SATEESH NARASIMHAIAH: FESTIVE TOUR-2016

During the DASARA Festive Season this year starting from Oct 09 to Oct 16,2016 I with my own family visited the following places, it was one of nice experience that after a span of years, I travelled with my family [Myself, Malini, Manu and Neha]

For a refreshing experience and a short weekend break, I along with my Family visited the in and around Chikkaballapur and Doddaballapur villages namely starting from the famous Nandi Hills around 60 kms from the main city,

it is said to be the highest point of Bangalore.

The drive to this destination is a pleasant one as you are flanked by scenic surroundings.
Following are the places covered

Date	Day	Place
09^th October 2016	Sunday	Avathi Sai Temple, Devanahalli
09^th October 2016	Sunday	Bhoga Nandeeshwara and Arunachaleshwara temples- Nandi grama
11^th October 2016 Vijayadashami Day	Tuesday	Ghati Subramanya
15^th October 2016	Saturday	Chikka Madhure Shani Mahathma Temple, Hessaraghatta Lake
16^th October 2016	Sunday	Rangasthala, Chikkaballapur

AVATHI SAIBABA TEMPLE

Shri Shirdi ke Sai Baba Mandir, Avathi Post, Devanahalli Taluk. Bangalore Rural Dist.

My family Visited Shri Shirdi ke Sai Baba Mandir on 09th Oct 2016. The Temple build on a very big Area around 2 to 3 acres of land. This Temple is Nearer to Devanahalli Airport. It is around 5kms from Devanahalli town & around 12 Kms from Bangalore International Airport towards Chikballapur Road. Just Continue travelling on Hyderabad Road after Devanahalli & with in 5 kms we can find this temple towards the right hand side. The Dome on the Temple is visible from some distance.

Shri Shirdi ke Sai Baba Mandir.
39th KM, Bellary Road,
Avathi Post,
Devanahalli Taluk,
Bangalore Rural District.
Landmark: Alight near 39th KM Bus Stop

Contact Person:
Mr.Ashok Futnani
Phone:080 22223150/25584915

Temple Timings:
6:00am - 8:30pm

Aarti Timings:
Kakad Aarti 6:30am
Chota Arati 9:30am
Noon Aarti 12:00pm
Dhoop Aarti 6.00pm
Shej Aarti 8:00pm

Chikballapura district

Chikballapura district is a district in the state of Karnataka, India.

Chikballapur is about 57 km north of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), India. The north-south National Highway NH-7 goes through the town, functions as the Main Street of the town, and is locally known as Bengaluru-Bellary Road or BB Road.

According to the 2001 Census, the population of the town was approximately 55,000. In 2007 January, it was estimated that the population of the Greater Chikballapur Area (GCA) was approximately 100,000. The town provides all central place functions to be expected of a town of that size in a developing country.

it was carved out of the pre-existing Kolar district which was the fourth largest district(before bifurcation) of Karnataka by moving the talukas of Gauribidanur, Gudibanda, Bagepalli, Chikballapur, Sidlaghatta and Chintamani into the new district. Kannada is the official language, although the district has a Telugu-speaking majority.

The town of Chikballapur is the district headquarters and a key transport link in the North Bangalore area. The north-south six-lane National Highway 7 (NH-7) as well as the East-West State Highway 58 go through the district. A rail line runs north from Bangalore to the town of Chikballapur, east past Doddaganjur to Srinivaspur and south to the town of Kolar.

The town of Muddenahalli is the birthplace of eminent engineer and statesman Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya) is the site of the Sri Sathya Sai Baba University.

Nandigrama

We had breakfast at Nandi Upachar, one of the finest restaurant in this area after having breakfast we moved towards Nandigrama

This place is just in the base of Nandi Hills and from Muddenahalli its around 2KMs, Bhoganandishwara Temple is the main attraction of this place which is built in Dravidian style of architecture. This is the place where one of the famous Kannada movie Halunda Tavaru is pictured.

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple (also spelt "Bhoga Nandishwara" or "Bhoga Nandishvara") is a Hindu temple located in Nandi village, at the base of Nandi Hills (or Nandidurga) in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka state, India. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

At the entrance of the temple there is a huge praakaara which itself having some acres.

There were some stone wheels at the entrance of the temple seems beautiful.

