This place is called as "Himada Gopaalaswamy" devasthana[temple].Hima- snow, himada- with snow.[not like there is snow fall, but the mist and the altitude are enough to make the place as beautiful as the Himalayas.
Gopaala- Lord Krishna.This is a place that I had seen in my dreams and had wished so much to see it in real. The first time I went some 9 yrs ago and my second visit was a couple of years ago. Nothing, absolutely nothing had changed.
A serene path takes you uphill from the Chamaraja Nagar main road, about 90 kms from Mysore.The journey to the hill is as fantastic as the hill itself. As we dorve towards the entrance of the hill, we noticed the sun setting gradually creating a magical golden sphere across the shrubs and hay that lay.
The gate is manned by a guard who doesnt not let any vehicle in after 5.30 or 6 pm, depending upon the time of sunset as per season.
There is also a minimal toll that one needs to pay before entering. Though we were quite late, we managed to convince him to let us in.The roads are good and so is the greenery around! As you move higher a small layer of mist seems to engulf you into a circular trance, where all you know is that you are reaching the abode of the Lord!
The moment I stepped out of the car, fresh air tickled my nostrils to inhale. I smelt the mystifying fragrance of jasmine that stole my heart away!!
I couldnt wait to run to the temple to see the Lord. My favorite dear Krishna!!!
There is a borewell that is placed outside the temple. The touch of the chill, crystal clear and pure water, replenished my senses!!
I wanted to dance in that water, let it purify my being! But then I had my beloved Krishna waiting for me...so I ha to rush:)We take a full round around the temple and call is ’Pradakshine’. The beauty of the surrounding mist and the green hills sucked me to reverie!!
After enjoying the tranquility around, I entered the temple. There is very less natural light [no electricity] and the priest had to get some diya to show us the Lord.As he did Aarti, he showed us the Lord and also the speciality of the temple was explained.There are drops of water continuously falling on the Lord’s head as the mist naturally melts from above.
No one till date knows how this is happens, though there is a solid roof on top.
There are 70 lakes that surround the temple, deep down the forest and on the hill. We would have to do some trekking to check on that.
This place is not safe for staying overnight as there is a threat of the tigers that roam about freely during the nights. There is however a TB-traveller’s bungalow a little ahead and its visible from the temple.
That can be booked from KSTDC, again at your own risk[dont know the status now, though].
There is a place for cooking and bonfire for those who wish to take the risk of staying there overnight. The priest lives at the foot of the hill and commutes everyday, sometimes even by foot!
There are also Govt. buses that ply from Mysore[please check their schedules before hand if you want to use this service].
Its a place for all to visit..nature is always inviting!Yeah, its now time to return, the sun is almost setting and I had to bid goodbye to my dear Lord and the eye-catching, splendid white[mist] amidst the green!!
It just feels like I have seen it all over again! Brimming with peace from within, I wish you Bon voyage, if and when you are heading there!!
Take care
Warm wishes
Suj