Srisailm Mallikarjuna Swamy 01-08-2015 to 02-08-2015

Team Members 
Rajendra,Raman, Mahesh and Girish.
My dream is to visit the all Jyotirlinga 
Last monday Mahesh told me to visit the Srisailam, first we planned to go three members me, Mahesh and raman. I think one driver we need then only we enjoy the trip, if we drive we can't enjoy. Finaly decided to take the driver. I called my friend Mr Harish, He arranged the driver Girish.
 In bangalore rain continueasly  Raman is irretated   due to rain Bus jorney. We start the journy towards Srisailam at 8pm by Mahesh Car. on the way had dinner hotel Swati near by Kodigenalli gate. 
Girish is nice Driver.
I thank to all my team members to complete one portion of my dream.

Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva situated at Srisailam in South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.

Jyotirlinga

As per Siva Mahapuranam, once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of saving) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation.^[2] To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyotirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.Originally there were believed to be 64 jyotirlingas while 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy.^[2] Each of the twelve jyotirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity - each considered different manifestation of Shiva. At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva.The twelve jyotirlinga are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Himalayas, Bhimashankar in Maharastra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Triambakeshwar in Maharastra, Vaidyanath at district; in [Jharkhand ],Nageswar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharastra.

Srisailam Dam

he Srisailam Dam is a dam constructed across the Krishna River in the border of Mahabubnagar District, Telangana (Left bank) and Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh (Right bank) in India and is the 3rd largest capacity hydroelectric project in the country.

The dam was constructed in a deep gorge in the Nallamala Hills in between Mahabubnagar and Kurnool districts, 300 m (980 ft) above sea level. It is 512 m (1,680 ft) long, 269.748 metres (885.00 ft) high and has12 radial crest gates. It has a reservoir of 800 square kilometres (310 sq mi). Project has an estimated live capacity to hold 178.74 billion cubic feet. The left bank power station houses 6 × 150 megawatts (200,000 hp) reversible Francis-pump turbines (for pumped-storage) and the right bank contains 7 × 110 megawatts (150,000 hp) Francis-turbine generators.

The Srisailam project began in 1960, initially as a power project, across the Krishna, near Srisailam. After several delays, the main dam was finally completed twenty years later in 1980 July 26. In the meantime the project was converted into a multipurpose facility with a generating capacity of 770 megawatts (1,030,000 hp) by its second stage which was expected to be completed in 1987. The dam is to provide water for an estimated 2,000 square kilometres (770 sq mi) with its catchment area of 206,040 square kilometres (79,550 sq mi) and water spread of 1,595 square kilometres (616 sq mi). Under the right branch canal 790 square kilometres (310 sq mi) in Kurnool and Kadapa districts will have assured irrigation. From the initial modest estimate of ₹384.7 million for a power project the total cost of the multipurpose project was estimated to cross ₹10 billion in its enlarged form. The 269.748 metres (885.00 ft) high and 512 metres (1,680 ft) wide dam has alone cost ₹4.04 billion together with the installation of four generating sets of 110 MW each. The right branch canal is estimated to cost ₹4.49 billion and the initial investment of ₹1.4 billion has been provided by the World Bank. The projected cost-benefit ratio of the project has been worked out at 1:1.91 at 10% interest on capital outlay. On 2 October 2009, Srisailam dam experienced a record inflow which threatened the dam

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta

 The image of Krishna is in the classical form – Krishna holding a flute under a honne tree with cows and cowherds around watching him with revered attention. The image of Krishna is flanked by his consorts, Rukmini and Satyabhama.

Thanks to the foggy nature of the place, the lintel of the doorjambs to the inner hall is often spotted with icicles hanging from it. Therefore the prefix Himavad ( or Himada , Himad – all means snowy/foggy ) Gopalaswamy temple.

In front of the sanctuary stands the conventional prayer hall typical of a Hindu temple. And in the main axis of the temple just as you enter the temple are the flag post and the bali peetam ( sacrificial stone). The hall and its surroundings also contains a large number of images , mostly mythical themes of Vaishnava affiliation.

