HERITAGE OF SHRAVANABELAGOLA > KARNATAKA: AN OVERVIEW
An introduction to Karnataka is being reviewed in nutshell to begin with before the heritage of Shravanabelagola is discussed. It is hoped that the tourists and pilgrims visiting Karnataka in general and Shravanabelagola in particular will benefit well in their efforts to see these places. Karnataka is an ancient, enchanting and abounding land of legion and surpassing scenic beauty, rich in flora and fauna. It is a unique and fascinating state. It is unique as it encompasses the varied life patterns and culture and fascinating as it provides joyous insight into the thoughts, moods and emotions of the tourists with pleasure and benefit. It is an embodiment of places of art and culture of which this holy land has every reason to be proud of. It has the pomp and pageantry of glorious traditions and marvels of modern engineering. It has become indispensable to visit this state and gain a quantum of health, satiety, tranquility and to dwell on the repertoire of Indian culture. It enjoys the finest sights of a picturesque nature, a salubrious climate almost throughout the year. It has a rich and cosmopolitan blend of different people with a different variety of linguistic, ethnic and religious background. History Karnataka bears a history of about 2000 years and occupies sixth place in its extent in India. It is said that the name Karnataka is derived from 'Karu-nadu' meaning black soil, or 'Kammitthu-nadu' meaning fragrance; it also means that it is a land situated at height. Huientsang the Chinese traveller who visited Karnataka has called the land 'Moholacha' (Maharashtra). 'Karu-nadu' means Maharashtra in Sanskrit. There are more than 30,000 inscriptions in Kannada distributed in and outside the state. It is interesting to note that many inscriptions also found in the neighbouring states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and also at distant places in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Majority of these bear a religious background and also plying down the foundation for the culture of the land and consists of stone inscriptions as well as copper plates. These furnish an exuberant information with regard to social, political and historical information of the period. The most ancient inscriptions of Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor are found in Maski (Raichur District), Gavi Mutt (Koppal) and Brahmagiri, Siddapur and Jatinga Rameshwara (Chitradurga District), Nittur, Udagolam in Bellary District and also in Sannathi (Gulbarga district). The Mayura Verma inscription found in Chandravalli in Chitradurga district; Pulikeshi II's inscription of Aihole; Halmidi inscription of Belur taluk (Hassan district); The Kadamba king Shanthiverma's Talagunda inscription of Shikaripur taluk (Shimoga district); Ravi Verma's inscription (Uttar Kannada district), Kappe Arabhatta's inscription of Badami and Laskhmidhara amatya's inscription of Vijayanagara constitute the most resourceful historical commodity for a comprehensive understanding of the heritage of the land. Furthermore it is noteworthy to record that more than 800 inscriptions are found in Shravanabelagola alone. These are of great help for understanding of the antiquity of Brahminic, Jain and Buddhist establishments. Many hero stones designated as garudass, Lenkas, Velevalis, Shulabradras, Julavadis, Mahasathi and Nishadi stones are found scattered all over Karnataka. Karnataka was ruled by many powerful dynasties these include Mauryas, Shathavahanas of Pythana, Kadambas of Banavasi, Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta, Kalyana Chalukyas, Talakadu Gangas, Kalachuryas of Mangalavada, Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra, Vijayanagara kings, Adilshahis of Bijapur, Mughal kings, Mysore Wodeyars and the British. Further more Yadavas of Devagiri, Goa Kadambas, Nolambas, Keladi and Ikkeri kings, Shilharas of Tagara, Kolhapur and Akkalakote, Shenavanas of Kudalore, Sathas and Salavas of Hombuja and also Chengalvas, Kongalvas, Latas, Sindhas of Yelburgi, Malavas, Bhojas, Banas of Parige, Chutus, Alupas of Udyavara, Guttas of Guttal, Nalas of Bellary and Kurnool area, Punnatas of Keerthipura, Pandyas of Uchhangi, Rattas of Saudatthi, Cholas of Nidigal and Veng, Sangama - Saluva - Tulu and Aravidu dynasties of Vijayanagara kingdom, Nayakas of