Government of Karnataka

Department of Tourism

Blazing trail of Golden Era… Tourist Guide of Hassan District.

Hassan District Tourist Map

Distance from Hassan

Belur 39 Km

Halebeedu 30 Km

Shravanabelagola 52 Km

Nuggehalli 52 Km

Koravangala 10 Km

Kondajji 18 Km

Haranahalli 35 Km

Arasikere 45 Km

Malekal Tirupathi 47 Km

Arakere 57 Km

Shanthigrama 15 Km

Doddagaddhavalli 20 Km

Sakaleshpur 40 Km

Manjarabad Fort 46 Km

Bisile Ghat 110 Km

Mosale 12 Km

Sri Ramadevarakatte 25 Km

Gorur 23 Km

Arakalagud 30 Km

Ramanathapura 50 Km

Channarayapatna 38 Km

Anekere 43 Km

Gendekatte 05 Km

Javagal 42 Km

Kenchammana

Hosakote 45 Km

Holenarasipura 30 Km

Alur 16 Km

Belasinda Forest 35 Km

Kadumane Estate 70 Km

Garudanagiri 75 Km

Yadakumari 78 Km

Bangalore 190 Km

Bidar 706 Km

Bellary 302 Km

Belgaum 467 Km

Bijapur 545 Km

Chitradurga 180 Km

Chikkamagalore 62 Km

Dharwad 386 Km

Gulbarga 620 Km

Kolar 255 Km

Karwar 380 Km

Mangalore 170 Km

Mysore 126 Km

Mandya 120 Km

Madikeri 120 Km

Raichur 435 Km

Shimoga 160 Km

Tumkur 140 Km

Dharmasthala 115 Km

Jog Falls 260 Km

Sringeri 160 Km

Horanadu 128 Km

Kalasa 120 Km

Kuduremukh 140 Km

Kukkesubrahmanya 120 Km

Melukote 90 Km

Nanjangud 144 Km

Chamarajanagar 175 Km

Hospet 260 Km

Hampi 270 Km

Udupi 230 Km

Talacauvery 150 Km

Kollu 300 Km

Murudeshwara 340 Km

K.R Sagar 84 Km

Srirangapatna 103 Km

Somanathapur 145 Km

Talakadu 170 Km

Shimsha 185 Km

Kemmannugundi 102 Km

Dattatreya Peeta 86 Km

Belavadi 45 Km

Yadiyur 90 Km

Hosaholalu 82 Km

Basaralu 110 Km

HASSAN Blazing Trail of A Bygone Era

“People who don’t have dreams, don’t have much……”

They had dreams and they knew how to realize them. And they found Hassan. The temple trail of magnificent Hoysala architecture, the district resplendent with wide stretches of woods, coffee plantations, paddy fields and a scenic skyline is ostensibly the major highlight of any tourist map of South India. It had reached its height of glory during the rule of Hoysalas. Hassan is the mass of earth which is a geographical confluence of Western Ghats, Semi Ghats and Deccan Plateau. A veritable treasure house of Hoysala architecture every nook and corner of Hassan District tells us a tale of the super craftsmanship and the high values of life embedded in stone by the people of that bye gone era. The District is also noted for its enchanting natural scenery of Malnad.

Hassan beckons tourists of every hue, be he and historian, student of archaeology religion or interested in cultural traditions or a student of modern development. It is the place where every

interest is kindled and all sorts of an academic thirst quenched. All the eight taluks of Belur, Arasikere, Holenarasipur and Channarayapatna have lot to offer to the traveler.

Geographical Location: Situated between 12-31 and 13-33 north latitude and 75-38 east longitude, Hassan District is in the southwestern part of the state. The greatest length of the district, from north to south is about 129 kms its greatest breadth from east to west, is about 116 kms, it is bounded on the north by Chikkamagalur District., on the east by Tumkur and Mandya Districts, on the south by Mysore and Kodagu Districts and on the west by Dakshina- Kannada District. Political History:

In the early period of the known history of this region of the state, parts of this district were included in the kingdoms of the Kadambas and the Western Gangas. But the district is more particularly indentified with the rise of the Hoysala power. The Hoysala kingdom, which had been extended vastly, was very prosperous. Vijayanagar kings and then the Mysore Rajas held having over the district until independence. Having been divided in two broad natural divisions, each with a district character of its own, the Malnad on the west and the maid an on the east having a long strip of land in between the two exhibiting in some measure characteristics of both the district enjoys a moderate and pleas at climate and benefits of both monsoons. There are places like Bisile Ghat and Kempuhole Ghat with magnificent and charming scenery, the dry lands of districts, the thick evergreen forests of Manjarabad and the serene atmosphere around Shukravarasanthe provide a diversified picture of the district.

