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| Main Nandi Statue on Top |
Plan to trek this famous hillock called Shivagange having an altitude of 4488ft located near Dabaspet in Tumkur district of Karnataka had been decided while trekking on one of the highest monolith which is also there in Karnataka i.e. Savandurga, but the thing that was not decided - the date. Moreover after returning from Kodachadri (Shimoga) I was well aware if I would not trek Shivagange the next week.. I won’t be able to trek it in next six months atleast. So 2nd feb 2014 was finalized for this trek.
Unlike my usual treks, this time I couldn’t check most of
the details because of scarcity of time, but this is also a fun to go without
many details. We started very early in the morning.. took morning tea for
opening our still half closed eyes. We bought some of the snacks from that shop
only… quite mandatory thing while going out for any trek. Then we caught bus
for Majestic.
Way to Shivagange
At Majestic, fourth member of the group was already waiting
and we started to find out the bus for Dabaspet. Buses those were going to
Tumkur were not allowing us and saying that they will not stop at Shivagange.
So after enquiring from 1-2 drivers, we searched KSRTC bus stop no. 2. From
this stop of KSRTC bus stand that is beside Majestic, we caught bus for
Dabaspet. After getting down I realized that almost every bus stops here and we
could catch those initial buses also.
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| Shivagane as seen from auto |
Now we started to search for food point where we could get
some nice breakfast. But it is kind of bypass so obviously our hopes failed and
we ended up with some pathetic breakfast. Now we took a shared auto from the
Junction where bus dropped us… towards Shivagange which is around 8kms from
there, auto charged us Rs. 20 per person. The point where he dropped us was the
entrance of the temple with one Shiva Statue on one side of it. For few mins we
were amused that had he dropped us at the right place as there we couldn’t see
any hill. But after enquiring from some local shops, we got to know that it is
the starting place for the trek.. and we need to go through that Gopuram.
Basically this place is quite famous as a religious place more than a trekking
point. So we were going to enjoy a 2-in-1 combo. J
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| Lord Ganesha with Panditji :) |
We were again confused that we should start with our foot
wears or should leave them at the base only. After noticing some people we came out of dilemma and started
with foot wears. Just after few steps there is a big statue of Lord Ganesha on
left. Perhaps it is there because we should first take the name of Lord Ganesha
before starting any auspicious task according to legends.
Nandi Statue
Nandi Statue
After climbing around 30 steps, we encountered a big statue
of Nandi Bull. Behind that statue further steps were going up. But instead of
taking those steps we took right one as there was one Gopuram indicating that
some kind of temple should be there ahead. Almost all of the information written there
was in Kannada so we were not able to understand that and kept on guessing.
Anyways our assumption was correct and we got a very nice
temple of deity Honnadevi. Initially
we thought that as Gavigangadhareshwara because it was also constructed under a
rock. That rock structure can be noticed very well and forced us to think that
how tough it would be to construct this kind of temples. After darshan we
started upstairs and here was another temple.
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| Gopuram of Gavigangadhareshwara |
As expected this temple was the temple we were waiting for
i.e. Gavi Gangadhareshewara holding
beauty in some renovated way. This is the temple which is famous for most
wonderful thing here on Shivagange.. here the ghee turns into butter on
abhisheka. It is believed that the ghee that turns to better has medicinal
powers and can cure many ailments. I could see ghee in many hands perhaps they
were the people who had come here for worshipping lord Shiva unlike us.
I was looking here and there continuously for that famous
cave (Gavi means cave in Kannada) which connects this marvelous temple to the
Gangadhareshwara temple in Bangalore .
But I could not notice any and started to move outside in the hope that I would
find it out in the outer part. But my instincts called me back and then I
noticed a group of people who were bent towards something. And yes it was that
cave I was desperate to see. It is not like ancient usual caves from outside as
temple management has also renovated it. A kind of square hole is there which
is big enough to peek into the cave. With the help of light in our cellphones
we also tried to check and initially it seemed to be block but later with
further lights we found that it is having some way but it is too dark to guess
whether a path still exists. Let me tell you that it is said that this tunnel
connects to Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple in Bangalore . I was very happy after coming out
from this temple because I love this kind of structures a lot.
At the back of the temple when we came out we found a
magnificent structure. It was the back gate of the temple but then it was in no
use because gate seemed to be locked for quite a long time. Architecture there
is really memorable. Carvings on the pillars are very detailed. Also present
there is an obsolete structure containing a number of pillars and pillared
ceilings. Inner part was completely covered from top but because of no maintenance
grass has been grown over and there.
Starting of the trek
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| Carving on the Pillars |
Here were one or two shops and we purchased water and cold
drink to keep ourselves hydrated during the trek. And then started the rocky
part and it was really very slippery although we had not really started the
trek yet. In the rock very small steps have been created so that our feet can
take support and avoid body from slipping back. Railings in the mid of both
steps is also standing to provide additional support. From surroundings it is
quite evident that Shivagange is equally famous as a religious place and
devotees go upto the top bare footed.
Olkala Teertha
Our next stop was another temple Olkala
Now we had started further and now rock was not slippery but
it has turned rocky having some sort of vegetation. Now sun was also shining
with its full strength and we were having water again and again and gradually
ascending.
Ganga Water present on the Hill
After few metres at one place we saw a long queue and beside
that queue was a small statue of God with one priest worshipping there. We were
not able to understand initially what was there as there was a very huge rock
and people were going down. And we were really wondering what was there. We
asked to 2-3 people but no body gave us the satisfactory answer. All were
blindly following the crowd. Then suddenly I recalled that this should be that
pious Ganga water that is said to be present
here on this rugged hill. That water was really very cold, soothing for our
eyes and we suddenly felt very fresh. According to priest that water never
disappears from there. Amazing my India is… we don’t have any idea
about so many things present around us.