Haleri, Bedas of Halagali, Nawabs Palegars, Desais and Inamdars and also small provincial inheritants of Biligi and Haduvalli have ruled different parts of Karnataka. Kannadigas have inherited a great culture in their day to day life. They have always aspired for happiness & tranquility, tolerance, affluence, cooperation and coexistence. Their veritable contribution to art, literature, culture and religion have enriched the values of life. They have offered shelter and extended generosity to many scholars who hailed from neighbouring areas of Karnataka and to mention a few Sri Ramanujacharya from Tamil Nadu, Srinatha, Jakkanna and Janmamanthri from Andhra Pradesh. Art and architecture flourished well in Karnataka. Many temples, palaces, forts and fortresses have attracted the tourists in a magnetic scale. The temple mainly belonged to the Northern and Southern styles and also an amalgamation of the two called vesara. Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami Chalukyan temples were the abode of many experiments carried out on mega stones. Many cave temples and monuments were carved out of these big rocks. A unique technical expertise, a water supply system was observed meeting the needs of the people. Cave temples can also be made out situated outside Karnataka as seen in Ellora and Elephanta caves. Hoysala and Chalukyan temples are known for their filigree work depicting the episodes of Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The Shilabalikas, the dancers decorating walls are outstanding sculptors unique to Hoysala and Chalukyan styles. The palaces and administrative buildings which were evolved during the Christian and Muslim rule are known for their architectural beauty and gaiety. The different religions lived in great harmony and understanding. The great giants of various religions have propagated humanity through their compositions, the vachana and dasa literary forms are identified as the contributions of high order enriching the glory of the land. The great luminaries such as Sarvagna, Simhanandi, Pujyapada, Kundakunda, Samantha badhra, Elacharya, Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Kanakadasa, Purandaradasa, Jagannathadasa, Mahipatidasa and Shishunala Sherif and others are also virtuous personalities who have made a great dent in Kannada literature and Bakthi movement. Sringeri Sharadamba, Hombuja Padmavathi, Sirsi Marikamba, Badami Banashankari, Saudatthi Yellamma, Mysore Chamundeshwari and many other deities are worshipped as goddesses of power. The women folk have rendered surmountable contribution to Kannada art, literature, religion, culture and political administration. Mylaladevi of Kundur (Narendra), the daughter of king Vikramaditya; Nijagallina Rani; the Kalyani Chalukya arasi Vijaya Bhattarike; Chalukya Kuvari Akkadevi of Kusugadu; Rani Abbakkadevi; Hariyaladevi; Kitturrani Chennamma; Belavadi Mallamma; Keladi Chennamma; Chitradurga's Onake Obavva; Natyarani Shanthala; poetess Kanti; Danachintamani Attimabbe; Helavanakatte Giriyamma; Sanchi Honnamma; Kumara Mallamma; Gamaki Tirumalamba; Kodagina Gowaramma and Jayadevathayi Ligade and many others have enriched Karnataka's heritage. Kannadigas have always stood strongly to fight against the invasive attitude of the enemies and proved their valour in the war field. To mention a few among them, the loyal Echhama Nayaka (Lakshmana Nayaka), Naragunda Babasaheb, Mundaragi Bheemaraya, Bidanoor's Shivappa Nayaka, Dhondogi Wagh, Surapura's Venkatappa Nayaka, Sangolli Rayanna, Yelahanka's Kempegowda, Chickaveerarajendra of Coorg, Nayakas and Palegars of Chitradurga and Jagadevaraya of Channapattana are the warriors who showed bravery. Tourist Attractions Karnataka's manifold attractions include everything that interests the tourists. A visit to any place of architectural excellence will convince you of the beauty of the spirit about which we speak quite often. Karnataka is a land of tourist paradise of handsome martial people of warmth and hospitality. it forms part of the deccan plateau bearing the most ancient structures and monuments. It has been the abode of man from the pre-historic times and has depicted the evolution of mankind from savagery to civilisation. It is known for its antiquity, Paleolithic and Neolithic sites. Its river banks and open camp sites reveal the lithic implements found on the banks of rivers