21 December 2020
Today we had an opportunity to visit the majestic boulder temple thanks to ceremony at Kamalashile. My last visit dates to 10 years ago which was a surprise visit as per the guidance of temple member. That was monsoon season and the nature was brimming with beauty. We were not expecting any kind of verdant nature during our current visit but there was surprise. Despite the retreat of monsoon couple of months ago, the nature beauty was impeccable. Thanks to check dams, the greenery was alive. Here is a short post of our visit.
Bounded by majestic nature, shrouded with huge boulders, tucked away from the civilization, nestled inside mini forest, this beautiful ancient temple quietly resides in remote area of Kundapura taluk. My last visit dates back to 10 years ago during monsoon season which had additional charm. This visit was not disappointing one. The nature is still wondrous with clear sun and cool winter wind. After initial hiccup, we finally found the route to the temple and ready to immerse in divinity of Lord & Nature.
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| The narrow path to shrine |
There is no designated parking area at the temple. The open area serve as parking space to visitors. The visitor count too is increasing especially during weekend thanks to internet. The last 300m drive is through the fields which is difficult for two cars to cross simultaneously. Hence slow-down for everyone to pass smoothly.
One needs to climb 30-40 steps to reach the temple. The last few steps need careful attention especially for people with height. The boulders might hit the head :-). These are strong boulders to resist. The shrine is located beneath the mystical maze of perfectly hanging boulders. Huge boulders stacked up is truly engineering marvel existing from years. Mythologically this place is connected to Parashurama srishti. Atheist or pious, the intricate alignment of boulders can mesmerize anyone.
The temple priest explained the significance of these shrines which dates back to 12th century. Its pitch dark beneath the boulders which are covered with dense vegetation. The only illuminating object is the lamp lit inside the shrine. The narrow circumambulation is quite challenging in a way which needs to bend your body to avoid banging head on boulders.
This perfectly aligned, intricately engineered boulder arrangement was consecrated by King of Barkur Bhootala Pandya during 12th century with installation of Shiva, Paravathi and Ganapathy idols and enshrining the idols. The idols are facing east with Shiva idol at middle, Paravathi idol at left and Ganapathi idol at the right relative to the praying position. The water drips continuously over the Shiva linga which is common sight in all Shiva temples. The pitch dark shrine needs torch light to view clearly the idols adjacent to Shiva Linga. The priest humbly and patiently explains the mythology behind temple to every visitor. His house is located nearby the temple.
One can reach the summit of boulders to behold the majestic village landscape. This can be tad slippery during monsoon season. Enjoy the bucolic scenes with seasonal stream bisecting the verdant paddy fields. A check-dam nearby helps to store the water for winter irrigation purpose and also retain groundwater till peak summer.
The place is quite easily accessible from Brahmavar-Shivamogga main road. A deviation post Yadthadi junction with temple banner and nearby tall water-tank as landmarks, guides you to the beautiful temple. Search for Kallu Ganapthi Temple in Google Maps and you will reach the destination comfortably :-).
Click here to see additional pictures.
Here is short video from visit
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