TUNGABADHRA DAM

 

The Tungabhadra Dam, also known as Pampa Sagar, is a water reservoir constructed across the Tungabhadra River in the city of Hosapete in Vijayanagar district karnataka. It is a multipurpose dam serving irrigation, electricity generation, flood control, etc. for the state. It is one of the only two non-cement dams in India, the other being the Mullaperiyar Dam in kerala. The dam is built of surki mortar, a combination of mud and limestone, commonly used at the time of its construction.

In 1860, Sir arthur cotton  of Madras Presidency originally conceived the Tungabhadra project. His proposals were further modified and developed subsequently, evolving it into a joint scheme with the Kingdom of Hyderabad. N. Paramseswaran Pillai accordingly revised the scheme in 1933. In 1940, Madras ordered a detailed investigation of the scheme. Based on the agreements made, an examination of a number of alternatives was conducted by L. venkata krishna iyer, the then Superintending Engineer, Bellary, and F. M. Dowley, Chief Engineer, both from the kingdom. In 1942, further detailed investigations of the project were done by M. S. Thirumale Iyengar from the presidency. The report he thus submitted was accepted by the Government of Madras with certain modifications fixing the sill level at RL 1550 ft. The June 1944 agreement between Madras and Hyderabad enabled the two governments to finally begin the construction of the Tungabhadra project.

The holiness of mylara

Mylara Lingeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god (Mailara dynasty), a form of the god Shiva in Mylara. Located at center of Karnataka, It is in the extreme south-western corner of Hoovina hadagali taluk, vijayanagara district. It is 2 km from Tungabhadra River and 36 km from Hadagali 36 km from Rannebennur and 39 km from Harapanahalli.

Mallasura (demon) and his brother performed a severe penance extracted from Brahma and, with a promise that they should never be harmed by any human being, began to harass the sages or rishis. The sages appealed Shiva to protect them; Shiva took on a new form and, taking with him his forces of seven crores goravas, warred with Mallasura and his brother Manikasura for 10 days> He then slew them both with his bow. During the battle, Lord Veerabhadra, Shiva's aide, struck the earth with his long hair and Kanchaveeras emerged from the spot. The Kanchaveeras confronted Mallasura and Manikasura and handed them over to Mailara. After killing Mallasura and Manikasura, Mailara (Shiva) wore their intestines as his turban, their teeth as a cowrie necklace, their mouths as a damaruga (hand drum), skulls as a doni (meal bowl) and their skins as a long coat. The fat of the demons was used as oil and their nerves as the lamp wick.

                                                               

Karnika Utsava (prophecy)

Rituals during the Mylar Jatre (fair) include the Karanika Utsava (bow-climbing and prophecy-uttering ritual) and Pavada (body piercing ritual). Karanika Utsava is performed by the Karanika Gorava, who fasts for 12 days, after which he climbs a 12-meter bow and utters a euphoric prophecy regarding regional agriculture, animal husbandry, and politics.

Karnikotsava Gorava's utterance tumbida koda mooru bhaga aadeethale parakh! means "A full pot may get split into three parts". Karnikotsava means the prophecy; it is like a puzzle. Some guess it to be an indication of political situation in the state and some guess about rain and crop that means it is an indication of some threat to the agriculture so, the prophecy warns the farmers to be very careful. It is believed that the saying would indicate the future of the coming year.

The ancient Kishkindha nagari anegundi

 Just across the Tungabhadra River is the fortress town Anegundi, pre-dating Vijayanagara and the city’s 14th-century headquarters. More ancient than Hampi, Anegundi lies in the mythical kingdom of Kishkinda, ruled by monkey king Sugriva (from the Epic Ramayana). The Anjaneya Hill is, believed to be the birthplace of the monkey god Hanuman, can be easily spotted from Anegundi, thanks to the temple at the hilltop and a white trail of steps zigzagging all the way to the top. Anegundi and its tranquil surroundings are dotted with forgotten temples and fortifications. The dilapidated Huchappayana Matha Temple, near the river, is worth a visit for its black stone lathe-turned pillars and fine panels of dancers. The other places of tourist interest are the sacred Pampa Sarovara, Chintamani Temple and the Ranganatha Temple.