and in open camp sites. It bears a remarkable history from the stone age to the iron age. Furthermore the edicts of Ashoka found at Maski, Brahmagiri and Kollal indicate the Mauryan rule in the area. This was followed by Shathavahanas, Kadambas, Gangas, Hoysalas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Vijayanagara kings & Kalachuris. The art and architecture flourished immensely during the period of Hoysalas and Chalukyas, the Bijapur Sultans and Mysore Wodeyars embellished the land by their saviour administration. Satakarni is the epithet of Shatavahanas. There is found a Roman influence over Indian architecture and sculpture. In support of this, many relics and coins are unearthed in Karnataka. A visit to Karnataka state is always memorable and indelible. There are many places of historic and religious importance. The temples merely form the medium through which the God is worshipped. Particular architectural beauties like Belur, Halebid, Shravanabelagola, Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami provide the theme and deeply religious and mundane insistence is emphasised most vigorously. The temples at Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal and Chandragiri in Shravanabelagola have great significance for all lovers of art. The temples of Halebid, Belur and Somanathapura are great architectural achievements. The profuse artistic skill is bewildering in its range and exquisiteness. Bangalore, its capital, has a quaint charm that sometimes eludes description. The climate is vivacious through out the year. The costal towns, Karwar and Mangalore give a unique impression. Kur-magad, a nearby island and Sadashiva-gad fort are worth visiting. Mangalore (South Canara) is interesting for several reasons as it is situated in the coastal region promoting trade. South Canara studded with beautiful seaside resorts like Malpe & Maravante. Moodabidri is a complex of Jain temples. Dharmasthala is a place of religious harmony and Lord Manjunatha by all sects of people. A great sanctity is attached to this place. Udupi is an important pilgrim centre and is an abode of Lord Krishna. Sri Madvacharya the great exponent of Advaitha system of philosophy installed the image of Lord Krishna in the 13th century. There are eight Mutts in Udupi. Karwar (North Canara) district has got many pilgrimage centre and nature has blessed the place with beaches and falls. Gokarna is known for its Mahabaleshwara temple where the pilgrims throng in large Number. Dandeli has got thick forests and a wild life sanctury. The Magod falls, Unchalli or Lushington falls and Lalguli falls are the good picnic spots and provide a feast to eyes of the visitors. Yana is a hill resort near Sirsi. Banavasi, is situated on the banks of river Varadha. Sri Madhukeshwara temple is endowed with great history of Karnataka and was worshipped by Kadambas, the first rulers of the state. Belgaum has the prestigious place i.e. Kittur known by the name of Rani Chennamma who spearheaded the Freedom struggle of the country and was the first women to raise the voice of revolt against the British rule in India. She revolted against the British rule in 1827, 30 years before the first war of Indian Independence in 1857. Ruined Chennamma fort and palace and the museum are worth seeing. Mysore wears a festive look during Dasara celebrations. It is really the occasion to visit the city of palaces. It is an abode of untold grandeur and glory where the rich heritage of the Wodeyars is carefully preserved in the magnificent palaces, beautifully laid out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. It boasts of a number of public palaces, among which are the Jaganmohan palace and the art gallery, Jayalakshmi Vilas, the Lokaranjan palace, summer palace and exquisite gardens. Perhaps the most interesting spot is the Chamundi Hill, the back drop of Mysore city. The Brindavan garden reputes the most colourful spot of ecstasy. Somanathpur temple is a hallmark of Hoysala creation, then there are places like Srirangapatna, the island fortress of Tippusultan, Melkote, Talkad, Shivanasamudra, Nagarhole, Bandipur, Biligirirangana Betta and Mahadeshwara hills. Bijapur is an abode of red, rocky hills, long streches of treless fields and rolling plains. It is the queen of Deccan. It is a city of tombs, palaces, Mosques, towers, gateways and legends. It is a