The people of the district who were fond of dreaming are also fond of their jatras and fares, which are held in many parts of the district. These jatras and fares are usually annual features organized in honor of a deity of a local temple or saint and in many cases the taking our of the idol in a ratha with procession forms an important part. A large number of jatras take place in this district.

Hassan nestled prople of great craftsmanship which in a way gave birth to the adage, “the first, the best and the most perfect of instruments is the human hand”. When we see the exquisitely carved temples of Belur and Halebeedu we cannot but be wonder struck by the highly skilled craftsmanship displayed here.

The huge monolithic statue of Gommateshwara at

Shravanabelagola is a standing example of the skilled workmanship of the old days. In praise of the place where the statue is standing, it has been said that, “In the whole beautiful state of Karnataka, it would be hard to find a spot, here the historic and picturesque clasp hands so firmly as here”. The noted historian Mr. Fergusson considers the decorative sculpture of the Halebeedu and Belur temples, as “the most marvelous exhibits of human labour to be found even in the patient east”. The district which cradled the Hoysalan style of architecture was also a land of reverence for Jainism, another faith that flourished in this part of the state, and which also contributed to the cause of architecture, life-style, literature and politics of the district. Jainism reigned supreme in this part and was instrumental in contributing its mite to the development of literature as well

as temple building culture. Many jain bastis have been dotted the earth line of Hassan. The earliest records of Kannada language and the legacy of Kannada empires can be found in the many sculptures found in and around Shravanabelagola. It is very aptly described as the historical archive of Karnataka. Halmidi:

Though a pinhead on the district map of Hassan, the part played by Halmidi in the history of Karnataka and Kannada language is unimaginable. In here we found the first written record of the Kannada language. Known as the Halmidi inscription of HALMIDI SHASANA in Kannada, this inscription dating back to 1500 years provides us with the historical document that reveals the historical ancestry of Kannada language. It is the first available document of Kannada language. Inscribed during the period of Kadambad the first Kannada Dynasty. The language used in this inscription is Kannada and there is no other inscription found in this language written earlier to Halmidi inscription. Hence the place has carved a permanent niche in the annals of Kannada History.

Of course the inscription is safely procured and exhibited on the

Government museum in Bangalore. The residents of Halmidi, to commemorate the historical prominence of the place, have erected a mantapa in the village and the enthusiastic Kannada lover makes it a point to visit this place on his itinerary of the Hassan District. Halmidi is small village in the

Halmidi Inscription northern tip of Belur taluk. Jainism has long been one of the religions followed in Karnataka since ancient days. Its influence probably dates from a period of anterior to the introduction of Buddism. The first structures raised for religious purposes by the Jains were in the wood and it was only in later days that the uses of stone become more general. The monuments constructed by the Jains are Jinalayas or Basadis, which are temples dedicated to one or other jain saints called Thirthankaras and stambhas or pillars and memorial slabs or veeragals. Jainism, Vaishnavism and Shaivism flourished side by side in the reign of Vishnuvardhana though he converted himself in to Vaishavism, he was not hostile to others creed and contributed to patronize the institutions of other sects. Communal harmony was the thing that virtually ruled the state of affairs in those days and Hassan, the seat of power of Hoysala dynasty was known

for its tolerance, love for peace and in the meantime for its velour. Contribution of the Hoysalas to the evolution of the district style of their architecture is very aptly appreciated by Fergusson who says “The great value of the study of these Indian examples is that it widens so immensely our basis for architectural criticism. It is only by becoming familiar with forms utterly dissimilar from those we have hitherto been conversant with, that we perceive how narrow is the purview that is content with one form or one passing fashion. By rising to this wider range, we shall perceive that architecture is as many sided as human nature itself and learn how few feeling and how few aspirations of the human heart and brain there are that cannot be expressed by its means…..” It we delve upon studying the human nature through the possible part of architecture we come across many gems. The search for these gems can be done following these circuits mentioned herein. Happy Hunting! Anekere: On the way to Channarayapatna, if one deviate to the south-west about 5 kms from the highway is Anekere. Channakeshava temple here stands majestically bearing testimony to the skills of architects of Hoysala era. The name

Anekere was derived from two big tanks at Anekere which are gigantic in size. The temple resembles another temple at Hullekere of Arasikere taluk and is almost a

Channakeshava Temple, Anekere.

replica of that temple. The temple of Anekere was built in 1119AD. Shravanabelagola: 13 kms south-east of taluk headquarters Channarayapatna, Shravanabelagola is a well known place of pilgrimage for the Jains. Lying between two rocky hills namely Indragiri and Chandragiri. Sharavanabelagola is also termed as Dakshina Kashi. The gigantic statue of Gommateswara a top the hill Indragiri is carved out of a single rock and is awe inspiring. The wonders and contemplative and serene expression and the mystic smile on the, most perfectly carved idol’s face leaves a lasting impression on the visitor.

