Badami is the epitome of Karnataka's love towards art and architecture. This north Karnataka site is known for its beautifully carved cave temples, artificial lake, museums and rock-cut into the cliff face of a red sandstone hill of 6th & 7th Century. This village is located at the beginning of a ravine in the midst of red sandstone hills in northern Karnataka. Badami is an excellent tour option in case you like to explore the remains of the distant past in the form of caves, temples and forts, other monuments and ruins that remind you of the grandeur, lifestyle and ways of the past. Travel to Badami can be the ideal holiday choice.
Badami was at one time the capital of the Chalukyas. The Pallavas, who had been defeated by Pulakesi II, later captured and destroyed Badami to avenge their defeat. Badami was also in the possession of the Vijayanagar Kings, the Adil Shahis, the Savanur Nawabs, the Marathas, Hyder Ali and finally the British who made it part of the Bombay Presidency. A number of annual temple festivals are held in towns near Badami. The annual temple festival, held at Banashankari, in the month of January-February is worth visiting; so are the Virupaksha Temple Car Festival and Mallikarjuna Temple Festival held in Pattadakal during March-April.
Prime Attractions in and Around Badami
There are several places of tourist interest in Badami that you may tour during your stay in Karnataka. Rock–cut cave Temples, Gateways, Forts, Inscriptions, Sculptures that seem to come alive before your eyes. There are several monuments in Badami that were constructed during the 6th and 7th centuries. However, the town is best known for its cave temples, cut into the cliff face of the red sandstone hill and connected by flights of steps. They display the full range of religious sects, which have grown up on Indian soil. Two of them are dedicated to Vishnu, one to Shiva and the fourth is a Jain temple.
There's also one natural cave, which is a Buddhist One of the many masterpieces to be found in these caves is the famous, 18-armed Nataraja (Shiva) who if observed closely, strikes 81 poses. Cave 4, the last cave, is the only Jain Temple in Badami. The 24th Tirthankara-Mahavira, is seated in a uniquely comfortable pose here, against a cushion in the inner sanctum. Also a must see are Bhutanatha temples that lend their names to the lake just beneath the cave temples. Take a dip in this green tranquil waters as it is said to have the healing properties. On the other bank of the ancient Bhutnatha lake, astride whose shores the caves stand, is the shrine of Nagamma, the local serpent goddess, within a massive tamarind tree. Nearby, are two Shiva temples. Within the inner sanctum, on the edge of the water, He sits in a rare pose, leaning back, in all his awesome majesty.
The archaeological museum of Badami has Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull, at its entrance. This museum is closed on Fridays. It houses superb examples of local sculptures, including the remarkable Lajja-Gauri images of fertility cult, which flourished in the era. Badami Fort is strategically situated on top of the hill, enclosing large granaries, impressive temples on top of the northern end of the hill. Malegitti Shivalaya, perhaps the oldest temple of the lot, is dedicated to the benign aspect of Shiva as the garland maker. Placed on the summit of a rocky hill, the temple is built of stone, finely joined without mortar and with Dravidian tower. The lower Shivalaya has a Dravidian tower of which only the sanctum remains now. Around Badami there is the Naganath Temple, which is 10 Kms away and located in a forest on the way to Mahakuta. It is one of the early Chalukyan temples dedicated to Shiva.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Kukke Subramanya
Kukke Subramanya - 386 Kms from Bangalore/ 151 Kms from Karwar
Kukke Subramanya is one of the beautiful and religiously auspicious place, located amidst hills of western ghats. Lord Subramanya is the deity worshiped in the form of a Cobra in the temple of Kukke Subramanya.
Kukke Subramanya is on the bank of river Dhara. According to Hindu Mythology Lord Kumaraswamy came to this place after killing the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura and others in a war; and Lord washed his Shakti Ayudha (a battle-axe in the shape of a bayonet) in this river. From this onwards the river is famous as Kumaradhara. After his battle with the demons Lord Kumaraswamy came to the top of Kumara Parvatha along with his brothers Lord Ganesha, Veerabahu and other aides. He was received by Lord Indra along with other Gods; pleased by the success of the war Indra prayed the Lord to be kind enough to marry his daughter Devasena. This was agreed upon courteously and the marriage took place on the banks of Kumaradhara on 'Margashira Shudda Shashti'. Lord Kumaraswamy also gave darshan to Vasuki the head of nagas, who was making a penance here.
Vasuki prayed to the Lord to stay along with him permanently at this place and the Lord granted him this boon. From that time it is believed that the Lord has made his spiritual presence in this shrine along with his wife Devasena and Vasuki. Every year a famous car festival is being held here on 'Margashira Shuddha Shashti' with special poojas to the Lord.
Kukke Subramanya is one of the beautiful and religiously auspicious place, located amidst hills of western ghats. Lord Subramanya is the deity worshiped in the form of a Cobra in the temple of Kukke Subramanya.
Kukke Subramanya is on the bank of river Dhara. According to Hindu Mythology Lord Kumaraswamy came to this place after killing the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura and others in a war; and Lord washed his Shakti Ayudha (a battle-axe in the shape of a bayonet) in this river. From this onwards the river is famous as Kumaradhara. After his battle with the demons Lord Kumaraswamy came to the top of Kumara Parvatha along with his brothers Lord Ganesha, Veerabahu and other aides. He was received by Lord Indra along with other Gods; pleased by the success of the war Indra prayed the Lord to be kind enough to marry his daughter Devasena. This was agreed upon courteously and the marriage took place on the banks of Kumaradhara on 'Margashira Shudda Shashti'. Lord Kumaraswamy also gave darshan to Vasuki the head of nagas, who was making a penance here.
