Watch the full video here
Overview: Embarking on the concluding day of our enchanting Raichur sojourn, we bid adieu to our overnight abode in Lingasugur after a hearty breakfast. Our compass pointed towards Maski, a hallowed site resonating with the echoes of ancient history, where monumental Ashokan edicts stand as silent sentinels.
 |
| Amazing roads in Raichur District |
Nestled gracefully along the meandering banks of the Maski river, an intimate tributary of the Tungabhadra, Maski emerges as a township with an intriguing past. Rooted in the etymology of "Mahasangha" or "Masangi," the town's name whispers tales of a bygone era. The sands of time unveiled Maski's historical prominence when the intrepid explorer C. Beadon, in 1915, unearthed a momentous revelation—the remarkable Ashokan edict. Among Ashoka's inscriptions, this edict marked a pivotal juncture, bearing the imperial name "Ashoka" rather than the preceding references of "Devanampiye Piyadasi." This breakthrough delineated that numerous earlier engravings across the subcontinent, formerly attributed to Devanampiye Piyadasi, were indeed the legacy of Emperor Ashoka himself. Etched upon the rugged facade of Durgada-gudda, one of the rugged gneissic formations that punctuate the site, this edict eternally speaks.
 |
| Maski Ashokan Edicts |
Our voyage then unfurled towards Pothnal, where a women-driven haven of handicrafts awaited. Regrettably, circumstances withheld the artisans' presence during our visit, leaving us yearning for a glimpse of their creative spirit. Undaunted, we journeyed forth to Manvi, a tapestry of tales and temples.
 |
| Pothnal |
 |
| Pothnal |
 |
| Pothnal |
At Manvi, the graceful Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple took precedence—a sanctuary poised atop a gentle hillock. Dominating the vista was a colossal Nandi sculpture, its gaze fixated upon the consecrated Shivalinga. Nestled in proximity, the HaaluBhavi stepwell awaited, its waters rumored to taste like the elixir of tender coconuts. Many a villager ventured here, vessels in hand, to collect this divine nectar. Intrigue led us to whispers of ancient rock paintings, etched into the very landscape. Despite our tireless pursuit, these enigmatic artworks eluded our gaze.
 |
| Manvi |
 |
| Manvi |
 |
| Manvi |
 |
| Manvi |
 |
| Manvi |
 |
| Manvi |
 |
| Manvi |
 |
| Manvi |
The sun nearing its zenith, our appetites led us to Shanthi Sagar in Manvi for a sumptuous repast. Energized, we charted our course for Kollur, a destination that beckoned with the promise of devotion and tranquility.
Kallur unfurled its prized treasure—the resplendent Mahalakshmi Temple. A testament to timelessness, the temple welcomed us with a surprising lack of throngs, allowing us to absorb its sacred aura in solitude. A stone's throw away, a contemplative Hanuman statue graced the landscape, offering respite to weary travelers like ourselves.
 |
| Kallur |
 |
| Kallur |
 |
| Kallur |
 |
| Kallur |
 |
| Kallur |
 |
| Kallur |
 |
| Kallur |
With the day's journey winding down, the homeward path traced our steps to Raichur. As the sun began its descent beyond the horizon, we reminisced over a final dinner at my cousin's abode. Laden with cherished memories, we bid adieu to Raichur, our hearts brimming with the echoes of its history, and boarded our night-bound bus to Bangalore. This chapter closed with an abundance of experiences etched into our souls, a testament to the timelessness of Raichur's embrace.
Comments
Post a Comment