Kalyani, Melukote

After sumptuous lunch of Melukote's famous Puliyogare, Curd Rice, and Sakkare (sweet) pongal we headed to cool off and doze off a little on the steps of Kalyani. As we approached we could see a huge crowd gathered in and around the Mantapa. A vast black curtain was hanging from the roof to the floor on one side. A few harassed-looking youth requesting the onlookers to maintain a distance. Friend B was quick to say "it's a movie shooting". Without disrupting anything we moved along looking at the scene unfolding, which looked like the actress and her friends were in queue to receive Prasada (sacred food) from the priest. We found a shaded spot on the steps of the Kalyani.

This beautiful pond is one of the biggest and was captured in many Indian movies. It is said the existence of Kalyani is more than 1000 years. It would have gone through various restoration and renovation over a period of time ranging different dynasties. Skillfully done steps leading down to the water. Cleanliness of water is not very good with soft drink bottles, plastic covers, clothes floating over. Bathing, washing clothes or any such activities that pollute the water is strictly prohibited. People who picnic around the area might have the habit of leaving the garbage behind, which ultimately accumulated in the Kalyani.

The Kalyani is surrounded by enclosed corridors on all sides of stony pillars. Most of the pillars are engraved magnificent, however, eroded a little. These were built during the 17th century. The foyers would have provided shelters to hundreds of people in olden days. That is why in all ancient temples one can see at least one pond nearby, which must be the main source of water to perform daily activities. It is said the Kalyani has natural spring water as it was built on granite stone and is linked to the other 107 tanks in the vicinity through a network of canals.

There is an open Mantapa in Octagonal shape on one corner of the Kalyani which was built by Mysore Wodeyars. It has a raised platform on which granite pillars and ceilings are built. Either royal family used to sit here to witness any procession or festivities around the Kalyani or it is used as a stage for cultural performances.

Legendary history (Sthala Purana): Lord Vishnu took the form of the Varaha (boar), dived into the depths of the oceans to rescue Bhudevi (Mother Earth) from the clutches of demon Hiranyaksha. Varaha killed the demon and brought back the Earth from the ocean, lifting Bhudevi on his tusks. In that process few drops of water on his body fell on Melukote creating the Kalyani.

Few junior artists sitting besides us on the steps were talking incessantly about the shooting. From their conversation we get to know the film was "Pailwaan" and the lead actress was Aakanksha Singh. And lead actor Sudeep is scheduled to shoot at the same location tomorrow.

As the sun started dipping behind the horizon casting orange hues we decided to head back home to a relaxed Sunday.