Gommata represents the highest values of life, renunciation selflessness. It symbolizes man’s victory over Karma. A saint in perfect peace with himself and all else in the universe, Gommata stands majestically shunning all worldly virtues. Shravanabelagola is also a place where history unfolds itself. Here one can find lot of inscriptions and sculptures which reveal the rich history of Karnataka, the development of Jainism in the state. Mahamastakabhisheka: No tour of Hassan will be complete without a mention of Mahamastakabhisheka to Lord Gommeteshwara at Shravanabelagola. The statue of Bahubali or Lord Gommateshwara standing tall at a whopping 58 feet is a saga of architectural marvel. Though gigantic in nature, the specialty of the statue is that even for an inch and in any given region it does not look out of proportions. The art of sculpting has reached its zenith here. The perfectly carved, breathtaking statue is the standing testimony to the skill of the sculptor.

Mahamastakabhisheka.

The poignant Gommateshwara stands stark naked renouncing all restraints of this mortal world. But still there never a shade of vulgarity in this nudism, instead the onlooker will be dwarfed before the sublime image of Lord Gommateshwara. He stands aloof as symbol of angelic victory of man over the worldly thirst.

Mahamastakabhisheka, the head anointing ceremony of

Lord Gommateshwara takes place every 12 years and it is a spectacle to be seen to be believed. Mastakabhisheka means sacred bath. During the given propitious moments, amidst chanting of Mantras and recitation of religious texts, the gigantic statue will be bathed with sacred water kept in 1008 Kalashas-receptacles - which has been collected from almost all the rivers and water resources of the land.

Views of Chandragiri, Shravanabelagola.

After which tender coconut water, sugarcane juice, plantain fruits, jiggery, ghee, sugar, badam, dates, milk, curds, sandal paste, gold and silver flowers and silver coins will be poured over the head of Lord Gommateshwara. The panoramic vision is unsurpassed in its grandeur and seeing each of these items cascading down through the titanic statue is tantalizing. The event attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the country and abroad. The sleeping village of Shravanabelagola comes to life and throbs like a honeybee to the resonation of clamor of hoards of devotees during this ritual.

Yakshi Padmavathi (Gulle Kayi Ajji), Shravanabelagola.

Views of Chandragiri and Pond, Shravanabelagola.

Shanthinatha Basadi & Inscription, Shravanabelagola.

The last Mahamastakabhisheka took place during December 1993 and the next one is scheduled to be held during Feb 2006. The state Government and the Jain shrine at Shravanabelagola make elaborate arrangement to provide all facilities to the lakhs of devotees who happen to converge at Sharavanabelagola during Mahamastakabhisheka.

Hale Belgola: There is a dilapidated temple at Hale Belgola in C.R Patna Taluk, It was constructed about 1094 A.D. this is one of the temples that marks the transition from the chalukya to the

Panels in Jinanathapura.

Hoysala style of architecture. The central ceiling of Navaranga which is beautifully carved has figures if the asta-dikpalakas seated on their vehicles with this consorts, the middle panel being occupied by the Dharmendra with a five hooded canopy. The Navaranga gooeway shows a fine workmanship.

Jinanathapura:

A village in Channarayapatna taluk, Jinanathapura is about 2 kms from Shravanabelagola. This village was founded by Gangaraja a General of the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana.

Jinanatapura is famous for the Shanthinatha Basti, it houses the basti which is one of the most ornate of the Jain temple. The outer walls have row of large images, surmounted by beautiful turrets and scrolls. The images are of Jinas, Yakshas, Yakshis, Brahma, Saraswathi, Manmatha, Mohini drummers, musician’s dancers etc., there is another basti built on a rock in the east of the village, known as Aregal basti, which is older than the Shanthinatha basti. It enshrines a fine seated marble figure of Parshvanatha about5 feet high with prabhavali canopied by an eleven hooded serpent.

There is also an inscribed Jaina tomb to the south-west of the village known as Samadhi Mantapa of Shilakuta, which is worth paying a visit.

Nuggehalli:

After a sojourn to Sharavanabelagola the next stop is Nuggehalli. It is about 20 kms away from Channarayapatna. On

Channarayapatna and Tiptur Road. It is an ancient place near which the Chola kings have constructed the temple of Jayagondeshwara. It is an agrahara built by Bommana

Sadashiva Temple, Nuggehalli.

Dandayanaka a chieftain of Hoysala King Someshwara. The Lakshmi Narasimga temple was also built by him, which is a fine specimen of Hoysala architecture. The Sadashiva temple here is also fine specimen of Hoysala style. It also amalgamates certain structures which represents Dravidian style.

