Kudli, often referred to as Dakshina Kashi is situated at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers. This sacrosanct kshetra is dotted with stunning temples from the time of the Kadambas of Banavasi. Successive dynasties like the Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas of Malkhed, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Seunas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagara Empire and the Nayakas of Keladi left... Continue Reading →
The ancient city of Kudli at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers is dotted with stunning temples built by the Nayakas of Keladi and the Hoysalas. This sacrosanct tirthasthala has been mentioned in the Mahabharat and Puranas as the tapobhumi of the pious Galava Rishi. According to the Hindu scriptures, Tunga River is said to be... Continue Reading →
The lesser - known Bankasana village in Soraba taluka at the confluence of the Dandavati River and the Varada River has been revered for its spiritual and religious potency for centuries. Known for its stunning natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, this tirthasthala has been venerated by saints, sages, yogis and tapaswis since the ancient days. ... Continue Reading →
As the name suggests, this is the birth place of the Varada River, a tributary of the Tungabhadra River. Varada Nadi literally translates to the river that offers boons and this is indeed true as this river is the lifeline for countless villages in the Uttara Kannada district and surrounding areas. As per the... Continue Reading →
Keladi, the first capital of the mighty Nayakas (who then came to be known as the Nayakas of Keladi) is dotted with glorious temples that showcase their artistic and architectural mastery. This imperial city has the famed Rameshwara Temple complex comprising of three temples that is deemed to be an outstanding example of 16th century... Continue Reading →
The imposing fort of Chandragutti built on the edge of a cliff using the locally available Chandragutti kallu was once the stronghold of the Kadambas of Banavasi, the Vijayanagara Empire, a chieftain named Bachanna, the Nayakas of Keladi, the Marathas and finally generals serving Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The fort is strategically located in... Continue Reading →
Chandragutti, a thickly wooded area situated at the base of a steep hill of the same same was once controlled by the Kadambas of Banavasi, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Nayakas of Keladi, the Marathas (under Parshuram Bhau) and finally Dhondia Wagh (in service of Tipu Sultan). Known as Chandraguptapura or Chandraguttipura or Chandraguttipete or Guttidurga... Continue Reading →
The Tripurantaka Temple (also known as Tripurantakeshwara Temple) situated in the north - east part of Balligavi is an outstanding example of sculptural beauty of the 11th century. The temple was commissioned by Maharaja Someshwara II of the Western Chalukyas in 1070 CE with additions made by the Hoysalas. This temple has two east... Continue Reading →
Balligami, a city of immense spiritual, religious and literary importance was ruled by the pious Satavahanas, Chutu dynasty, Kadambas, Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas of Malkhed, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Seunas, Hoysalas and finally, the Vijayanagara Empire. The Kalachuris overthrew the Kalyani Chalukyas in 1156 CE and erected marvellous edifices that are unmatched in the beauty of their... Continue Reading →
The lesser - known Someshwara Temple in Bandalike, the ancient capital of Nagarakhanda Seventy region of the Kadambas has one of the finest friezes depicting episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharat. The carved screens are on either side of the entrance doorway extending from the ground to the lintel level. What is most remarkable about the... Continue Reading →
Bherundeshwara Temple located in the ancient city of Balligavi is a glorious Vijaya Stambha (Victory Pillar) installed by the governor of Banavasi, Chamunda Raya erected in front of the Lord Jagadekamalleswara in the year 1047. According to the locals, the governor who was also given the title of Gandabherunda made a gift of land for... Continue Reading →
A lesser - known edifice of the Western Chalukya period is the Someshwara Temple in the ancient city of Balligavi. This temple according to the locals was built by a merchant named Sovisetti (spelling is unclear) in 1054 CE. The Shiva Linga consecrated in the garbha griha is of the same period. The temple was... Continue Reading →
A little-known architectural gem of the Hoysalas is the Balalingeshwara Temple (also known as Ballalingeshwara Temple) in Balleshwara village, north of the Honnali town which is situated on the bank of the Tungabhadra River. This temple might have been built by Maharaja Veera Ballala II in the late 12th century - early 13th century as... Continue Reading →
Bandalike in its time would have been a splendid city being the capital of the Nagarakhanda Seventy region of the Kadambas. This ancient city has a rich history and is dotted with stunning temples though a sizeable number of them are in ruins. A marvellous edifice of the former royal city built by the... Continue Reading →
The Bhuvaneshwari Temple (Bhubaneshwari Temple) situated near the Gomati River in Udaipur, the ancient capital of Tripura is a fine example of the hugely popular 17th century Bengali style of architecture. The temple is located close to the old royal palace that has fallen into disrepair. This temple was built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya... Continue Reading →
The fall and eventual disintegration of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire in the Battle of Talikota led to the establishment of an independent kingdom by the Keladi Nayakas. Keladi was chosen as the capital for 14 years after which Ikkeri was nominated as the capital and remained so for more than hundred years. It is... Continue Reading →
One can truly experience the blessings and energy of Lord Hanuman, revered as the protector of the sacred land of Sikkim and the Indian Army at Hanuman Tok located at a little distance away from Gangtok. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman rested here briefly while returning to Lanka with the Dronagiri Parvat after failing to... Continue Reading →
The spiritual centre of the south known as Dakshina Kedara is the ancient city of Balligave. Also referred to as Balligavi, Belagami, Balligamve, Balligame, Ballegavi, Belagavi, Balligrama, Ballipura and Balipura in several inscriptions, this city derives its name from Chirañjīvī Mahabali who was sent to the nether world by Lord Vamana. This city was ruled... Continue Reading →
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple dating back to the Dwapura Yuga seated in the midst of stunning natural beauty. This temple is located along the Rangeet River and is accessed by a quaint bridge decked with talismans and prayer cloths. As the name suggests, this temple derives its name from Lord Shiva, who... Continue Reading →
Kotipura referred to as Devasthanada-hakkalu in the historical records and as Kuntalapura or Kuntalanagara, capital of Maharaja Chandrahasa of the Mahabharat boasts of the ancient Kaitabheshwara Temple. As the name suggests, the Shiva Linga was consecrated in the Krita Yuga by Madhu and Kaitabha who were killed by Lord Vishnu after a gruelling battle that went... Continue Reading →
The mighty Jhalas became a formidable force in the Saurashtra region by the late 11th century and formed seats of power at Santalpur, Halvad and Kankavati. They established the capital city of Dhrangadhra in the mid-18th century which eventually became a princely state till Independence. Dhrangadhra has been of tremendous interest to historians, archaeologists... Continue Reading →
Harihar situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River is often referred to as Guharanya Kshetra or Dakshina Kashi and has been revered for its religious and spiritual potency by yogis, tapasvis, saints and jnanis. Legend has it, Guhasura performed tapas (severe austerities and penance) by the Tungabhadra for years. Lord Brahma became pleased with him and granted him... Continue Reading →
Banavasi, an ancient city surrounded by the Varada River on three sides and dense forest was once the capital of the mighty Kadambas. Maharaja Mayurasharma considered to be the greatest king of this dynasty is venerated for his incredible contribution to literature, art, architecture and the Kannada language. In fact, the earliest inscriptions in... Continue Reading →
Perhaps, one of the deepest stepwells in Gujarat, the Bhamaria vav located a little away from the hustle and bustle of Sojali village has remained in obscurity for centuries. This 15th century vav was built as a pavilion inside an existing well-laid out garden. Though the stepwell and the surroundings are in ruins today, the imposing... Continue Reading →
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