city where the past merges with the present. On entering from any direction it greets with graceful minarets, stately monuments and miles of ruins steeped in history. It was the capital of the Adil Shahis. The area in and around it capsulizes a thousand years of Indian history. Kudalasangama, the place where Basaveshwara, the great Veerashaiva philosopher and saint live here for some time and is a confluence of Keishna and Malaprabha rivers. Gulbarga was a part of Bahamani kingdom. The temple of Sharana Basaveshwara , a large mosque are the places of worship by the devotees. The fort of Gulbarga is equally worth seeing. Bidar, the capital of Bahamani Kingdom for some time possesses great monuments such as old and new forts and palaces such as Ranjin Mahal, Chini Mahal and Turkish Mahal. Madarasa Mohammed Gawan the Bahamani and Baridi tombs and the cave temples of Narasimha are the places of interest. Basavakalyana is the historically famous place where Lord Basaveshwara lived. Raichur district was part of the kingdom of Kakatiyas in the 3rd century. It was also a part of Bahamani kingdom. Its interesting monuments are fort, tomb, Jumma Masjid and Ekminar Masjid built by Mohammed Shah Bahamani. Krishnadevaraya of Vijaya Nagar conquered the Bahamani kingdom. Bellary, is known for its hill fortress and Durgadevi temple. Tunga Badhra dam at Hospet attracts tourists and commands a panoramic view and attracts tourists. Hampi is a showpiece of imperial magnificence of the Vijayanagara empire. The remains of the great kingdom testify to the spectacular display of regal power and literary works. It fostered the development of literature, sculpture and architectures. The Government of Karnataka has initiated an ambitious project to restore the ruins, to excavate the buried structures, to protect the monuments scattered over the site and to establish facilities for future research. It is noteworthy to mention that Hampi, Aihole and Pattadakal are included in the category of the World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. Dharwar district is a place of poets and where Kannada has found its solace. It has a literary heritage and is considered as the Oxford of Karnataka. Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha, a century old organisation promoting Kannada literature is known for its rich contribution to the development of Kannada. It has originated many organisations fighting for the cause of Kannada and Karnataka. Karnataka university has many debuts to its credit. In 1956, the unification of Karnataka reunited the state. The erstwhile Mysore state was named Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka has a hoary past with rich cultural heritage. The religious harmony prevailed in the state. The loveliest districts of Karnataka such as Chickkamagalur and Shimoga constitute the picturesque Malnad area with its scenic beauty of hills called Sahyadri. Bababudangiri hill & Sringeri, Jogfalls, Agumbe attract tourists in large number. Sringeri is the seat of Goddess Sharadamba, the Jog falls is considered as the highest water falls in Asia and Agumbe is the place where the sun setting beauty enthrall the tourists. Bababudan the sufi saint from mecca in 17th was the first to plant coffee on the slopes of the hill. The hill constitutes a pilgrimage centre both for Muslims & Hindus and it is worshipped as Dattatreya Peetha. Sri Shankaracharya the great exponent of the Advaitha philosophy sanctified Sringeri by establishing Sri Sringeri Mutt. Jog falls has four distinct cascades called the Raja, the Roarer, the Rocket and the Rani, which present a scenic transcendence, grandeur and sublimity. Some parts of Shimoga district, Chickmagalur and Coorg districts are the rich source of coffee plantations in the country. Chickamagalur possess a formidable offering of many a trekking route amidst picturesque, sylvan surroundings. Kodagu (Coorg) at times is a close reflection of scenic Europe, complete with green topped hills, downs and lush valleys. Mercara is the district head quarter of Coorg and the people of the state are known as Kodavas. The places of interest are Raja seat, Sri Omkareshwara temple and the fort. Talacauvery is the birth place of the sacred river Cauvery. The story of Padavas sourrounds the place. The kodavas observe the Tula Sankramana as the most auspicious day. Nagarahole is the famous