Although Tharangini, Adhikari and I have visited Hampi many times and have
also gone out of the way to search for unknown spiritual and heritage spots
but we have missed going across the mighty Tungabhadra River due to paucity
of time. Spread across the rolling hills of the Deccan Plateau between
Hampi-Anegundi, there are many such hidden spots all along the river that an
ordinary tourist would miss.
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| All the nine saints in living samadhi |
But this time, I made it a point to take the ferry to cross the river and
visit Nava Brindavana, the holy site of nine saints who are revered figures
of the Dvaita philosophy. This site is located in a picturesque island in
River Tungabhadra and cannot be visited during monsoons or during heavy
releases from the TB Dam.
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| Anegundi, Tungabhadra river |
This pilgrimage spot at Anegundi near Hampi in Vijaynagar district of
Karnataka attracts devotees from far and wide but any visit is possible only
if the water level is conducive for a boat ride on the river.
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| Way to Nava Brindavana is scenic |
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| The living Samadhis in bondage |
Nava Brindavana is the final resting place of nine Hindu Madhwa Saints. The
Jeeva Samadhis of these nine saints who were followers of Guru Madhavacharya
are now guarded by a steel fence after the religious site was vandalized in
July 2019 by miscreants in search of the elusive treasure of the Vijaynagar
empire. Later, the Brindavana of Sri Vyasaraja which was destroyed by
vandals was rebuilt by devotees and concerned mutts.
Once you reach Anegundi town which is about 20 kilometers from Hampi, you
have to take two ferries to reach the Nava Brindavana. Boats regularly
operate from the river point near Chintamani temple site. In fact, the place
is located on the opposite bank of the river from the tomb of
Krișhṇadevaraya. From the northern part of the river, as we take off in the
motorboat, it is a sight to behold as the view is beautiful with marshy
vegetation abounding the river and surrounded by rocky Mountains.
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| Ferry spot near Chintamani temple, to go to Nava Brindavana |
The best time to visit this ancient site is between October-March when rains
have tapered off and it is not so hot. If you are going from Hampi, you have
to catch a small boat or coracle from Thalarighata gate. In this boat, only
3-4 people can be accommodated. However, from Anegundi, motorboat or ferry
services are available every 10-20 minutes and each can carry 35-40 people
at a time.
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| Country Ferry which carries some 40 people |
Entry to this place is not easy after the boat ride as one has to walk and
further, rules have to be followed. One can enter this holy place wearing
only traditional Indian dress while men are allowed entry but after removal
of their shirts. As I entered the barricaded structure, I saw many devotees
making rounds around the Brindavana. Usually, one performs nine rounds
around the samadhis.
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| Do's and don't s for entering this place |
One can also perform pooja and other rituals as a priest is available at the
holy site. But if anyone needs to perform sevas, they have to contact the
Raghvendra (Rayara) Mutt at Anegundi and even lunch is arranged for the
devotees if intimated one day before.
Look for more details in Part-2.
How To Reach There:
Anegundi in Koppal district, Karnataka is about 365 kilometers from
Bangalore. But if planning to visit from the World Heritage Site of Hampi,
it is just 20 kilometers from Hampi or 30 kms from Hospet by road. The
drive from both the places is scenic, pleasant and verdant. After this,
another 10-15 minutes boat/ferry ride will take you to Nava Brindavana.
Location map:
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