Bettadapura: A village with rich history
Bettadapura or "Land of Hills" is known for the famous Sidilu Mallikarjuna Swamy temple which was built by the Cholas more than 1000 years ago and has not been damaged much as the visitors have to climb a hillock to reach there through a flight of 4000 steps. Bettadapura is home to the Sankethi community which migrated from Shankottai in Tamil Nadu around 600 years ago. From Bettadapura they migrated to several other villages along the banks of Cauvery.
One significance of the temple is the fact that the temple is believed to be hit by lightning at least once a year around Deepavali time. Hence derives the name "Sidilu" meaning lightning in Kannada. Also a jaatre or procession is held once a year during Deepavali in which many people from the surrounding villages take part by carrying the idols of Lord Ganesha, Shiva and Parvati to the top of the hill and bring it back by evening.
We started climbing the hill at around 6am on a very early summer morning. The temple priest also climbed along with us. As it was early morning so we didn't feel the pain of ascent. It becomes difficult to climb as the day sets in. There are mantaps at regular intervals for a quick power break. At around half way mark we reached the ruins of the ancient Veerabhadra temple which has a Shiva Linga guarded by the Nandi bull. The temple is too dark from inside and is not at all maintained. This place is completely in a neglected state and is used by the climbers to relax for a while.
We continued climbing the steps and reached the top in around an hour and a half from the beginning. The temple premises looks wonderful and the view of the village from the top is breathtaking and its worth the effort spent in climbing around 4000 steps. The temple is built on a plateau and is a simple stone structure with a Gopuram. The inner sanctum of the temple has a Shiva Linga or Mallikarjuna which is believed to be struck by lightning every year. We explored every bit of the temple and had the puja done by the priest. The Nandi bull on top of a pillar which guards the temple and has been witness to people from different dynasties visiting this place. We had packed breakfast from home so we had it at a place near the temple. A lot of monkeys were pestering us near the temple so we had to go down a bit and have our breakfast.
A good 2 hours on the top of the hill makes us feel away from civilization and all the stress of the world below us.
References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bettadapura
How to reach: Bus: There is a direct bus which goes to Bettadapura from Bangalore. Alternately, board a bus to Mysore, from there, there are buses bound towards Hassan via Bettadapura.
Car/Bike: Head on SH17 towards Mysore, after Srirangapatna, turn towards Elvaala to join Mysore-Madikeri road. Continue on the road till Periyapatna. At Periyapatna, turn right towards Bettadapura on State highway 21.
Food/Accommodation: The nearest place to stay is Mysore or Hassan where we get. Please email me on arun45208@gmail.com for arrangements for stay near Bettadapura if you want to experience rural culture and beauty.
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Spell bound !! Absolute beauty ! I cant say which photograph is the best ..all of them are well captured.Still I select the Frog !!
ReplyDeleteDetailed Post !!
Loved your work !! Happy to have stumbled Upon on your blog !! Amzing work !!
Thanks a lot!
Deletethat's a Rock Agama :)
DeleteThis is absolutely a brilliant discovery. Never heard about the place. Awesome post Arun!
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/06/the-long-way-home.html
nice post Arun, any signs of 'animal sacrifices' around...?
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good post. Thanks for informing why it is known as 'Sidlu Mallikarjuna' Temple. Photos are as always fantastic. The pillar on the edge looks interesting.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures with good information...
ReplyDeleteGreat :)
ReplyDeleteReally it's fine .But negligency of all govt there is no improvement done here,it's really bad.
ReplyDeleteIf one needs peace and natural air, they need to visit this place. I atleast did not find any wild animals but not sure how safe it is for people to go in less number.
ReplyDeleteThank you Arun for the pictures and info.
My grandfather was a doctor in Bettadapura and my grandparents lived to serve people. My parents lived in Bangalore. But, I was a blessed kid to be born in this beautiful town. I lost my grandparents when I was 10. Ever since, I have gone there about three times (Its 20 yrs now).
ReplyDeleteEvery time I go through the immigration, I am bound to get this question - "Where is Bettadapura"? I smile at them and try to explain. I have so many childhood memories attached to this place, no matter how many breathtaking places I go to, it can't replace what this place is for me.
I live in San Francisco now and tonight, I really wanted to see if there is something I can find on the internet to mull over these memories and I stumble upon your blog post. I can't thank you enough for doing this. Every single picture out there is precious to me. Thank you so very much again for doing this. More power to you! :)
Thanks Sumana..
DeleteBeautiful place....!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletevery nice places
ReplyDeleteI had been to that place today,
ReplyDeleteSomething strange happened actually...
How can someone climb 3000+ steps and get down 3000+ steps in 2h?
We look 2h to climb and get down...!!
And I don't even have any foot pain even after climbing 3000+ steps
Arun, did u feel the same?
A beautiful heritage sight and place of worship. You can literally feel the presence of some force here. Sadly no maintainance. There are not many answers to how this magnificent place was built. I wish there somebody qualified would do a thorough research and give answers to the mysteries surrounding the temple, especially how the people then managed to complete such a marvelous structure.
ReplyDeleteA very decent blog. With good amount of information. Good to know the history and about the place.
ReplyDelete