Mattur-Hosahalli: Re-Living the Vedic Age

 

 

Overview: In the 21st century, we read about stories in books that people used to communicate in Sanskrit in ancient India. Want a taste of it? Head to a small quaint village of Mattur and its twin Hosahalli where it is said that people communicate in Sanskrit even today. Situated on the banks of the river Tunga, Mattur is a center of Vedic learning and has schools and institutions which are Sanskrit medium which shows that the language isn't dead today. Just off the Bangalore-Honnavar highway near Shimoga, this place has become very popular just because of the excellence in the field of Vedic teaching. This place is home to people belonging to a community called the 'Sankethis' who themselves have Vedic roots and are proficient in Sanskrit shlokas and Vedas and Upanishads.
As Mattur is in the vicinity of Shimoga town, one can stay at Shimoga for visiting Mattur. Also accommodation can be arranged at some community halls if required. A walk around the place gives an idea how life would have been in modern cities centuries ago. All the houses in Mattur have some message or proverb in Sanskrit near the entrance. From the Chennakeshava Sanskrit school we can take a brisk walk towards the Ganapati Gudda where we have a nice little temple. On the way we can see people engaged in various activities like working in paddy fields, making earthen pots, etc. We come across some coconut plantations and open fields where agriculture is carried out. And its great to spend some time there with no noise of motorists. Its a 1 hour walk till we reach back to the Chennakeshava Sanskrit school.
       

  

Hosahalli: This is situated on the other side of the tunga river and considered a twin village of Mattur. We can reach Hosahalli after crossing the Tunga river through a narrow pathway made out of concrete. The evenings look amazing from this pathway as the golden rays of sun fall on the clear waters. Hosahalli also has some great temples and it is here where one can enroll for Vedic teachings. On reaching Hosahalli we can see people engaged in Areca nut plantations. A visit to anyone's house is worth experiencing. The warm reception at any house can be expected and a hot cup of coffee soothes the senses. People usually communicate in Sanskrit or the local dialect 'Sankethi'. Although Kannada is also widely spoken.
     

  

A good 5 hours spent in Mattur-Hosahalli is worth penning down. Also it would be great if some TV channels show some documentary on this place..
How to reach: By own vehicle- Start from NH4 towards Nelamangala, Just before Tumkur town look out for a left turn towards Shimoga. Join NH 206 towards Shimoga. On entering Shimoga, look out for a board pointing left towards Mattur. Or ask for directions from the locals. 
By public transport: Plenty of direct buses ply from Bangalore to Shimoga. From Shimoga taxis and autos can be hired to travel to Mattur. Hoshalli can also be reached directly from NH 13 Shimoga Teerthahalli road. 
Food/Accomodation: Plenty of hotels and resorts available at Shimoga in all budgets.
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattur
Map: View Larger Map