- Takes You On A Hoary, Mythical Journey
Music: https://www.bensound.com
As we climbed across this small hillock, a plethora of temples
opened their doors which are dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods and
goddesses. If some witnesses regular poojas others are in total disuse in the
Chintamani Temple Complex. Even without our encouragement, Shivaiah is busy
describing the heritage structures and pleads with us to visit the ‘Caves’
where reportedly Rama did penance sitting for a long time.
This is the place from where Rama shot an arrow at Vaali to kill him and resolve the dispute with brother Sugreev. The view of the river from this place is very scenic and one can sit for hours together and ponder about the events that took place in the Kishkinda land, the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Stones are piled up on one another in this temple complex in such a way that it provides natural seating to one.
There are some carvings and idols in these caves which overlooks the Tungabhadra and is very cool and pleasant. It is Sugreeva’s cave where Rama met him for the first time, says Shivaiah not to be silenced. He further ventures to say Rama and Lakshman sat in these caves to discuss their strategies – to kill Vaali as also to send Hanuman in search of Sita.
Right in front of these caves, is a craggy hill across the river which is believed to house the ashes of Vaali. It is called the Vaali samadhi. The entire place is dedicated to the legend of Rama and Hanuman while most temples belong to the Krishnadeva Raya period. Littered with many stone carvings here and there it is not clear whether they were part of the Chintamani temple complex or they have been brought from some other place and kept here.
With legends and fables and myths abounding in this ancient cave land it is a place that one should visit and listen to many stories being told again and again to willing ears.
For more about Tungabhadra in Anegundi please click here.
Location map:
Music: https://www.bensound.com
Even as we meandered and wandered across the river banks of the mighty Tungabhadra in Anegundi, our eyes seemed to be drawn to the nearby picturesque rocky hills with its caves. This scenic destination is in Gangavati taluk, Koppal district, Karnataka and is just 20 kilometers from Hampi, the World Heritage Site in India.
Though we wanted to spend more time frolicking in the flowing
waters, a persistent scruffily dressed resident would not allow us and beckoned
us towards a heritage which he said had seen the footfall of Rama and Lakshman
when they set in search of Sita from the Kingdom of Ayodhya.
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| With natural ventilation and light this shelter would have served as a perfect sanctuary during the Ramayana times |
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| A view of the Tungabhadra through the rocks adds to the magic. |
This is the place from where Rama shot an arrow at Vaali to kill him and resolve the dispute with brother Sugreev. The view of the river from this place is very scenic and one can sit for hours together and ponder about the events that took place in the Kishkinda land, the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Stones are piled up on one another in this temple complex in such a way that it provides natural seating to one.
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| A series of sculptures adorn the periphery. Each dating back to hundred's of years and with its own story to tell. |
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| Though highly nondescript, there is no saying how ancient this Nandi and the humble idol of Linga inside is and its historical significance. |
There are some carvings and idols in these caves which overlooks the Tungabhadra and is very cool and pleasant. It is Sugreeva’s cave where Rama met him for the first time, says Shivaiah not to be silenced. He further ventures to say Rama and Lakshman sat in these caves to discuss their strategies – to kill Vaali as also to send Hanuman in search of Sita.
 |
| A view of Vaali samadhi from the Chintamani caves. |
Right in front of these caves, is a craggy hill across the river which is believed to house the ashes of Vaali. It is called the Vaali samadhi. The entire place is dedicated to the legend of Rama and Hanuman while most temples belong to the Krishnadeva Raya period. Littered with many stone carvings here and there it is not clear whether they were part of the Chintamani temple complex or they have been brought from some other place and kept here.
 |
| Another beautiful view from the caves where peace abounds. |
With legends and fables and myths abounding in this ancient cave land it is a place that one should visit and listen to many stories being told again and again to willing ears.
For more about Tungabhadra in Anegundi please click here.
Location map:
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