staryeyestravel

इक नयी मंज़िल की खोज में ।
चल पड़ा तंग गलियों से ॥
पर मिला जो प्यारा सा मंज़िल ।
किसी गांवों की सुनी राहों  में ॥

(In the search of a new place, I started off into the busy lanes. But ended my destination in a quite lanes of a village)

On the way to Chikkamagaluru, we landed up in a place called “Belavadi”. In true sense one could say that our Indian beauty is hidden in a lot of corners and quiet lanes. This particular temple built during the Hoyasala empire.This place has its relevance also from the mythological point of view. It seems that during the times of Mahabharata when the Pandavas were in angyatavasa they had stayed here in hiding. Bhema, one of the brothers had slayed the deamon “Bakasura”. Well, that mythology and the Hoysala history pulled us to move towards Belavadi.

We had reached Belavadi after the hustle and bustle of Halebeedu. It must have been 3 pm by the time we reached tired with the sun literally breathing down. The 12 kms between tired and Belavadi seemed to be an eternity due the  construction. The stretch of off-roading did remind me that I do have calf muscles and a very flexible spine. This quiet secluded place is a wonder in  its own. As we entered the village, a calm but friendly feeling welcomes us. It made me completely forgot the troubled road that I just made through. I parked my car on the narrow lanes as there was no parking space as such. (Forgot that I was in a village).

Typical to the Hoysala structure, a flat non decorated “Gopura” welcomed us. Right infront the lamp post seem to be dividing the temple into two equal parts. As I stepped into the temple area, the was stuck with the beautiful sculptures of the typical Hoysala architecture. The stones seems to be having a life of their own. The chillness inside the temple just sucked the heat out of my body and I was feeling the tingling sensation of being at a power zone. The
calmness seem to have added to the overall feeling. I actually did go off to a beautiful nap full stretched feeling protected by the lords of the  Belavadi Temple.

इक नये ऐहसास की खोज मैं ।
निकल पड़ा अंजानी राहों पे ॥
मिल बैठा कई अजनबी रिश्तों से ।
हर मोड़ पे इक नयी कहानी  के  संग ॥

(In the desire to experience something new, i ventured into the unknown roads. Just to meet up with unknown relations at every turn and to learn a new story) 

India is a beautiful and mysterious place. With each passing time, there have been kingdoms and dynasties that have left behind a treasure trove of art and fascination. One such era was that of the Hoyasala kingdom spread in the western ghats…

 Currently spread in the most picturesque location of western ghats, where nature engulfs the past in a very mystique manner. We had halted at Hassan tiered of driving and not much of strength left. But did hope if we could see some historical monuments but were disappointed. But, I must say that the food was really nice. It was far different from that of what I had tasted so far. Do try out Bonda soups and the dosas out there. They are so so different and yummy.

My first visit was to a very less known place Doddagaddavalli (some 15 kms away from Hassan). Well must say that sometimes, when your GPS does not work, you could end up into some fascinating rural Indian place. That is exactly what happened, we took an early left turn and landed up in this beautiful village. I rolled down the car windows and could breath the fresh early sprinkled with water by the women in the house. Asked some of the local village girls where the temple was and they coyly responded stating where we could find find.

When we really ended up,  after going through the inner village roads was this beautiful small temple well preserved by ASI. It took us to another era altogether. Thanks to ASI, the place has been kept clean and neat. As we enter the temple, we are greeted by this beautiful carved stone pillars, mounted just by clay, lime and egg shells. Wow, this simply marvels one that even after so many years, they are just intact. Lucky, we managed to get a farmer boy (Shibu) who helped us in explaining the place and the architecture in his broken hindi. He opened the sanctum doors and as the light filled into the dark spaces, I held my breath to see a disfigured grotesque looking figure. That when he says, that is the “Betal”. I do not think anywhere in India would you find a 6 ft tall “Betal” and not just one, there were two guarding the lord “Kali”. Along with the Betals you have “Vish Kanya” and “Naga Kanya” who guard the deity.

Now there are many such stories that have been depicted across the temple. They are fascinating. the place from where the offering water comes out is carved in the form of Yali, depicting that this was built during the Hoysala dynasty.

It is a Mystic and you will be mesmerised..

Oh! you tiny beautiful dots far above the sky. You keep shining away every day, every night. Blinded to my eyes in the day, you keep shining right there! You the constant up in the sky have witnessed what came to live, built, grown and perished!!

As I travel to unravel the places of my interest, my humble request, “Can you lead me to the wonderful insights you witnessed from the past?”

I hear from others their story, can you help me with your story of these lovely places… Am sure, you would leave me spell bounded and always asking for me… I want to douse myself in the richness of the kings, the pain of loss & revenge, the enthusiasm of the newer discoveries, wins and victories, the far cries of longing and the varied emotions of this mortal life..

Come, lead me into those bitter sweet past that you have witness in these so many years. I am not only all ears but eyes wide open to hear and feel it.. to treasure it till I leave to become one with you..