Raja seat was completely packed and simultaneously dense fog made us to move to next scheduled destination which was divine omkareshwara temple. We found a parking place and started towards sanctum.
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This temple is believed to have mosque like architecture. Apparently the temple looks like primitive Hindu architecture and not influenced by other religion.
The temple was surrounded by significant crowd predominantly tourists like us. Devotees are required to wear traditional attire to enter temple which was not strictly followed as per our observations. The temple hosts a large pushkarini (pond) facing the sanctum. That is attractive part here. Kids were excited after watching colorful fishes in the pond. Public entry to the pond is prohibited. The pond is completely fenced and the entrance gate is locked. Perhaps, the pond is used only by priests. Unsure if pilgrims are allowed to take dip during auspicious days.
Temple area was well illuminated giving it glittering look. Further away in parallel lies the elevated platform which has stairs at both ends. The ruler during the era was using the platform to witness the daily rituals of temple from distance reason being described further. The entry to elevated platform is restricted. The stairs leading to platform are filled with debris to curb human ascension. The Anjaneya temple garden is well maintained and beautiful. The primary omkareshwara temple has traditional and relic look owing to restricted renovation. The absence of renovation underscores the graveness of demon which arose from Brahman assassination. It is difficult to circumambulate around main shrine due to non-maintenance. The area was slippery too since it was monsoon season. Omkareshwara temple is not renovated due to reasons cited in subsequent paragraphs.
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| Temple Timings |
Omkareshwara temple construction dates 200yrs ago. There is mystical story behind temple construction as narrated by temple priest of Anjaneya Temple. At that time, Madikeri never existed and was surrounded by dense forests. Its only after British rule, the pristine forests were culled and coffee plantations mushroomed. The then ruler of the area had disagreement with Brahmin mantri and King killed Brahmin mantri. The killing of Brahmin is believed to be sin of highest order by Himdu texts. The death of brahmin resulted in brahma rakshasa torturing king in forest. To ward off sin, he made digbandhana to brahma rakshasa residence by installing shivalinga on top of brahma rakshasa location. King wasn't entering the temple rather sat on the platform constructed in front of temple to witness daily rituals. He was defeated by British on 1833.
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| Entry to elevated platform which is blocked |
Over the time, area was developed and became a bigger town. MadiKeri gets its name by residing brahmins who were engaged in religious activities. Madikeri refers to - street of people who maintain cleanliness. Madi refers to cleanliness in general. Madikeri was surrounded by Brahmins initially but over the time they dispersed to other locations.
During renovation the main sanctum is never touched since Brahma rakshasa is believed to have 800yrs term and currently it is at 200. Touching sanctum means dismantling digbandhana of brahma rakshasa which may result in chaotic scenes as per archaka (temple priest). Even though age of Brahma Rakshasa is only 800yrs, nobody would dare to touch the sanctum as per him. There are always bickering, blithering and quarrels in the temple signifying the effects of Brahma rakshasa as per him.
Only Anjaneya temple is renovated as of now. Anjaneya temple is located adjacent to the main shrine. This temple is isolated from omkareshwara temple. The Anjaneya temple is well renovated and depicts stark contrast to Omkareshwara temple. Ajaneya temple also hosts a wider well maintained lawn at its front.
Once done with darshan of Lord Omkareshwara and Lord Anjaneya, we headed towards lodge and concluded our first day itinerary. Except Raja-seat, other places were executed without hassle. The photography is restricted inside primary premises but exterior captures are liberal. I was too tired to capture exterior video and hence post is just pictorial.
