This natural cave temple was suggested by my wife relatives residing at Nempu village. We decided to have it go this Saturday. The drive towards Kollur road was comfortable. A deviation 7kms before Kollur cuts through dense jungle which feels like driving 60kms for 25kms distance. This deviation passes through Kamalashile temple and finally reaches Siddapura. At times, the steep mountainous road needs shifting to 1st gear. The dense jungle was mesmerizing and I spotted few green leafbird. The tall rainforest trees are always pleasure to watch. Due to lack of time, we could not stop anywhere in middle. The google maps too was bang on target! We could easily spot the deviation from main road towards the temple.
The interior roads are extremely narrow to drive. The roads are being concreted but without a supporting side construction. On one occasion, we lost the track but regained with help of villagers. The last 1km was uphill on a mud road which was difficult to drive. On couple of occasions, the car skidded which needed a large stone support to prevent backward pull. After a brief struggle, we reached the temple and ready to explore.
The priest conducts daily pooja everyday at 9AM and leaves the place. Only during Monday and special occasions of Lord Shiva, the priest stays till mid-day or evening. The gate keeper who stays nearby the temple, welcomed us and opened the temple. We waded through the natural water spring and reached the sanctum of Lord. The primary shiva-linga which is worshipped daily seems to be constructed but there is also udbhava (self-formed) linga inside the water which can be viewed with mobile torchlight. Besides the Shiva-Linga, an idol of Naga (serpent god) is also installed. The ground-water springs up every morning. The excess water is let out through small pipeline. The fishes surround the feet of visitors assuming it to be some kind of food. Snakes were never spotted till date as per the gate keeper. So its safe to wade through water :-). The surroundings of the sanctums are guarded by steel barricades to maintain the sanctity of the lord.
How to reach:
Google maps shows perfect route. Last few distance may not be covered due to lack of mobile signal. A plastic banner is located at the outset of mud-road. The drive through final 1km is uphill and mud road. Hence be careful of skidding which may result in vehicle loosing control. Two wheelers may not find it difficult to traverse through mud road.
When to visit:
Difficult to reach during monsoon season. The murkier road may not be easy to pass. You may feel like participating in dirt track rally. Visit during winter season or break monsoon time.
The place has paltry people presence and densely covered with rainforest treasure. Please do not trash this pristine place. Alongside respecting the divinity of Lord Shiva also respect the pristine mother nature.
Not many pictures. This short video sums up everything.
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