Sri Ramadevara Betta, Ramanagara

Ramadevara betta is located 5kms from the Ramanagara town and around 3kms from Bangalore-Mysore Highway. A narrow road from main highway leads to the entrance of Ramanagara forest gate. This place is covered under reserved forest area and conserved to safeguard unique breed of eagle inhabited here. It seems the place has mythological importance connected to "Jatayu". Fortunately did not spot any monkeys en-route. From the entrance one has to climb 450 steps to reach the top of hill with slightly moderate effort. Enjoy the dense vegetation throughout the ascension. It had just stopped raining during my climb. The place looked deserted devoid of any human presence. On the way one can spot Shiva & Anjaneya temples. The peak has Rama temple, Ramateertha pond & vantage point. One can enjoy beauty of nature from the vantage. I could not visit the vantage point due to time crunch. There is no entrance associated with the place. As I reached the peak, I spotted few visitors.

HANUMAN DRAWING

BEAUTIFUL HILLOCK

STEPS TO CLIMB THE HILL

The temple at the peak is called "Pattabhirama temple" and rightly the deity is Lord Rama. The sanctum sanatorium looks to be cave. I banged my head against the stone. On request, the priest of temple delineated the fable connected to this hill. The enthusiasm of priest's narration was the primal attraction.

Fable:

Post crowning of Lord Rama, Sugreeva carried sculpture of Rama, Seetha, Lakshmana and Anjaneya. In middle of journey, he encountered the ogre named Sukasura at this place. Following fierce battle, Sugreeva repressed Sukasura. However, the idol had to be installed to fight with the giant. The installed idol could not be pulled out and an voice-over directed him to live the idol in this place itself. The same idol is believed to be one inside the cave.

PATTABHIRAMA TEMPLE

FRONT END

TOWARDS VANTAGE POINT

Ramateertha:
The pond called Ramateertha can be found besides the temple fenced to prevent human entry. Nobody knows the depth of pond since it has not been measured. It is believed to be much deeper. The priest said the pond is always filled with water even if there is dearth of rains. The fable again falls back to Ramayana times. During exile, it is believed Lord Rama & Seeta had arrived at this place. There was no trace of water nearby the place. Consequently, Lord Rama pierced the ground with arrow to derive the water source and hence the name RamaTeertha. During ancient times, even Saptha Rushis were believed to bath in pond and carry out penance. As a mark of 7 sages, neighbouring hillock has 7 rock placements.

RAMATEERTHA

SAPTA RUSHI HILL

The forest gate is open from 8AM to 5:30PM beyond which gate will be closed. Kindly maintain cleanliness and preserve the sanctity of the place. If you cannot spot bins, please carry them.

RAMADEVARA HILL FROM DISTANCE

With Ramanavami around the corner, the random lurking through old images tempted me to write about this place. The post is also dedicated to Lord Rama and may the lord bless people on earth shine with prosperity.

Here are few videos from recent visit. The nature, conjoined with monsoon rains had garnished the region with lush greenery and beautiful landscape. Hope you enjoy the videos as well :)

1) The Ramadevara hill as relogious destination

2) Beautiful nature from Ramadevara hill view point