As like other temples this temple is also having beautiful carving on the sides and pillars.
Gopuram of the temple

The temple complex has two large shrines: the "Arunachaleswara" shrine to the south built by the Gangas of Talakad, and the "Bhoga Nandeeshwara" shrine to the north built by the Cholas. It has the sculpture of a king considered to be that of Rajendra Chola. In between there is a small intervening shrine called with "Uma-Maheshwara" shrine with a kalyana mantapa ("marriage alter") supported by ornate pillars in black stone with reliefs depicting of the Hindu gods Shiva and his consort Parvati, Brahma (the creator) and Saraswathi, Vishnu (the preserver) and his consort Lakshmi, the god of fire Agni and his consort Swaha Devi, and decorative creepers and birds in bas-relief. This is typical to Hoysala architecture.

Next to this there is a pushkarani which is worth visiting.

According to the art historian George Michell, the temple is a typical 9th-10th century Nolamba construction with pilasters on the outer walls of the shrines, perforated decorative stone windows which contain figures, of a dancing Shiva (south wall of the Arunachaleshwara shrine) and Durga standing on a buffalo head (north wall of Bhoga Nandeshwara shrine). Pyramidal and tiered towers (shikhara) rise from the two major shrines. Each major shrine has a large linga in the sanctum (the universal symbol of the god Shiva) with a sculpture of Nandi (the bull) in a pavilion facing the shrine.

The "Arunachaleswara" and the "Bhoga Nandeeshwara" forms of Shiva represent, according to Hindu legend, two stages in the life of the god Shiva: childhood and youth. The "Uma-Maheshwara" shrine has reliefs depicting the third stage, Shiva's marriage to the goddess Parvati. Hence this shrine is popular with newly weds who come to seek blessing. The Yoga Nandeeshwara temple on top of Nandi hills represents the final "renunciation" stage in the life of Shiva and hence this temple is devoid of any festivities. The large shrines each have a sanctum (garbhagriha), a vestibule (sukanasi) and a closed hall (navaranga or mantapa). The vestibule and hall are provided with perforated stone screens called Jali. Each shrine has a nandi mantapa in front (hall with the sculptured image of Nandi the bull) facing the sanctum. The outer bounding wall (prakara) of the complex has two minor shrines for Devi, the female form of divinity ("divine core of all Hindu goddesses"). To the north of the shrines is a second compound with a navaranga mantapa (pavilion) with Yali pillars. Beyond this compound is a large stepped temple tank (kalyani or pushkarni), locally called "Sringeri Teertha" (the mythical source of the Pinakini river) where lamps are lit on certain festive days.

According to Michell, during the 16th century Vijayanagara period, a pavilion with elegant pillars was added in between the two major shrines. The pillars crafted out of grey-green granite have relief sculptures of attendant maidens. Michell feels the minor "Uma-Maheshwara" shrine was added in between the two major shrines (behind the pavilion) during the post Vijayanagara rule of the Gowdas of the Yelahanka dynasty. The minor shrine has a procession of deities and sages in wall relief. The wall that links the two major shrines was cleverly constructed so as to be in-distinguishable from the two original shrines. A spacious pillared hall was also added in front of the two major shrines

Muddenahalli:

Muddenahalli is a village situated 7 km from Chikballapur in Chikballapur District of Karnataka State. It is the birthplace of M. Visvesvarayya, one of the India's most accomplished engineers.

There is a memorial to Sir M. Visvesvarayya on the family-owned land at Muddenahalli, with the Nandi Hills as a backdrop. The museum was renovated in view of his 150th birth ceremonies conducted on September 15, 2010

This is the birth place of our great engineer Sir. M Vishweshwaraiah and also where his soul is resting in peace. Sir M V house is now converted as a museum and having all the collection which is used by him. We can see the India's greatest honour Bharat Ratna medal awarded to him in this museum.Adjacent to this museum is the place where Sir M V samdhi is situated.

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Ghati Subramanya

Ghati Subramanya kannada (ಘಾಟಿ ಸುಬ್ರಮಣ್ಯ )is an ancient Hindu temple, situated on the outskirts of Bangalore near Tubagere, Doddaballapura. It is 60 km from the city and is a popular pilgrimage centre. The uniqueness of this temple is that the prime deity Lord Karthikeya, is found together with Lord Narasimha. According to mythology, both idols are believed to have emerged from the earth. It is also an important centre in South India for snake worship. Special rituals are performed during Brahmarathotsava, i.e., on the day of Pushya shudda Shashti. Narasimha Jayanti is the other major festival celebrated here.

Ghati Subramanya has a recorded history of more than 600 years. It was first developed by the Ghorpade rulers of Sandur who ruled parts of Bellary.

It is the belief of devotees that childless couples making vows ( ಹರಕೆ ) shall be blessed with children by the lord. A related ritual is that of installing idols of snakes (ನಾಗರ ಕಲ್ಲು). One can see thousands of such idols near the temple.

