Raya Gopura, Melukote

We couldn't contain our disappointment at the first sight of of Raya Gopura. We imagined it to be something more of grandeur, majestic rather than just four incomplete pillars. 

This place has been a constant film shooting location for many Indian movies over a period of time. However, song 'Barso Re' from movie Guru immortalized the site with Aishwarya Rai dancing to the tune. If we can remember correctly these are the few songs shot here: "Jenina Holeyo" from Chalisuva Modagalu; "Rakkamma" from Thalapthi; Vasthava Vasthava from Rakhi; "Dhadang Dhang Dhang" from Rowdy Rathore, and more recently 'O Baby' from Ricky.

Here the security guard/guide narrates us a fable. An artist has taken up the task of completing the pillars and a tower overnight in a contest. He and his team of workers put in heart and soul into this piece of work relentlessly. Dreading the defeat his adversaries forced the rooster to crow at 3 in the morning. Accepting his defeat the artist and his team deserted their work halfway leaving behind the incomplete pillars we see today. The huge pillars are not just assembled boulders. Each pillar is engraved meticulously with elegance. The story is scarcely credible, still we nodded along with him for his effort. 

Nowhere the time period of this monument was mentioned. Our speculation is that it would have be been built either during Hoysala or Vijayanagara time. On a first sight it looks like a half built temple. Once we climbed up the platform it reminded us of the "Navami Dibba" of Hampi. Probably this might have been a royal podium of bygone era. Until we get further archaeological and historical verification there is no harm in continuing with the rooster crowing story. The panoramic view of Melukote was quite hazy in the midday sunshine.

Having spent ample time climbing up and down, roaming around, clicking photos, and little satire we headed to Yoga Narasimha Temple.