�Sri Lakshminarasimha Temple, Nuggehalli.

Hullekere:

After Gandasi one will precede to Hullekere, a village in Arasikere Taluk about 22 kms from Arasikere town. It has a dilapidated Channakeshawa temple, a neat structure in the Hoysla

style, built in 1163 AD. The ceiling panels inside the temple are a treat to watch, especially the central one. There are also fine figures of Vishnu alternating with well executed turrets and pilasters.

Channakeshava Temple, Hullekere.

The village also has a temple of Saptamatrikas, Ishwara and Anjaneya. In the Anjaneya temple there is a sculptured slab with the figure of a man riding a horse and a servant holding an umbrella behind. It apparently represents some chief. The Isjwara Temple which is mostly buried in the bed of the large tank near the village contains idol of Linga, pretty figures of anapathy, Bhairava & Veerabhadra.

Arasikere:

From Hullekere the next stop is Arasikere. The headquarters town of the taluk of same name, it is situated about 41 kms south-west of Hassan. Arasi in Kannada means princes or queen and kere is tank, which amply implies the name of this town, which was constructed by the Hoysala in the eleventh century. Arasikere witnessed many a historical turmoil’s. It was a mute spectator and a victim of the raids of Marathas who used to attack the dominions of Mysore. The villagers raised earthen towers for their defense and these towers can still be seen in

different parts of the taluk. After the advent of railways in 1899 this place has thrived as the hub of trade and commerce.

Shivalaya, Arasikere.

The Ishwara temple at Arasikere which faces east is a

remarkable structure in Hoysala style. It is built around 1220 AD. The garba griha doorway is beautifully carved. The navaranga has eight carved niches with Dwarapalakas at the sides.

The mantapa has a beautiful dome like ceiling with 5 rows of carving. The outer walls of the temple have a row of large images numbering, in all 120. The images are mostly on pilasters between miniature turrets. All the images are a treat to watch. Arasikere also has a spate of modern temples which with their modern technical excellence appear as though they are vying with their ancient counter parts to garner the attention of the beholders. It is interesting to note that the municipality of the town is the oldest in the state which came in to existence as far back as 1882.

Garudanagiri:

Pass on to Garudanagiri via Arasikere, a conspicuous hill fort, is about 27 kms from Arasikere. It was originally called Nonabanakal, but later received the [resent name on being fortified in 1660 by the wodeyars of Mysore, for the protection of the forest infested frontier on the outer side. It was in the hands of Wodeyars of Mysore except for a brief spell when the Marathas occupied it during 1770. After the fall of Tippu Sultan it was taken over by the British and was garrisoned for some time by the Mysore troops.

There are Venkataramana, Baneshwara, Keshava and other temple at this place. The ruins of an old fort can also seen.

Malekal Tirupathi:

Situated on the Hirekal hills close to Arasikere, Malekal Tirupathi is about 3 kms from Arasikere. It is well known for the Venkataramanaswamy temple, which is on the top of hill on the northern side. A flight of 1700 steps leads to the temple. There is

Malekal Tirupathi, Arasikere.

also large temple of Govinarajaswamy at the foot of the hills. Both the temples are frequently visited by large number of devotees throughout the year. The car festival and annual feature attracts hoards of people from all over the state.

Banavara:

From Gurudanagiri reach Banavara through Haranahalli. Banavara is a town in Arasikere taluk and is 14 kms from Arasikere. The name Banavara is found mentioned in some old

inscriptions of the place and Baneshwara is the name of the deity in one of the local temples. A legend derives the name of this place from Bana (Arrow) and hour (carry), Rama having carried the arrows here which Lakshamana had dripped owing to fatigue.

Jenukallu Siddara Betta:

Located in the taluk of Arasikere, which also houses another fourteen Sidda Kshetras, Jenukallu Siddeshwara Betta is in Yadapura that is about 5 kms from Arasikere. The Siddeshwara

Jenukal Siddhara Temple

Shrine here is an ancient one and attracts devotees from all over Karnataka State and from neighboring states too.

Haranahalli:

Haranahalli is about 8 kms south of Arasikere on the Hassan-Arasikere road and about 33 kms from Hassan. There

Channakeshava Temple, Haranahalli.

are remains of an old fort here, which is side to have been erected in 1070 AD by Someshwara Raya. The Nagarthi tank here is a sight to be seen. Channakeshava and Someshwara temples here are good specimens of Hoysala architecture. The inscription here is clearly legible and belongs to the Hoysala period.

Someshwara Temple, Haranahalli.