How to reach Anegundi: 

Option 1: Visiting Anegundi along with Hampi: It is best reached through a boat ride across the river near Vijaya Vittala temple from Hampi. Road access is possible but will be 20 kms by road from Hampi. Hampi is 350 kms from Bengaluru and can be reached via road, rail or air. Hosapete is the nearest railway station (15 kms from Hampi)

Option 2: Anegundi is 357 kms from Bengaluru and can also be reached directly by road via Koppala city. Trains are available till Koppala city (45 kms from Anegundi).

For both options, Vidyanagar airport is the closest airport (40 kms from Hampi) and has daily flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Several buses are available from Bengaluru to reach Hampi/Koppal.

Stay: Several hotels and resorts are available in Hampi, Hosapete, Koppala and Anegundi area.

Hampi the royal kingdom

 

Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire in the 14th century. It was a fortified city. Chronicles left by Persian and European travelers, particularly the Portuguese, say that Hampi was a prosperous, wealthy and grand city near the Tungabhadra River, with numerous temples, farms and trading markets. By 1500 CE, Hampi-Vijayanagara was the world's second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at that time, attracting traders from Persia and Portugal. The Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by a coalition of Muslim sultanates; its capital was conquered, pillaged and destroyed by sultanate armies in 1565, after which Hampi remained in ruins.

Located in Karnataka near the modern-era city of Hosapete, Hampi's ruins are spread over 4,100 hectares (16 sq mi) and it has been described by UNESCO as an "austere, grandiose site" of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India that includes "forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, water structures and others".

Explore of hanuman birthplace

 You might have visited Hampi once, right? But did you know that Lord Hanuman was born at a distance of 5kms from the historical sites of Hampi at Anjanadri Betta! This region in Karnataka is an essential aspect of the Indian epic Ramayana.

Lord Hanuman was a great example of a true devotee. An inspirational character for each and everyone associated with the Hindu religion. Lord Hanuman is a representative when it comes to strength and courage. Here are a few interesting facts about Parvatha.

6 Lesser-Known Facts About Anjanadri Betta

1. Birthplace of the Super Hero – Anjanadri Betta

According to Hindu Dharma, Lord Hanuman was born to Anjana Devi, and thus Hanuman was also called Anjaneya, and his birthplace Anjanadri (Anjana’s Hill).The Anjanadri Parvatha in Hampi, Vijayanagara District, lies in the centre of the Anegundi. According to the mythology, Anegundi was a part of the Kishkinda region. The Monkey Kingdom. 

 According to Hindu mythology, Hanumanta was born on this holy hill.

 2. The Idol of Anjani Putra

On top of the Anjanadri Betta is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, which sits on the hill’s edge. The Hanuman idol is carved out of a rock. In addition, there are also shrines of Lord Rama and his wife Sita and Anjana Devi temple in the same vicinity. 

A white-washed structure with a pyramid structure and a small red dome at the top covers the idol of Hanumanta. 

3. Unbelievable Nature’s Wonder 

As you climb the 575 steps towards the top of the hill, one can see the ancient ruins of Hampi. At a certain point, we can come across a unique stone monument which takes the shape of Lord Hanuman’s face. This natural formation of the stone is itself a miracle, among many others.

4. The View of Rishyamukha Hill 

As you walk around the hilltop, you can feel the refreshing cool breeze and see beautiful sights of green fields, the Tungabhadra River, parts of hampi, and the Rishyamukha hill. People believe this place is prominent in the Ramayana. In this place, Lord Hanuman will meet Lord Rama, who will be in search of Sita.

5. The Sacred Stone at the Temple

The temple premises on top of the hill have a floating stone which was used to construct the Ram Setu bridge. 

6. Anjanadri Betta Scenic Sunset Point  

Want to experience the fantastic sunset in the UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site – Hampi. Head to these scenic spots – Anjanadri Betta, Matanga Hill, and Hemakuta Parvatha. 

From AnjaNadri Hill, behind the temple, a few steps lead to experience the full 360-degree view of the incredible architecture and other ruins from ancient India scattered there. People commonly come here during the evening hours to catch a glimpse of the orangish colors in the sky during the sunsets, which are beautiful to stare at, and it’s mesmerizing. So, this time, your sole purpose of visiting the Heritage site Hampi should be Anjanadri Betta, to take the blessings of Lord Hanuman and to experience the divinity at the top of the hill.