The whole temple stands inside a compound wall with granite tiled court yard. At one end of the compound wall facing the main temple is the main entrance. Over the entrance is the typical tower with brightly painted godly themes.

Inside the temple at one corder you can spot a shed where the wooden wheels of the ceremonial temple car is kept. The car is assembled for the annual festival during the February-March ( according to Hindu calendar Sravana of Phalguna ).

The temple sits on the slops os a hillock with grassland all around. The motorable road reaches right in front of the temple. Still you need to climb a few steps to enter the temple.

As mentioned earlier the region is surrounded by numerous tanks and water holes. Though a couple of t are very close to the temple, most of them are located deep in the forest that calls for a trek to reach. There are many myths too associated with these waterbodies.

Thanks to these water bodies, and abundance of grassland, this place is a favorite grazing land of the elephants. If you are lucky you can spot them close to the temple. To vouch their presence one can see the elephant dung scattered in the vicinity.Typically they come closer to the temple early in the morning.

Baring the temple and its immediate vicinity, visitor are prohibited from entering the forest land. There is also a forest department outpost near the temple. There had been many incidents in the past of elephants chasing those strayed into the forest. So weather it is prohibited by law or otherwise, it is not prudent to venture into the forest. Of course, the trekking enthusiasts can always seek for prior permission from the forest department for trekking. Typically a guard accompanies the trekking party in such cases.

As promised earlier, let us see how to reach Himavad Gopalaswamy temple. Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is located some 87km southwest of Mysore near Gundulpet town on the Mysore to Ooty road . If you are coming from Bangalore side, there are two routes, one via Chamarajanagar other via Mysore to reach Gundulpet.

Immediately after crossing Gundulpet town is junction of Ooty road and Calicut road. Take the Ooty route. At some 8km distance from Gundulpet on the Ooty road you will cross a village called Hangala. As you pass the village on the right side is a large arch over the road towards Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta. From this point the temple is at a distance of about 8km.

Place Statistics:
Type of Place: Hill and ancient Temple
Situated: Chamarajanagar District, karnataka. INDIA.
Distance: 220 Km from Bangalore; 75 Km from Mysore; 10 kms from Hangala Village, 21kms from Bandipur Reception area.
Transport: Private Taxis and buses, few government buses ply to the top of the hill
Information: Entry fees for vehicles to be purchased at the bottom of the hill
Timings: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Staying Options: Forest Guest House at Bandipur, Jungle Lodges, M.C.Resorts, Country Club, Cicada Resort
Food Facility: Not available at the top of the hill

Sabarimala & Sri Sadasiva Brammendra Jeeva Samathi ( Oct 18-20 ,2013)

First i tell infinite thanks to my friend Mr. Sangamesh and  Mr Sri Hari. Both of my friends made my dreams to True.

Team Members ( Rajendra, Sangamesh, Sri Hari, Dhanush , Shreya & Muruli).

Sri Sadasiva Brammendra Jeeva Samathi

Nerur is a fertile village and which is just 8 kms from karur. In a poornima day we had been to the village. Since it was poornima. Adi Perukku and thursday the village was filled with devotees. We have managed to enter the village and we felt that as if we had been in heaven.

It is said that the “Jeeva Samadhi of Sadasiva Brammen dra” at this village is being workshipped by various devotees from various states. Sadasiva Brammendra was born to Somanatha Yogi and Parvathi. They were blessed by God while they were at Ramnad. As a result, they have given birth a male child and they have earlier named him Sivarama Krishnan. The boy learnt all Vedas / Epics / and all arts. The boy learnt all subjects from Sridhar Ayyaval and then Parmasivandral.

He was called by the King of mysore where he tested the knowledge of all pundits. Since no body could stood on their subject because of the counter of Sivarama Krishnan whom his guru Parmasivandral called Sadasivan Brammendra.

Sadasiva Brammendra was advised by his guru to adopt mounam and Sanyasam.

