Shivagange - Temples All The Way.
Last month Mr. Khalid came to Bangalore & we all (Mr Umesh, Sridhar Anna, Azam ) planned to visit the Stona 2010. After spending few hours in the exhibition, we left to see the historic Shivgange temple. I like visiting this temple more because of its clam environment.
One thing I have noticed, most of the beautiful, historic and scenic places in India, be it a hill-top or a river bank, there is usually an ancient temple built there.
Shivagange is a famous Shiva temple dedicated to Gangadhara and Honnadevi.Shivagange is a combination of two names, Shiva and gange. The water which is found here is considered to be as holy as the River Ganga from Kashi. It is believed that only good people can touch the holy water here. Also, ghee smudged on to the ’Shiva Linga’ at the foothills is believed to turn butter.
People from all over the countries as well as the world, come to this ancient temple to worship Lord Shiva and it is believed that the offerings here makes the wishes of the devotees be fulfilled.
The temple is located on the top of a hill. This hill has four faces, and it looks like Nandi from the east, Ganesh from the west, Linga from the south and hood spread Cobra from the north.
It takes nearly two hours to climb the top. Steps are cut on the rock and railings are provided to make the climb easier for the visitors. There are many beautiful ’Nandi’s and various other pillars and idols. There are many small temples and mantapas scattered all over the hill. Some of the underground temples are called Dakshin Kashi, or Varanasi of South. Unfortunately several beautiful structures seem to be in a neglected state.
The top of the peak, at an altitude around 1350m above sea level, offers a beautiful view of the entire surroundings. Near to the temple, there is a place called ’Shantala drop’. Apparently Queen Shantala, wife of the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana (Also known as Bittideva) jumped to death from here. It is almost thousand feet from the top to the rocks below.
The temple on the top mountain is just fantastic, with breathtaking views from the high altitudes. For trekking & nature enthusiasts this is the ideal place to discover the natural beauty & peace.
Useful Instructions:
There are small shops selling water, fruits etc. all the way till the top. Do not carry any eatables, water bottles, coconuts, bananas etc because there are lot of monkeys on this hill and they’ll invariably jump on people if they see anything edible.
Most of the place is rocky, with railings to hold on to climb. There are steps cut into the rocks up to the top, but it is a strenuous climb, not advisable for the old people.
Better to Start early in the morning from Bangalore to beat the traffic and the climb up will be easier too.
Caps, Camera, sun glasses & Shoe with good grip is recommended.
Getting There.
By Road : Around 50 kms fro Bangalore via Tumkur Road. 8 kilometers from Dabas Pet, on the National Highway 4.
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