Koravangala: This is about 8 kms the east of Hassan. Out of the 3 major temples of Nageshwara, Govindeshwara and Bucheshwara, the last one i.e., the temple of Bucheshwara which is full of ornamentation, practically represents the whole Hindu pantheon

are the finest examples of master craftsmanship. The surya shrine opposite to the front hall is also remarkable for its splendid sculpture. Its elaborate and fine carvings attract the attention of the viewer.

Bucheshwara Temple, Koravangala.

BELUR

The Gem of Indian Architecture Belur:

Belur is headquarter of the taluk of the same name and is situated on the bank of river Yagachi about 38 kms north-west if Hassan.

Belur, which has marvelous temples is a famous tourist centre. The ancient city was also called Velapuri/ Velapur. The

main temples of Channakeshava and Kappe Chennigaraya were erected during the reign of the great Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana in the 12th feet in height. On

the jambs of the eastern door of the main temple are sculptured images of Manmatha and Rathi which are rare figures in temples of this type.

The architecture of this

temple is superb in every way, the work inside being finer that of outside. The fertility of the design, the thorough finish, the richness of ornamentation and

the elaboration of details are unparalleled. It appears as though the hard stone had turned out to be pieces of vex in the hands of

these master craftsmen. The Keshava image is exceedingly handsome and the sculptor has reached his pinnacle here. The perfectly carved statue is awe-inspiring. The Madanike figures supporting the caves of the outer walls of the temple are the wonder works of art. One of the glories of the temple is the raised parapet with successive

horizontal friezes of elephants, cornice with bead work surmounted by ‘Simha Lalatas’ at intervals, scroll work with figures in every convolution, another cornice with bead work, small figures mostly female in projecting ornamental niches with intervening figures of Yakshas, seated inward delicately carved

figures mostly female, between running along the edge of the upper slope adorned with miniature turrets, lions and beautifully carved tiny figures and a rail containing figures in panels between double columns surmounted by an ornamental band.

Halebeed

“………. there would be few things more interesting or more instructive than to institute a compatison between Hoysaleshwara temple and the Parthenon at Athens…….. They are the best example of their class and between these two extremes lies the whole range of art …….. Every part in this Hoysaleshwara temple, every convolution, is different and they exhibit a joyous exuberance of fancy scoring every mechanical restraint” said Fergusson the well known art critic of this fame temple. Halebeedu:

Now a small town in Belur taluk, Halebeedu is about 27 kms from Hassan and about 17 kms from east of Belur.

Halebeedu marks the sie of Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra or Dwaravatipura, which was the wealthy capital of the Hoysala kingdom. The splendor of the city is testified not only by the accounts of its fabulous riches obtained from it conquest as related by historians, but also by its architectural monuments which still rank among the masterpieces of art of the world.

Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebeedu.

The temples of Hoyasaleshwara and Kedareshwara and the Jain Bastis in the region rank among the finest in terms of architectural tradition.

The Kedareshwara temple,

though smaller in size is gem of art. The elaborateness of ornamentation these temples can be compared to embroider jewelry.

The Hoysaleshwara temple, which was built about the year 1141 AD is the largest existing structure of the Hoysala style. “The Kedareshwara temple is one of the most exquisite specimens of Hoysala architecture”. Fergusson says “If it were possible to illustrate this temple in anything like completeness

there is probably nothing in India which would convey a better idea of what its architects were capable of accomplishing”.

Halebeedu is said to have originally contained no less that 720 Jain Bastis. But now there are only three of them remains. They are of Adinatheshwara, Shantishwara and Parshwanatheshwara.

The Parshwanatheshwara basti is the

largest of these bastis containing an image of Parshwanatheshwara, which is a piece beautiful workmanship.

Helebeedu like Belur is a centre of attraction of artists and archeologists, and for tourists in general. The visitor is readily fascinated by the beauty of the sculptures which portray the

quintessence of great artistic achievements. If the Belur temple is renowned for its artistic perfection in the interior the

Halebeedu temple are well known for their artistic brilliance on the outer surface.

Jain Temple, Halebeedu.

Kondajji:

Kondajji, which is about 17 kms to the north of Hassan. The Varadarajaswamy temple here is famous and worth seeing. The gigantic image of the deity who is also called Aalanatha is about 18 feet high and finely crafted.

Allalanatha

Doddagaddavalli:

It is a village about 16 kms from Hassan on the way to Belur. One can pay a visit to Doddagaddavalli and then proceed to Belur or on their way back from Halebeedu pay a leisurely visit to this place. The Lakshmidevi temple at Doddagaddavalli is situated in a court yard enclosed by an old stone wall. It is an architectural gem. It especially is the fine ensemble that makes the temple very rewarding for a tourist visit.

