Chikamangalur
Travel Guide
Chikamangalur: The Rivers
Along the rivers are the centres of learning and new philosophies, intricately
carved temples, mutts and the abundant richness of nature.
Khandya
Khandya is about 43 kms to north - west of Chikmagalur town and is one of the
panch-kshetras (five sacred places) situated on the banks of the river Bhadra.
Sringeri
Sringeri, a charming toen on the banks of river Tunga, 90 kms west of chikmagalur
town, is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage centres in Karnataka with epic
associations. Named after Rshyashringa from Ramayana Adi Shankaracharya established
the Sharada peeta and propogated advaitha, the philosophy of non-dualism.
Sureshwacharya was the first head of the peeta Shankaracharya installed an image
of Sharada Devi made of Sandalwood, which was replaced with a golden replica
in the 14th century. In the 12th century the Vidyashankara temple was built
with the help of the Vijayanagar rulers.
The temple is a combination of Hoysala and Dravidian style of architeture. There
are 6 doorways leading to the temple. In the Mantapa and 12 zodiac pillars,
known as Rasikambhas, which are placed so that the suns rays fall on each of
them, in the order of the solar months The garioha - griha has a linga called
Vidyashankara installed in the memory of Guru Vidyatheertha. To the north of
the temple is a more recent temple built by skilled craftsmen of the 28th century
dynastic style. A stone's throw from here is a 14th century temple of Janardhana
built during the Vijayanagara period. At Sringeri also is an old Jain Basadi
dedicated to Parshwanath Theerthankara.
Balehonnur
45 kms North - West of Chikmagalur town in B alehonnur, on the banks of river
Bhadra. It is a celebrated seat of Shrimad Jagadguru Rambhapuri Veerasimhasana
Mahasamsthana Peeta. The famous Veerashaiva Mutt, one of the great Pancha Peetas.
The Veerabhadra Temple attached to the Mutt has sturdy images of Veerbhadra
and Bhadrakali. Devotees visit to pay homage all through the year. Easy access
to this place from Chikmagalur is via V.K. Road.
Somapura
20 kms to the west of Tarikere town is Somapura, another of the pancha - kshetrash
on the banks of river Bhadra.
Muthodi
32 kms North - West of Chikmagalur town is Muthodi, a wildlife sanctuary, surrounded
by hills has the tributaries of the Bhadra river flowing through it. The western
border of the century abuts the back waters of the Bhadra Reservoir which has
a catchment area of 1,968 sq kms surrounded by fresh freen hills and steep slopes.
A diverse and exciting range of wildlife - bisons, elephants, tigers, panthers,
sambars, spotted deers, wild boars, porcupines, peacock, parrot, partridge,
pigeon and riptles and snakes. You can feast your eyes on wild beasts as you
drive among the 150 kms stretch of road that cuts through the wildlife zone.
Kalasa
An ancient Agrahara seltlement, Kalasa, situated 92 kms south-west of Chikmagalur,
on the banks of the Bhadra, is surrounded by lofty hills of the Western Ghats
and is looked upon as one of the pancha- kshetras. Close by are the Pancha Theerthas,
the five sacred ponds. On a small hillock is the Kalaseshwara Temple dedicated
to Ishwara, with a Kshetrapala shrine of soap stone. The Madhwachary Bande,
a large boulder at one of the theerthas is believed to have been placed here
by Shri Madhwacharya, the founder of the dwaitha school of philosophy. A statue
of this Acharya is carved on the upper portion of the rock.
» Chikamangalur:
The Hills
» Chikamangalur: The Rivers
» Chikamangalur: The Falls
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