Design

The idol of Lord Karthikeya with a seven headed cobra is made from a single stone. It faces eastwards while the idol of "Lord Narasimha faces westwards. To ensure that both deities are visible to devotees at the same time, a huge mirror was placed in the rear in the sanctum sanctorum.

Ghati Subramanya is one of the popular pilgrim centers located near Doddaballapur of Bangalore Rural district. Ghati Subrahmanya is located about 60 Kms from Bangalore.

The temple here is dedicated to Lord Subramanya and Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. It is believed that the idol of Shri subrahmanya is self originated. The uniqueness of the temple is, Sri Subrahmanya is facing east and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is facing west in a single image. One can have darshan of Lord Narasimha through a mirror placed rear side.

This unique and ancient temple attracts many a pilgrims. Special pooja's will be performed the event of Brahmarathotsava, i.e., on the day of Pushya shudda Shashti. Narasimha Jayanti is other major festival celebrated here. Marriage functions are also held here.

Free lunch is provided daily for the devotees.

Distances from Ghati Subramanya:
Bangalore: 60 Kms
Doddaballapur: 12 kms

How to reach Ghati Subramanya:
Ghati Subrahmanya it is about 60 kms from Bangalore and has to be reached via Doddaballapur. Direct buses are available but they are not frequent.

Local transportation is available from Doddaballapur to Ghati Subramanya.

Nearest Railway station: Makali Durga on the Bangalore - Guntakal line.

Nearest Airport: Bangalore

Address:
Shri Subrahmanya Temple
S.S. Ghati Post,
Doddaballapur Taluk
Pin code: 561 203
Bangalore Rural district

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Sri Shani Mahatma Temple, Chikka Madhure, Kanasawadi

Sri Shani Mahatma Temple, Kanasawadi is located at a distance of 14 Km from Nelamangala on Nelamangala - Doddaballapur Road in Doddaballapur taluk. This place is also called as Chikka Madhure.

Overview

Shani or Shanishwara is one of the nine planets in Hindu astrology. Shanishwara is an embodiment of Saturn. He is the son of Suryadeva and his second wife Chaya Devi. He is one of the most feared and revered astrological deities.

Significance

He is a strict Deva who metes out the punishment he has been ordained to give with severity. Yet, He also blesses with generosity. Shanishwara’s negative influence on one’s natal chart is one of the most feared beliefs in India. People flock to temples to worship Shanishwara, in order to lessen the ill effects of his influence. There are many temples for Shanishwara, one of the most famous being the temple at Thirunallar in Tamilnadu.

The temple is equally important and sacred like Shaneshwara Temple at Pavagada in Tumkur district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shani Mahatma (Saturn), the second largest planet.

The Shani Mahatma Temple located at Chikka Madhure was constructed by Ganga Hanumaiah, a local farmer. The temple attracts devotees in huge numbers especially on Saturdays of Shravana Masa (Hindu Month).

It is believed that one can get rid of or lessen the negative effects of Sade sathi or Ashtama Shani or Panchama Shani on worshipping or by offering special poojas to Sri Shaneshwara Temple at Chikka Madhure.

In support of this you can see lot of people offering Ellu Batti to the fireplace right in front of the temple. 'Ellu Batti' means black sesame seeds are put into small pieces of cloth and are tied with black thread and this is dipped in Gingelly oil (Sesame oil).

How to reach Chikka Madhure:

By private vehicle: Reach Nelamangala which is on the Bangalore - Pune Highway. Get into Nelamangala town and then take towards Doddaballapur road.

By Bus: From Bangalore you can take bus to Nelamangala. There are lots of busses from Nelamangala (both KSRTC and Private busses) to Doddaballapur via Chikka Madhure

from Bangalore-Yelahanka-Rajanukunte route also u can reach [Doddaballapur Route]

Distance from Bangalore to Kanasawadi or Chikka Madhure - 40 Kmsfrom Nelamangala - 14 Kms and from Doddaballapur: 18 Km

Address:
Sri Shani Mahatma Temple
Sri Kshetra Kanasawadi (Chikka Madhure)
Phone: +91 - 80 - 7653723

Temple Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM. Maha Poooja is done at 8 PM every day.

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Rangasthala

Rangasthala is situated near Chikkaballapura at a distance of around 59 kms from Bangalore. Rangasthala is situated on the way to Gauribidanur from Chikkaballapur (6 km). The main attraction of Rangasthala is a beautiful temple of Lord Ranganatha Swamy (lord Visnu).