Thanked to god sadasivan came to Agathiam Parai at kodumudi and prayed the God. Since the place was surround ed by cauvery water he continued his prayer months together there. After some time a flood came in cauvery river and he was rolled by water. Due to this he was in depth of river and covered with sand. After some time the people while they were dugging the sand they saw the sanyasi was praying god. He did not wear dress and people paid much respect to him.

Once Sadasiva Brammandra entered in to a Moghal King’s Palace. The king was with his Queen and other maids. Since the Sanyasi was entering the palace without dress the king got much anger and he cut off the hand of sanyasi. Without caring these incident the Sanyasi was moving. Keeping the hand on his hand the king rushed towards Sanyasi and requested him to forgive for his misdeeds. The sanyasi got the hand from the king and placed on his shoulder which was pasted.like this sadasivan done so many miracles.

Sadasiva Brammendra after some time came to Nerur where he intended to attain Jeeva Samathi. He has called his chief disciples viz. (through Yoga) Maharaja of mysore, Pudu kottai and Tanjore and advised them to form a cave for his Jeeva Samathi. He added that on ninth day on his head a “Vilvam Tree” will came out and on 12th day from Kasi Shetram a lingam will arrive. He concluded stating them to construct a temple.

Earlier he had been prayed by a devotee sastry at manamadurai and a Muslim devotee at Karachi requesting him that they have to be nearer to him on his Jeeva Samathi day. Bramendra made Jeeva Samathi at Manamadurai and Karachi apart from Nerur.

Sabarimala

Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is one of the most ancient and prominent Sastha temples in the country. Located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is one of the few Hindu temples in India that is open to all faiths. The shrine of Sabarimala is one of the most remote shrines in southern India yet it still draws three to four million pilgrims each year. Surrounded by mountains and dense forest Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated. Perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.

Surya, Talakaveri, Bhagamandala Temple & Other Places on Oct 5 and 6 2013

Sri Sadashiva Rudra Temple

South Canara is mainly famous for its unique temples and traditions in Karnataka.Sadashiva Rudra Temple, located in Suriya Village,near Dharmastala is one among them.Mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has got a unique tradition of offering clay sculptures to God. Generally people offer money or gold to God when their wishes are fulfilled as a symbol of gratitude, but in this temple people make clay offerings to the God.The Suriya temple is probably only one of its kind because of its unique tradition of clay offerings.

Devotees pray god for their wishes/desires.Once it is fulfilled the devotees along with their clay offerings have to go to the temple preferably on Mondays along with a coconut and a kg of rice.The offerings are available in temple premises which are clay sculptures of your requests.For example chair and table symbolizes job, marriage means small sculptures of bride and groom, human body parts like ear,eyes,heart etc. You can also see children, cradles, limbs, houses, automobiles, coconuts, cattle,eggs, computer,watch,aeroplane etc.., this list is probably endless (as desires of people are endless!!).

There is a small tank near by the temple.All the clay offerings are made in a separate place called Mannina Harake Bana ( Clay Offerings Place) which is close to temple.You can see a huge collection of clay sculptures there.Its believed that temple is around 700 years old.But no one in the temple knows the importance behind this clay offerings.

Clay is within the tradition of India.We make ganesha idol,durga mata idol(usually in West Bengal) and many more using clay.So clay must be pure and good compared to anything and I believe god likes to get clay offerings.

Suriya is around 12km from Dharmastala,which has good connectivity from all parts of Karnataka.You can hire a jeep or auto from Dharmastala to get in to the place.

Temple timings 7 30AM to 2PM and 4PM to 6.30PM.

Address of the temple

Administrator

Sri Sadashiva Rudra Temple

Surya, Nada Grama, Permanu.

Beltanagday Tq, DK-574214.

Talakaveri(ತಲಕಾವೇರಿ)

Talakaveri (Kannada: ತಲಕಾವೇರಿ), is the place that is generally considered to be the source of the river Kaveri. It is located by Brahmagiri hill (not to be confused with the Brahmagiri range further south) near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka, 1,276 m. above sea level. However, there is not a permanent visible flow from this place to the main rivercourse except during the rainy season.