game and wildlife sanctuary. The Kodavas have played a vital role in the India's Freedom Struggle and possess the unique character of warriorship and patriotism. A large number of Kodavas is found in Indian military hailing the glory of Karnataka. Jain Centres in Karnataka Jainism got originated by seedling the seeds in Karnataka even before the Christian era. It became the place of abode for the thousands of Jainamunis hailing from North India. Badrabahu muni along with Chandragupta Maurya moved towards South India when there was a severe famine in north part of Bihar province. Then they stayed in Karnataka Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Finally they landed in Chandragiri hill of Shravanabelagola and undertook Sallekhana. Jain munis preferred the serene atmosphere and the nature studded with hills and hillocks and caves at such places the centres of Jainism. Punnadu (Keerthipura) i.e. Heggadadevanakote, Koppal near Raichur, Maleyur near Chamarajanagar, Hanasoge near K.R.Nagar, Bankapura, Balligave, Banavasi, Karkala, Sangeethapura and Badami. Karnataka is a seat of Digambara sect of Jainism since time immemorable. Jains divided in to two sects such as Swethambara and Digambaras after Mahavira, the 24th prophet. The kings & kingdoms, the ministers and Samanthas provided immense help and encouragement for the growth of Jainism in Karnataka from 4th to 14th century A.D. They were highly philanthropic & liberal in donating and encouraging the Jain temples, religious heads and Jain organisations. As a result Manyaketha, Sedam, Bankapura, Puligere (Lakshmeshwara), Venupura (Belgaum), Karkala, Sangeethapura, Angadi, Huncha, Bhatkal, Biligi, Ingalagi, Lakkundi, Teradal, Sthavanadi, Kothali, Hanasoge and Saligrams and many more Jain centres could be identified. The temples built in these areas were highly picturesque and Colourful. These temples took an active part not only in the propagation of Jainism but also in establishing educational and cultural centres. Shravanabelagola's Vidyapeetha, Kumbhoja Hill's Bahubali Brahmacharya Ashram (Kolhapur), Parshwanatha Gurukula in Sthavanadhi near Nippani, Bharatesha Vidyalaya in Bagevadi, Sri Jinasena Gurukula in Teradala and in other centres mentioned became the places of interest to pilgrims and the learners. Shravanabelagola in Hassan district is known for its world famous monolithic statue of Lord Gommateshwara, the harbinger of peace. The Indragiri and Chandragiri hills are the seat of many Jain temples and inscriptions. There are about 32 Jinalayas in Shravanabelagola and to mention a few Siddhara basadi, Chennanna basadi, Odegallu basadi, Bramadeva Jinalaya, idol of Gulakayajji, akhanda bagilu are found a top the Vindyagiri where as the Jinalyas oof Parshwanatha, Suparshwanatha, Shanthinatha, Chandragupta, Chandraprabha, Chavundaraya, Majiganna, Savathigandhavarana, Shanthishwara and also Kattale basadi, Katte basadi and Terina basadi are found a top the Chandragiri hill. Besides these the statue of Bharatesha, the Jinalaya of Brahmadeva and Mahanavami mantap are also seen. The town of Shravanabelagola houses the famous Bhandra basadi, Manasthambha, Akkana basadi, Siddantha basadi, Nagara Jinalaya, Kalyani & Jain muth. Halebidu (Dwarasamudra) was the capital of Hoysalas and the records mention that there were about 700 Jinalayas once but were sacked by Mallikafur the ambaassador of Allauddin Khilji. There are three Jain temples in Halebid, Adinatha, Parshwanatha and Shanthinatha. There is a Sahasrakuta Jinalaya at Arasikere. Jain temples are also found in Hassan, Shanthigrama, Markuli, Hongere, Adaguru and Kadadarahalli. Mysore & Chamarajanagar district have played a pivot role for the prosperity of Jainism. Gommatagiri, situated near Mysore has drawn the attention of the people dew to the statue of Lord Bahubali of about 16 feet height found on the top of the hill. Chickkahanasoge was once a guru peetha. Earlier there were about 64 Jain temples and was also the capital of the Chengalvas. Now there are only two Jain temples remaining. Chengalva king constructed Adinatha temple in 1060 A.D. The Trikuta basadi pocessess Sri Adinatha, Sri Shanthinatha and Sri Neminatha idols. Saligrama has five Jain temples and hence called pancha basadis. Shanthinatha temples of Saragur and Harave; Kelsur and the Jain temples of