krishna's insistence. It is said Vishwakarma (lord of architect) built the entire city in single night. Many legends of Krishna's life are linked to this place. Fondly called as Dwarakadeesha Dwaraka is Krishna's abode and kingdom.
Archaeologists believe the city to be 2200-2000 years old. During excavation around Dwaraka they have found evidence of submerged city. The original temple was built by Krishna's grandson, Vajranabha according to folklore. However, present temple dates back to 15-16th century. The temple became one among "Char Dham" pilgrimages after visitation by 8th century philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya. Hence Sharadapita Math is present in the temple premises.
We strolled around the street checking on various items before heading out to visit other temples in and around Dwaraka.
Since neighboring Gujarat a dry state it is a popular belief that Daman caters to the need of thirsty Gujarathis. And rightfully so, because weekends see a huge inflow of crowd. City of Daman is mainly divided into two parts, Moti Daman (Moti in Gujarati means big) and Nani Daman (small) by Daman Ganga River. However, opposite to what name suggests Nani Daman is big and Moti Daman is small. Holding an old rustic charm Moti Daman houses a number of churches.
Our Lady of Remedios church was built by Rui De Mello De Sampaiyo, Governer and captain in 1607 A.D. The main alter is carved and gilded in 17th century engravings. One can see a statue of Jesus in the middle of a pyramid-shaped structure adjoining the church.
Evening mass was going when we arrived. A decent crowd was congregated. Apologetically we took a seat in the back. Sadly the mass was in English, not Portuguese. Secretly we had hoped it to be in Portuguese. No, we don't understand the language, but just for the fun of hearing a different language. Realization stuck as we write this that we have never heard Portuguese in our entire life. Before anyone can say Spanish, we know they are two different languages. As it was getting late we had to sneak ourselves out quietly. Because of this reason we couldn't click pictures of the interior.
We have heard a lot about Lepakshi from many people. Just at a distance of 150 KM from Bangalore it was an ideal place for a weekend getaway. On one fine Saturday a friend tagged along us. Climate was just right. As a norm we had our breakfast on the roadside hotel, which was decent. Whizzed through NH 7 take a left at sign board showing Lepakshi-16 KM after crossing Kodikonda. It took almost 2 hours to reach Lepakshi. A quaint village in Ananthpur District of Andhra Pradesh, Lepakshi is a blend between archaeology, history, and religion; known for Shiva, Vishnu, and Veerabhadra shrines of Vijayanagara period.
A faint bull in couchant position welcomed us. It faces west in the direction of Nagalinga situated behind the Veerabhadra Temple, which we could only decipher once seeing it for ourselves. Built in Vijayanagara period this monolithic Nandi is one of its kind. It measures 10 meter in length and 6 meter in height. Adorned with coin necklace, neck piece made up of bells, earrings, and other jewelry, this Nandi' head is held at a higher angle than normal. Absence of submissive expression is the focal point. This is believed to be the second largest monolithic in India. A lotus pond is present adjacent to the statue. We wandered around there for a bit.
A merely 200 meters away lies the Veerabhadra Temple. Finding a parking space was quite difficult task as it was Saturday and decent number of crowd gathered around already.
Legend-Seetha was crying out for help when being kidnapped by Ravana in Pushpaka Vimana (helicopter). Old and frail Jatayu flies off to fight, but was greaviously injured in the process. He is holding his breath just to pass on information to Lord Rama. When Rama and Lakshmana comes in search of Seetha found Jatayu in dying state and Rama tells Rise Bird or 'Le Pakshi'.
We remember discussing Ravana's Pushpaka Vimana passing through here on the way the Lanka. Oh! How much we love legends and myths.
The temple was built by Virupanna, a subordinate of King Achyutaraya in 1544 AD. Hence the architecture is of Vijayanagara style. A pillar is attached to the roof, but it's base isn't touching the ground entirely. Several people were testing it with a hand kerchief, but couldn't do it. Sadly there were no paper around. Definitely there is a gap. It is said a British engineer tried to dislodge the pillar to know the secret behind this, thus causing imbalance among the rest of the pillars.
Don't forget to look up while meandering here. Mural paintings on the ceilings are worn down a lot, beautiful nonetheless. They depict stories of Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Shiva Purana. However we couldn't figure out much because of its condition as well as the position. We had to crane our neck backward to see this.
There is an unfinished marriage hall (Kalyana Mantapa). The architect of the temple was alleged of misusing granted fund to build the hall. Hurt and distressed he scooped his eyeball and threw on the wall to show his loyalty to the king. The village is called Lepa-Akshi, blinded eye village is another legend. This is were it is believed Shiva and Parvathi got married. Carvings on the pillars are just beautiful.
A large footprint said to be of Seetha's is always immersed in little water. Let's not be sarcastic in saying Seetha must be giant because the footprint is minimum 3 feet long.
It is said the entire Nagalinga was carved out of single rock. On a rock besides the Nagalinga there are three chiseled out devotees of Shiva offering prayers namely Shree (Spider), Kala(Snake), and Hasti (Elephant). Legend has it that this whole Nagalinga was created in one afternoon by workers while waiting for their food to get prepared.
A kid, maybe of 10 or 11-year-old was climbing on top of the Ganesha statue giving various poses. And proud mother happily clicking away photos without a care in the world. Now we don't want to be judgmental and preachers here. Wasn't it a mother's or parents' responsibility to teach the kid about respecting monuments? Instead mother was encouraging to behave in an unruly manner.
We are mesmerized by the legends, myths, and folklore of this beautiful temple. Nothing short of 4 hours to truly appreciate the architecture and we did the same.
Route: Bangalore-Devenahalli-Kodikonda-Lepakshi
Travel Tips:
Parking Fee: 20