Vasuki prayed to the Lord to stay along with him permanently at this place and the Lord granted him this boon. From that time it is believed that the Lord has made his spiritual presence in this shrine along with his wife Devasena and Vasuki. Every year a famous car festival is being held here on 'Margashira Shuddha Shashti' with special poojas to the Lord.
Sringeri
Sringeri 341 Kms from Bangalore/90 kms from Chikmagalur
Situated on the banks of Tungabhadra, was established by Sri Adi Shankara in 9th Century A.D. It's famous for Vidyashankara Temple and Sharada Temple.
Sringeri was discovered by Sri Sankaracharya as a place where even natural animosities did not exist, as he saw a frog in labour protected from the scorching rays of the sun by a raised hood of a cobra. He installed at that place the Goddess of learning, Sri Sharada.
He also established a Matha for the propagation of Advaita philosophy, and his first sishya Sri Suresvaracharya was made the head of the Matha. From then onwards, Sringeri has become famous as a center of learning, philosophy and sublime spirituality. It is one of the holy places of India and it attracts many pilgrims.
Situated on the banks of Tungabhadra, was established by Sri Adi Shankara in 9th Century A.D. It's famous for Vidyashankara Temple and Sharada Temple.
Sringeri was discovered by Sri Sankaracharya as a place where even natural animosities did not exist, as he saw a frog in labour protected from the scorching rays of the sun by a raised hood of a cobra. He installed at that place the Goddess of learning, Sri Sharada.
He also established a Matha for the propagation of Advaita philosophy, and his first sishya Sri Suresvaracharya was made the head of the Matha. From then onwards, Sringeri has become famous as a center of learning, philosophy and sublime spirituality. It is one of the holy places of India and it attracts many pilgrims.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Bangalore City
The Garden City-Bangalore is the capital of the state of Karnataka which is located in southern India and it is also the seventh largest city in India. This wonderful metropolis of south India abounds with numerous gardens and parks that are well-maintained and is much responsible for the overall healthy ecological balance in the city. Now a burgeoning hub of IT industry, it is also referred to as the Silicon Valley of India. The origin of Bangalore dates back to the 9th century and it was earlier known as "Bengaluru". The existing city was founded in the 16th century and has since continued to be a significant administrative center.
Bangalore has a lot in store for the discerning tourists from all parts of the world and continues to attract a large number of tourists each and every year. There are lots of historical sites and places of tourist interest that abound here. The tourism in Bangalore is flourishing in leaps and bounds and it occupies a reputed position among the various south Indian tourist destinations. Hence it is also a cause of envy for the rest of the metropolitan cities that are located in south India.
Experience the best of south India in your vacations in Bangalore since it offers to its visitors every remedy for their every travel related matter. Whether it is history, culture, sightseeing or nightlife; Bangalore is a treasure trove for all that you crave for during your vacations. Bangalore is also a superb getaway for the food freaks since it offers a host of excellent and well-prepared epicurean delights that are tongue tickling and guarantee utmost taste to the palates. Your travel to Bangalore will become etched in your memories for ever owing to its outstanding appeal and for its welcoming people.
This city is efficiently connected by the air, rail and road transport and links all the major cities of India. The tourists dropping in to Bangalore need not worry about the lodging options since Bangalore is dotted with a large number of hotels that come in various categories and guarantee utmost in terms of facilities and services. The hotels range from luxury to economy types and are sure to suit your budget. Bangalore has some of the best boutique and heritage hotels in the country. With chains like mariot, Le Meridien, Royal Orchid, Park and more you cant expect anything but the very best.
Your trip to Bangalore remains incomplete without shopping since shopping is an indispensable part of any tour and Bangalore is a paradise for the shop freaks. From branded clothing accessories to finest of electronic and jewelry items, you can get all that you want in this city. M.G Road, Brigade Road and Commercial Street are the most preferd shopping destinations here.
Bangalore has a lot in store for the discerning tourists from all parts of the world and continues to attract a large number of tourists each and every year. There are lots of historical sites and places of tourist interest that abound here. The tourism in Bangalore is flourishing in leaps and bounds and it occupies a reputed position among the various south Indian tourist destinations. Hence it is also a cause of envy for the rest of the metropolitan cities that are located in south India.
Experience the best of south India in your vacations in Bangalore since it offers to its visitors every remedy for their every travel related matter. Whether it is history, culture, sightseeing or nightlife; Bangalore is a treasure trove for all that you crave for during your vacations. Bangalore is also a superb getaway for the food freaks since it offers a host of excellent and well-prepared epicurean delights that are tongue tickling and guarantee utmost taste to the palates. Your travel to Bangalore will become etched in your memories for ever owing to its outstanding appeal and for its welcoming people.
This city is efficiently connected by the air, rail and road transport and links all the major cities of India. The tourists dropping in to Bangalore need not worry about the lodging options since Bangalore is dotted with a large number of hotels that come in various categories and guarantee utmost in terms of facilities and services. The hotels range from luxury to economy types and are sure to suit your budget. Bangalore has some of the best boutique and heritage hotels in the country. With chains like mariot, Le Meridien, Royal Orchid, Park and more you cant expect anything but the very best.
Your trip to Bangalore remains incomplete without shopping since shopping is an indispensable part of any tour and Bangalore is a paradise for the shop freaks. From branded clothing accessories to finest of electronic and jewelry items, you can get all that you want in this city. M.G Road, Brigade Road and Commercial Street are the most preferd shopping destinations here.
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