Begur, Mangala, Ummathur, Kuder, Tandavapura, Vomma, Kallahalli, Yamagumba, Talakad, Chamarajanagar, Bhuvanahalli, Makod, Bettadapura & Malali are also the Jain centres. Kanakagiri the only Siddakshetra in South India is unique in its history that the Vijaya Parshwanatha temple on the top of the hill and the oldest Bhattarakha peetha of 12th century are of greater importance. Chickamagalur district has got in its fold Simhanagadde Mutt with Jwalamalinidevi as the diety of the place and Chandranatha and Shantinatha basadis draw the attention. Kalasa was once the capital of Byravarasas and there are two Jain temples here. Horanadu situated near Kalasa is of equal importance. The Shanthinatha temple and the pillar of Brahmadeva of Megunda and also Sringeri were the centres of Jaina activities. Shimoga district has propagated Jainism in leaps and bounds. Huncha was the capital of Shantharasas and goes after the story of Jinadattaraya. The place is known for Yakshi Padmavathidevi and the Bhattarakha peetha. Anathanathaswamy temple of Melige and Shanthinatha and Battara basadis of Balligavi have drawn the attention and are known for religious harmony. Kundadri hillock near Shimoga is the place of great religious importance as Acharya Kundakunda observed severe penance here. Kambadahalli has picturesqe Panchakoota basadi and Shanthinatha temple are very attractive. The temple has wide doors enriched with paintings. The 50 feet Brahmadeva pillar standing in from of Trikuta basadi is unique in its architecture. Srirangapatnam has Sri Adinatha temple and Godess Padmavathi is worshipped with great reverance. Jainism flourished well in the costal districts. Moodabidri is also called Jaina Kashi and is known for its Tribhuvana Tilalaka Chudamani temple which is also called 1000 pillars temple. Totally there are 18 temples ans to mention a few, Shettara basadi, Guru basadi, Badaga basadi, Hire basadi, Matada Basadi and others. Karkala has a statue of Gommata of 42 feet high with many other Jain temples and Gurukula. Kerevase, Venur, Varanga and Dharmasthala are a few other places of Jain heritage. Bhatkal, Haduvalli, Gerusoppe and Biligi found in North Canara district have temples built by the patronage of Kings and other rulers. Chinnadevi the queen of Soma dynasty and Chennabyradevi constructed temples and encouraged Jaina literature. Haduvalli is also called Sangeethapura the temple here is called Banda basadi or Ratnatraya basadi. Belgaum is a district from where a large number of Jaina munis hailed. It bears the testimony of Jainism even at the period of 225 B.C. The temples of Parshwanatha, Chandraprabha, Neminatha, Shanthinatha and Padmavathidevi and Jwalamalini are seen here. The lotus temple is in Chalukyan style and there are 72 Jaina idols carved in the temple stones. Halasi has an ancient temple and was a subcapital of Banavasi Kadambas. Sthavanidhi is situated near Nippani. It has Parshwanatha, Rishabanatha and Shanthinatha temples. It has promoted religious and acedemic activities. Kothali, Shedabal, Saudatti and Nippani are the places of Jaina interest. Aihole in Bijapur district, Kamthana, Bhalki, Humnabad and Bidar temples, Manyakheta of Gulbarga district are worth mentioning due to their historicity. Bellary, Hampi, Harapanahalli, Kudligi situated in Bellary is a treasure of many inscriptions. Koppala was the place where Jainism, Buddhism and Veerashaivisim flourised well. Raichur district has sheltered Jainism even in the earlier years. Dharwad, Gadag and Haveri district have got in their fold Lakkundi the place of Attimabbe & Bankapur. Many Jain acharyas lived in these places. Tumkur district has patronaged Jainism in the puranic period. Shanthinatha temple of Nittur, Mallinatha temple of Madugiri of Tumkur district are famous from the historical times. The Hoysalas patronised the places with great sculpture and architecture. Bangalore city has a great number of Swethambara Jain temples. Magadi has more number of Jain temples and Sankegatta is the nucleus of religious activities. Kolar district was once the prominent Jain abode and the basadi of Gudibande attracts attention. Karnataka is known for the heritage of Jainism from the Mauryan period to till this day. They spread religion through art, literature, sculpture and architecture as vehicles of propagation and imbided Adhyatmic spirit among the people.
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