Mobile Pic

There is a village called Thippenahalli where you find a gate (arch) with signboard of Rangasthala Temple, here you have to take the right turn. This place is popular among the locals so anybody can show the directions.

his is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore. Rangasthala is a wonderful example of art, the architecture will take you to the time gone by and the ruins of the place include the beauty of the place. A lot of the old architectures are overlapped with the new construction. But, the temple still wonderfully protects Sri Ranganatha Swamy of Ranganatha. The place is great for day trips.

The idols of lord Ranganatha at Rangastla, Srirangam and Srirangapatna were installed on same day and same time. The temple architecture is in Vijayanagar style. The Gopuram outside the temple was built by Vijayanagara Kings.

Vibhishana was supposed to install this idol at Srirangam, but saptarishis (Saints) asked Vibhishana to install this idol of Lord Ranganatha with Bhoo devi and Neela Devi at Rangasthala. So the Lord appears as if he is in a Bamboo basket.

Like all other Vishnu temples, the temple at Rangasthala also has idols of Lord Chakrath Alwar, Ramanuja, Desikan and a beautiful and rare Vigraham of Nam Alwar.

Yali (mythology)

Yali pillars, Rameshwara Temple, Keladi, Shivamogga District, Karnataka state, India
Yali in Aghoreswara temple, Ikkeri, Shivamogga district, Karnataka state, India

Yali ([jaːɭi]; also known as Vyala or Vidala in Sanskrit) is a mythical creature seen in many Hindu temples, often sculpted onto the pillars. It may be portrayed as part lion, part elephant and part horse, and in similar shapes. Also, it has been sometimes described as a leogryph (part lion and part griffin),with some bird-like features.

Yali is a motif in Indian art and it has been widely used in south Indian sculpture. Descriptions of and references to yalis are very old, but they became prominent in south Indian sculpture in the 16th century. Yalis are believed to be more powerful than the lion/Tiger or the elephant.

Iconography and image

In its iconography and image the yali has a catlike graceful body, but the head of a lion with tusks of an elephant (gaja) and tail of a serpent. Sometimes they have been shown standing on the back of a makara, another mythical creature. Some images look like three-dimensional representation of yalis. Images or icons have been found on the entrance walls of the temples, and the graceful mythical lion is believed to protect and guard the temples and ways leading to the temple. They usually have the stylized body of a lion and the head of some other beast, most often an elephant (gaja-vyala). Other common examples are: the lion-headed (simha-vyala), horse-(ashva-vyala), human-(nir-vyala) and the dog-headed (shvana-vyala) ones.

Yali is found as stone carvings in numerous temples in Tamil Nadu and across South India, including the Kailasanathar Temple, Tharamangalam, Salem district, Tamil Nadu.

[Source : Wikipedia]

ounting horses in each of the 13 pillars. The significance of all these carvings is this;” Let man not fall prey to his senses which can bring nothing but disaster. Instead let him surrender to God which is bound to bring him closer to the blissful state of Lord Ranganatha.”
There is an old pond nearby which is the Shanka and chakra theerta. Unfortunately this theerta is in a very neglected state with creepers and plants surrounding the pond.
Sadly this temple though having a deep history has not been maintained properly. The renovations and the building of outer gopuram are still taking place.
But if you ignore this fact and just go for the darshan of God then you can probably pray in peace. The hills overlooking the temple are also quite spectacular and will make up for the lack of cleanliness in the surroundings.
You can expect the drive from Bangalore to be very pleasant. At this time of year grape vines, yellow, pink marigolds, golden brown corn fields will greet you at every step once you cross the Devenhalli airport.

TRAVEL

By Road: - First Reach Yelahanka in Bangalore, then Travel towards Chikkaballapur , then once you reach Chikkaballapur ask for Bus stand / Gauribidanur road Then if you travel 6 kms on Gauribidanur road on Right hand side you will find the Arch gate with Sign board Rangasthala take a right turn and travel till dead end

Airport: -Kempegowda (Bangalore) International Airport

Railway Station : - Chikkaballapur Station

Route:-NH7 to Chikkaballapur cross > Chikkaballapur ; Gauribidanur road > right turn at Rangasthala Urch > Drive till deadend.

When to visit:-

All year around. The Brahma Ustavam is celebrated in the Month of December. The best time to observe (Darshan) the Lord is during Thirumanjanam.

Location:-Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Rangasthala, Post - Thippanahalli District - Chikkaballapur , Karnataka, India.

Temple Timings:-The Temple Timings are Daily Morning 8 AM to 11 AM and Evening 5.30 PM to 8.30 PM

Distance:- 59 km North of Bangalore

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VEERANJANAYA TEMPLE, Chikkaballapur- BGS