A tank or kundike has been erected on a hillside, at the place that is said to be the origin. It is also marked by a small temple, and the area is frequented by pilgrims. The river originates as a spring feeding this tank, which is considered to be a holy place to bathe on special days. The waters are then said to flow underground to emerge as the Kaveri river some distance away. The temple has been renovated extensively by the state government recently [2007].

On Tulasankramana day (the first day of Tula Masa month, according to the Hindu calendar, which normally falls in mid October) thousands of pilgrims flock to the river's birthplace to witness the rise of the fountainhead, when water gushes up from the spring at a predetermined moment. The tula snanam (Sacred bath in the Tula month) is observed across pilgrim towns in Kaveri's banks.[1]

Talakaveri is about 8 km away from Bhagamandala and 48 km from Madikeri.

Bhagamandala (ಭಾಗಮಂಡಲ)

Bhagamandala (ಭಾಗಮಂಡಲ) is a pilgrimage place in Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is situated on the river Kaveri in its upstream stretches. At this place, the Kaveri is joined by two tributaries, the Kannike and the mythical Sujyoti river. It is considered sacred as a river confluence (kudala or triveni sangama, in Kannada and Sanskrit respectively). Similarly the other related place is Udhaka mandala(British name: Ooty) which means land beside water body in Kannada and Sanskrit respectively.

It is a common practice for pilgrims to take a dip in the triveni sangama and perform rituals to their ancestors before proceeding to Talakaveri, the birthplace of Kaveri. During Tula Sankramana which falls on October 17 or 18th, pilgrims assemble here in large numbers.

Triveni sangama near Bhagmandala temple

A short distance from the triveni sangama, there is a famous temple known as Sri Bhagandeshwara temple, where Bhagandeshwara (Ishwara), Subramanya, Mahavishnu and Ganapati idols are installed. This place is also known as Bhagandeshwara Kshetra, from which the name Bhagamandala is derived. The temples in this area are built in Karavali(West Coast) style.

During 1785–1790, the area was occupied by Tipu Sultan. He renamed Bhagamandala to Afesalabad. In 1790 King Dodda Vira Rajendra took Bhagamandala back into an independent Kodagu kingdom.

Bhagamandala is located about 33 km from the district headquarters Madikeri and is connected by paved roads from Madikeri, Virajpet and nearby places in Karnataka and Kerala. Government and private buses are available on all of these routes.

Bylakuppe (ಬೈಲಕುಪ್ಪೆ)

The Tibetan Monastery or the Tibet Camp as locally called is located around 6 kms from Kushalnagar town towards Mysore. This Tibetan settlement at Bailkoppa or Baylkuppe is the the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. There are over 7,000 monks and students at the Tibetan monastery.buddha statue coorg

After the Chinese took over Tibet, the refugees were settled at Bylkuppe near Kushalnagar and the Buddhist Monastery was re-established here in 1972. It houses over 7,000 monks and students today. The monastery not only attracts large number of young Tibetans seeking enlightenment and education, but also draws huge tourists from all over India and abroad.

tibetan monksBylakuppe Tibetan settlement consists of a number of small camps close to each other, and has a lot of monasteries, nunneries. Most famous among them are the large educational institution Sera, the smaller Tashilunpo monastery and Namdroling monastery.

The 40 ft tall golden Buddha statues are the major attractions of Bailkoppa. The statues of Buddha, Padmasambhava, and Amitayus are the notable ones. The walls of the temples and the institutions are decorated with colorful paintings depicting gods and demons from Tibetan Buddhist mythology. The altar is decorated with flowers, candles and incense sticks.

Apart from the calm and peaceful surroundings there are shopping centers near the temples where one can shop for traditional Tibetan items like costumes, statues, carpets, jewelery etc.

DD Hills Phots on 27-07-2013