Lakshmi Temple, Doddagaddavalli.

Arakere:

From Banavara move on to Arakere a small village in Banavara Hobli. There are two temples namely Channakeshava

and Rameshwara, here which are worth seeing. The former is a Trikutachala or three celled temple. The Rameshwara temple has an excellently carved image of Vishnu, which is a fine piece of artwork that cannot be missed. The image of sun, is also a piece of master craftsmanship which is extensively carved and richly ornamented. It is curious to note that the tower of this temple is built of granite in receding sonares, ending in a Kalasha, resembling in some respects towers of Pallava architecture. Javagal: Javagal is a village in Arasikere taluk and is about 33 kms from Arasikere town.

Lakshminarasimha Temple, Javagal.

The Lakshminarasimha temple here is a good specimen of Hoysala Architecture with a tower and with rows of animals etc., on the outer walls. Above the caves all round, there are at intervals torrents with Kalashas. All together there are 137 large

images on the walls, of which 77 are female and the rest male. The temple is believed to have been constructed during the middle of the 13th century AD.

There are also other temples of Gangadhareshwara, Veerabhadra, Banashankari and a Jain Basti for Chandranatha.

Alur:

Alur is the quarters of the taluk of the same name and is situated about 12 kms west of Hassan, close to Hassan – Sakaleshpur Road. An important market for rice in the district.

The Lakshmijanardhanaswamy Jaatre held here is an annual fare, which attracts large people. It will be held in the full moon day of Phalgunamasa.

Palya:

After Alur move on to playa about 8 kms from Alur town. It has Lakshmijanardhana, Rameshwara and Tripurantakeshwara templs.

The main image of the Lakshmijanardhana temple is peculiar in design and goes back to about 11th century AD. The Tripurantakeshwara temple appears like a modern day country house of tiles but enshrines 17th century sculptors. Two small

streams called Shankathirtha and Chakrathirtha flow in front of the village and join together to form a new stream called Padmavathi providing a scenic touch to the place. It is said that the village was the hermitage of Puranik Saint Jamadagni. The fort wall and the moat outside the village is said

to be constructed by a Paleyagar, who ruled here called Padmavathi providing a scenic touch to the place. It is said that the village was the heritage of Puranik Saint Jamadagni. The fort wall and the moat outside the village is said to be constructed by a Paleyagar who ruled here. Maharajana Durga:

It is a nice place about 14 km away Alur. Nestled between steep rocky terrains, it is an octagonal fortress built on a hillock. It is actually called Maganathinda Maharajana Durga in Kannada meaning the King who ate the flesh of his own son.

The legend goes like this….. Veeraraju was a Chieftain who was ruling in this area. Once, unknowingly ate the flesh of his own son. May be this was a conniving conspiracy against him. Anyhow after he came to know the tragedy the king committed suicide through jumping out of the fort. There are two Persian inscriptions here. It is a romantic and scenic spot.

Manjarabad Fort:

The Manjarabad fort is situated above 6.4 kms from Sakaleshpur on the Bangalore - Mangalore Road and at a height of about 3240 feet above the sea level. The fort has been

constructed of stones and mud and it has trenches all round. The unique feature of the fort is that it is in the shape of an eight pointed star. Its parapet was well provided with canon mouths and

musket holes.

Tippu Sultan during an inspection tour of the fort is said to have observed the Maju (Fog) round this place and has exclaimed the place as “Manjarabad’. There is another side of this story too. Tippu Sultan who visited it, was mesmarisebdy the beauty if this place and the landscape around it and called it Manjarabad meaning Beautiful site. “…..Even amongst the hills

themselves the contrasts are very striking and nature seems to have furnished a single group every variety of mountains conceivable….. From a piece of elevated land may be seen a complete amphitheater of frontier mountains, presenting the greatest variety of character…..” this explanation very aptly describes Manjarabad.

Bisleghat:

From Manjarabad to Bisleghat. The beautiful and scenic stretch of road takes you to the enchanting spot considered to be one of the most beautiful landscapes in Hassan district. Perhaps this set of landscape might have been the reason for Hassan to earn the sobriquet ‘Poorman’s Ooty’.

Situated in Hethur hobble of Sakaleshpur taluk on the Sakaleshpur Subrahmanya Road, Bisleghat is about 105 kms soth-west of Hassan town and about 65 kms south-west of Sakaleshpur. It is a stretch of forest which remains evergreen throughout the year. This is the most beautiful spot in the

southern part of Hassan. This is a point where the North-Eastern borders of Kodugu, South-Eastern border of Dakshina Kannada District join together with that of Hassan. The scenery round about the ghat is breathe taking and highly enchanting. Picturesque Gudde Basavanna Devasthana: The 18th century Gudde Basavanna Devasthana (AD 1756) is situated in the panoramic evergreen forest landscape of Western Ghats region at Bykere, Sakaleshpur Taluk, and Hassan District in Karnataka. It is 5 kms from Sakaleshpur on the Bangalore - Mangalore national highway (NH-48). This Devasthana renovated in 2002, has been attracting a large number of devotees and tourists throughout the year. Mosale: Mosale is a village in Hassan 12 kms from Hassan on the Hassan - Holenarasiupur Road. Legend has it that Jamadagni, the Puranik saint has his hermitage here.

