Chaya Bhagavati Temple:
As the Krishna River flows downstream from the Basavasagara Dam in Narayanapur, a small, tranquil agrarian town, the riverbed, adorned with pink and white granite rocks, creates a serene yet dynamic landscape. Nestled on this riverbank at Narayanapur is a unique temple dedicated to Goddess Chaya, also known locally as Chayabhagavati or Chayamma.
This temple is perhaps the only known shrine dedicated to the Goddess of reflections and shadows. However, unique temples abound along the banks of the Krishna River, especially in this region.
Story of Chayabhagavati / Chaya Devi
Throughout ancient civilizations, the Sun has been revered as a deity. From “Ra” in Egyptian mythology, “Helios” in Greek tradition, and “Sol” in Roman and Norse beliefs, to “Kinich Ahau” in Mayan culture, the Sun’s divine status is universal. In Hinduism, the solar deity is known as “Surya” or “Aditya,” the son of “Aditi.” Surya is worshipped as the embodiment of all gods and the source of all knowledge and life in the universe. He provides light and heat, and his power governs the celestial bodies in our “Brahmanda.” In Hindu iconography, Surya is depicted riding a chariot driven by seven horses, symbolizing the seven days of the week and the seven colors of the spectrum. His charioteer is Arun.
The story of Chaya begins with Surya’s marriage to Sanjna (also known as Sandhya), the daughter of the celestial architect Vishwakarma. Unable to withstand Surya’s intense heat and brilliance, Sanjna attempts to leave him. To escape his wrath, she creates a look-alike from her own reflection named Chaya. Also known as Savarni, meaning similar or same in Sanskrit, Chaya takes Sanjna’s place beside Surya. While accounts of Sanjna’s actions afterward vary, Chaya faithfully serves as Surya’s consort and bears him three children:
- Shani – the god of the planet Saturn among the Navagrahas and the enforcer of Karma.
- Savarni Manu – the ruler of the next Manvantara according to the Hindu calendar, following the current Vaivasvat Manvantara.
- Tapti – the goddess of the Tapti River, which originates in Multai, Madhya Pradesh. Tapti married Samvarana and had a son named Kuru, the ancestor of the Kaurava dynasty.
Mailarlingeshwar Temple, Mailapur
Mylaralingeshwara at Yadgir dates back to the 15th century. Special Jathras (fairs) are held during Deepavali and Makara Sankranthi, featuring important rituals such as the Palangruin procession and the cutting of the chain. Mylaralinga, also known as Mylarakote or Elukote Mallaiah, has a rich history intertwined with local legends.
According to legend, seven Dharmaputra sages lived on the Manichura Hills with their virtuous wives and children, engaged in tapas (austerities) and Yagna (sacrificial rituals). Nearby was the town of Manipura, ruled by a charming and initially righteous king. Manipura was superior to Amaravathi in its splendor, and its people were courteous and virtuous. However, the king eventually became corrupt.
One day, the king saw the hill and the ashrams and decided to wage an aggressive war under the leadership of Karthikeya. His servants informed Malladaithya upon seeing the large army of Marthanda Bhairava. Determined to defeat the invaders, Malladaithya confronted the soldiers ascending the hill, believing it would be an easy victory. The reason Karthikeya gave for the attack was the alleged harassment of the sages on the hill.
| Address |
Mailapura, Yadgir, Karnataka |
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Kodekal Basavanna Temple
Located in the quaint village of Kodekal in the Yadgir district, the Kodekal Basavanna Temple is dedicated to Saint Kodekal Basawanna. A devout follower of the 12th-century Shaivite philosopher Saint Basavanna, Saint Kodekal Basawanna is celebrated for his contributions to the “Kala Gnana” (Divine Knowledge of Time). This temple stands as a testament to his spiritual legacy and continues to be a place of reverence and pilgrimage for many.
Kodekal Basavanna Temple, located in the serene village of Kodekal in Yadgir district, is a revered shrine dedicated to Saint Kodekal Basawanna. Saint Kodekal Basawanna was a devoted follower of the 12th-century Shaivite philosopher, Saint Basavanna. He is highly esteemed for his work on “Kala Gnana” (Divine Knowledge of Time), which has greatly influenced the spiritual and philosophical thought in the region.
The temple was established to honor the legacy and teachings of Saint Kodekal Basawanna. Over the centuries, it has grown in prominence, attracting pilgrims and devotees who come to seek blessings and to learn from his teachings. The temple architecture reflects the traditional styles prevalent during its inception, with intricate carvings and structures that have been preserved and maintained by the local community.
| Address |
9C56+5G7, Basaveshwar Temple Rd, Kodekal, Karnataka 585237 |
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Vishwaradhya Temple, Abbetumkur
Abbe Tumkur is renowned for the Sri Vishwaradhya Temple and the Sidda Samsthana Matha. This unique complex also houses the temple of Sharana Shakarappa Gowda. In an exceptional architectural arrangement, the body of Sharana Shakarappa Gowda rests on the ground floor of the temple. Above this, the shrine dedicated to Sri Vishwaradhya is situated, and atop Sri Vishwaradhya, a Shiva Linga has been installed. This layered structure symbolizes a profound spiritual hierarchy and attracts devotees from far and wide.
Currently, the Sri Vishwaradhya Sidda Samsthana Matha is managed by Poojya Shri Shatasthala Brahmi Acharya Ratna Shri Dr. Gangadhara Shivacharya Mahaswamiji. Every year, a Jaatra (fair) is held in Abbe Tumkur on the fifth day after Maha Shivaratri. Devotees from across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and various other regions visit to pay their respects and follow the teachings of Shri Vishwaradhya.
| Address |
Q39G+W3V, Abeetumkur, Yadgir, Karnataka 585202 |
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Venugopalaswamy Temple, Surapur
The Venugopalaswami Temple, constructed in 1705 by Raja Pitambar Bahari Pidda Nayaka (1693-1726), is one of the notable structures built by the Surapur Nayaks. Situated near the beautiful Devara Bhavi, the temple is renowned for its exquisite and attractive stucco sculptures. An annual fair takes place here on Gokulastami, drawing crowds who come to witness the dramatic spilling of Niru-Okuli from a height of 35 feet.
Close to the Venugopalaswami shrine lies a partially built temple. The construction, abandoned while the walls were still being built, reveals that the space between the two half-built walls was intended for the Garbhagriha, with the circle marking the center of the Sabha Mantapa. Nearby, a large collection of semi-finished beams and columns, all intended for this temple, can be found. It is believed that Wagangera was a feudatory of the Vijayanagara Empire and that this temple was under construction during that period. However, following the fall of Vijayanagara at the Battle of Talikoti, all temple construction came to a halt.
| Address |
GQC4+JC2, Shorapur, Karnataka 585224 |
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Sleeping Buddha Hill:
Sleeping Buddha Hill, a natural marvel made up of four hills, resembles a “Sleeping Buddha” and stands as a significant attraction in Shahapur. Nestled on the bank of Mavina Kere (Pond) along the Shahapur-Kalburgi Road, this unique formation is a gift of nature that draws visitors from far and wide. Its serene and picturesque setting makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists, who come to marvel at the natural beauty and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Shahapur, the second largest town in the Yadgiri district, is notable for this impressive hill formation, which is actually much larger than the town itself. The hill, with its distinct shape and imposing presence, dominates the landscape and serves as a landmark for the region. Shahapur’s charm is enhanced by this natural wonder, contributing to the town’s appeal as a destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.