Two temples dedicated to Nageshwara and Channakeshava stand side by side here. They are identical in design and workmanship. They as many temples in Hassan District., are

Nageshwara and Channakeshava Temple, Mosale.

explicitly belong to the genre of Hoysala architecture and are fine example of the style, at that. Each temple is surmounted by an elegant tower. In front of each tower is the finely carved image of Sala with the tiger. The ceiling panels are intricately carved and do have intriguing and complex designs. The etchings are elaborate and beautiful. Holenarasipura: Holenarasipur is the headquarter of the taluk of same name, is situated on the banks of Hemavathy about 32 kms south-east of Hassan town.

Lakshminarasimhaswamy Temple, Holenarasipura.

The local chief Narasimha Nayaka has built a fort here during 1168 A.D. The Lakshminarasimha temple draws a huge number of devotees and this is a Trikutachala temple. Sri Ramadevara Anekattu: This is an ancient Dam from which the longest channel in the entire district is drawn. Running almost 51.5 miles or approximately about 120 kms this channel irrigates almost one-third of the cannel irrigated area in the district. Arakalagud:

Arakalagud is the headquarters of the taluk of the same name and situated 30 kms south of Hassan. Goutama Rishi performed penance to the Sun God here. Ramanathapura:

Ramanathapura is a village in Arakalagud taluk 19 kms away from Arakalagud. It is a picturesque village on the bank of river Cauvery, and a pilgrim center in the district. Legend has it that, Shukracharya the guru of Asuras, has meditated here to realize “Mritha Sanjivini Mantra’. Another legend stated that Vahni, the fire god cursed by Brugumuni became Sarva Bhakshaka (destroyer of everything). In order to get rid of the curse he performed penance to propitiate Swayambhu Shiva at Ramanathapura.

Rameshwara Temple Fish at Kaveri River, Ramanathapura

There is also another story that relates to Tretayuga. Sri Ramachandra, after he stayed Ravanasura and on his way back to Ayodhya, worshipped the Shivalinga of this place to get rid of ‘Brahmahatya Dosha’ and there after this Shivalinga began to be called Rameshwara. Thr ‘Vahni Pushkarni’ here, which is considered sacred and where fishing is forebidden, has fished which have grown to abnormal sizes, some measuring even upto 6 feet long and weighing perhaps about 60 to 80 kgs. There are 7 temples at this place. They are Subrahmanyeshwara temple, Paqttabh Rama temple, Agasthyeshwaraswamy temple, Prasanna Rameshwara temple, Anjaneya temple, Laksjminarasimha temple and Durga Rameshwari temple. The Prasanna Rameshwaraswamy temple is the most important structure at Ramanathapura, which is evidently an old Hoysala temple. Ramanathapura is an important place of worship. Gorur: Gorur is a village 9 kms north of Arakalagud but which is in Hassan taluk. It is situated on the bank of Hemavathy. The Yoganarasimha temple on the bank of Hemavathy, with a flight of steps leading down to the bed of the river presents a fascinating appearance.

The Trikuteshwara temple here is of the Hoysala times. The Vasudeva temple and Kailaseshwara temple are the other temples at Gorur that attracts the attention of the traveler.

Hemavathy Dam Yoganarasimha, Gurur

Perhaps the description of Hassan district by Major Montgomery, may give an idea where to look in this district. His description goes this way. “………. The character of the country is generally undulating till on approaching the ghats, when it becomes precipitous. Perhaps there is no scenery in India more beautiful than the southern part of this tract. It resembles for the most part of the richest park scenery in England……….” Only one has to have a penchant to follow the traditional enquire and explore route.

Adagur: Adgur is a roadside village on the Hassan - Halebeedu Road and is situated at a distance of about six miles from Halebeedu in a picturesque valley skirted by ranges of hills on all the sides.

The place seems to have been one of imporatance during the 12th and 13th centuries and to have been occupied by flourishing communities following Vaishnavism, Saivism and Jainism. The temples that bear testimony to this fact are the following: Lakshminarayana temple, Virabhadra temple and Vighneshwara Shrine. Shanthigrama:

Shanthigrama is a large village, situated 12 kms. East to

Hassan on the Bangalore road. It is now the headquarters of a Hobli of the same name from inscriptions; it appears that it was founded in the 12th century A.D. by Shantala Devi, the chief queen of the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana.

At this place, there are four temples, of which the one dedicated to Keshava is the large but a sample building, mostly of the post-Hoysala

period. In the second temple, which is of the Hoysala times to god Narasimha?

HASSAN DISTRICT HOTELS DETAILS

Sl. No Hotel & Home Stays Name Ph. No.’s Fax No. E Mail ID 1. Hoysala Village Resorts,

Belur Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-256793 256794 256795 256764

08172-256065 hvr@trailsindia.com

2. Hotel Southern Star, B.M. Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-251816 251817 08172-268916 sshassan@saneharnet.in

3. Hotel Suvarna Regency, P.B. No. 97, B.M. Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-266774 264279 264006

08172-263822 @hotelsuvarna.com

4. Hotel Sri Krishna, B.M. Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-263240 263241 263242 263243

- -

5. Hotel Hassan Ashook, B.M. Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-268731 268732 268733 268734 268735 268736

08172-267154 hsnashok@yahoo.com

6. Hotel Rock Line, B.M. Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-269525 269526 - -

Sl. No Hotel & Home Stays Name Ph. No.’s Fax No. E Mail ID

7. Hotel D.R. Karigowda Residency, B.M. Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-264506 263222 - -

8. Vaishnavi Lodging, Harshamahal Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-263885 263890 267413

- -

9. Hotel Harshamahal, Harshamahal Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-268533 - -

10. Hotel Mahaveer, B.M. Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-268885 263075 - -

11. Hotel Sumukha Yathrinivas, R.C. Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-262366 262377 - -

12. Hotel Kadamba Comforts, B.M. Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-263117 - -

13. Hotel Palika, R.C. Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-267145 267146 - -

14. Hotel Mayura Velapuri, KSTDC Unit, Temple Road, Belur 573 115.

08177-222209 - -

15. Vishnu Regency, K.G. Road, Belur 573 115.

08177-222181 230053 230490

08177-230310 -

Sl. No Hotel & Home Stays Name Ph. No.’s Fax No. E Mail ID 16. Sumukha Residency,

Temple Road, Belur 573 115.

08177-222181 230057

9448441423 - -

17. Hotel Mayura Shanthala, Temple Road, Belur 573 115.

08177-273224 - -

18. Hotel Ashritha, B.M. Road, Sakaleshapura, Hassan.

08173-243050 243412 - -

19. Hotel Raghu, Near Kalyani, Shravanabelagola, Channarayapatna Taluk.

08176-257238 - -

20. S.D.J.M.I Committee, Guest House’s, Shravanabelagola.

08176-257258 257226 257293

- -

21. Hotel S.R.S, B.M. Road, Channarayapatna.

08176-252906 - -

22. Hotel Akshatha Comforts, B.M. Road, Channarayapatna.

08176-256555 - -

23. Sri. Thirumala Lodge, B.M. Road, Channarayapatna.

08176-252080 - -

24. Hotel Kruthika, B.M. Road, Channarayapatna.

08176-252425 - -

Sl. No Hotel & Home Stays Name Ph. No.’s Fax No. E Mail ID 25. Hotel Chiranth,

Vallabhi Road, Behind KSRTC Bus Stand, Hassan 573 201.

08172-651622 - Chiruds@yahoo.co.in

26. Sri. Vishnu Residency, Opp. Axis Bank, B.M. Road, Hassan 573 201.

08172-234785 - -

27. Palaka Resorts, Sri Ramadevarakatte, Holenarasipura Taluk, Hassan Dist.

08175-265050 9980542644 - www.palakaresosorts.com

28. K.P.S Comforts, Railway Station Road, Opp. Bus Stand, Arasikere.

08174-232100 9242312690 - -

29. B.S. Chirag “Swarga”, Kumbarahalli Estate & Post, Sakaleshapura.

08173-292004 329215

9448054505 9632932020

- swargaindia@hotmail.com info@swarga.in

30. B.P. Yagneshwar, Coffee Planter, Agani Grama, Hanubalu Hobali, Sakaleshapura.

08173-290487 - -

31. H.M. Devraj, Coffee Planter, Lakshmipuram, Sakaleshapura.

08173-244268 - -

Sl. No Hotel & Home Stays Name Ph. No.’s Fax No. E Mail ID 32. Green Patchier Home Stay,

Karadagowu, Bikkodu Hobli, Belur Taluk, Hassan 573 201.

9341219344 9449667916 - -

33. Swastha Home Stay, Byakaravalli Estate, Byakaravalli, Sakaleshapura Taluk, Hassan.

9448346656 9448957177 - -

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