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| Ganges Water |
Still an hour away
Now we could see a very steep trail ahead… after enquiring
from guys who were coming down we came to know that it would further take
around 1 hour to reach us to the top. Till then sun had also started shining
with its full glory as it was around 1 o’clock. Although path was really steep
making us tired but it was full of stones so it was not that slippery as
Savandurga (there it was really tough to come down). There were so many people especially
female who were bare footed as it was a religious place to them. The good thing
on this pious hill is that you will have stalls upto the top… selling cucumber,
buttermilk, bhelpuri etc. that will prevent you from dehydration and also do
not need to carry so much things with you. We also stopped at one such point
because it was providing much needed shelter and we could get rid of sun for
some time. We had buttermilk there and it was so rejuvenating that compelled us
to take one more glass. It restored a good amount of energy in the body which
has been drained by the almighty sun.
Shiva Parvati Statue in the middle
All around were breath taking views. Higher we were going clearer
and awesome was the view. Also big rocks were spread all around us. So from
some distance we noticed a very big statue of Shiva and Parvati. Thought of
taking rest there and when we reached there it was a small temple and outside
that temple is this statue of duo which was also shining to its fullest because
of sun light reflecting on it. Beside the temple a small shelter has been
constructed which provides a much needed break to all the people whether they
are hikers or religious people. So many monkeys were also there and some were
literally searching for some drops of water in the bottles thrown by the
people. It was really pity of them.
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| Shiva Parvati Statue |
After this we again stopped at another stall and had some
cucumber to get rid of our fatigue. We took ample amount of time there because
it was in kind of valley between two very huge rocks making the view
spectacular. There we took some pics too.
Final Part of the trek
Now the part we could see was the real steep part because of
which probably it is said that hiking on this hill is not easy. I can say that
if those railing would not have been there then normal people can’t reach to
summit. That part is kind of proper vertical with very big stones, if by chance
u slip then no chance of getting saved in case if railings are not there. But
thankfully railings were there all upto the Nandi statue on top and with some
effort we were successful in going up.
Nandi Statue on Top
The rock on which Nandi statue has been carved is very
narrow and steep. But it is also having railings. That Nandi statue has been
carved out of a single rock. Wind there was blowing with its full speed. And that
stone is so steep that placing our feet firmly on it was really tough. We
enjoyed for few minutes there, were in no mood to come down as usual. But as
space is not there and so many people want to come, we came down. But the most
surprising thing is how that sculpture would have carved this status of bull on
this highest point of the hill which is not having sufficient space to stand.
Shantala’s Suicide Point
Opposite to Nandi statue is the Shantala’s suicide point. We
got to that point and surprisingly there was another stall having all normal
things that we may need like fruits, cold drinks, buttermilk, some branded
products kept in a refrigerator( I was very surprised after noticing it)… just
with some extra cost you can get all those. Here was another small ancient
temple and like all other temples this temple was also having its base very
cold instead of this hot scorching sun. A very small temple behind the stall
also exists which was left almost unnoticed by the visitors. And then we got to
the suicide point. There two dilapidated pillars were standing. Here were also
railings which were making that point safe. View from this point is breath
taking.
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| Shantala's suicide Point |
The point is named after Queen Shantala, wife of Hoysala
king Vishnuvardhana. It is said that this queen was a great Bharatnatyam dancer
was having a great influence in the administration also. But she was depressed
because of not able to give birth to the heir of the kingdom. One night she
came out of her palace to this place and prayed at the Honnadevi temple. After
that she jumped from this point and ended her life. Local people still believe
that the restless soul of queen still wanders here and sound of her anklets can
still be heard at night.
We spent a good amount of time, gave various poses with all
possible angles and spent around 1.5 hrs there. Around 3:30 PM we started our
way down. Till then crowd had also reduced. We were somewhat faster as pace is
usually fast in descending.. also sun was on its way back. At one point… only
we four were there and were surrounded by so many monkeys who had blocked our
way and not letting us to move ahead. We looked for some other people but no
one was there so we moved up for some distance. Then we saw another group of
guys was coming and we both groups came together to big Shiva statue. We again
stopped there because now view was very astonishing as sun was also running to
take rest with us.
Patalagange
We came down very fast and then suddenly a thought strike in
our mind… we didn’t see Patalagange yet. Unfortunately we were not aware about
its exact location. So we started to ask the local people and shopkeepers. Some
were telling that it is near Olakala Teertha, some were saying that it has been
already passed and we were only and only perplexed with those kind of answers.
Ultimately we found it and let me tell you it is a narrow
path just opposite to Ganesha statue that we encountered first just after some
steps while starting the trek. Some information was also written on every point
but in kannada so anybody of us couldn’t read that. So just followed what
people suggest we went on that path and after around some 500-600mtrs, we found
a temple premise. And people who were coming out told that it was the place
that we were searching for.
Patala Gange basically means the “Underground Ganges”. We
enetered in that premise and some 50 people were already there and it also had
entry ticket of Rs 5 per person. We also waited for our turn and were guessing
what we were going to see. Gradually we moved and then it was very dark and we
were holding one rope on the side. After 2-3 steps the view I could understand…
there were two huge rocks and water was there between those rocks. We could not
see any end to that water and also water there is said to be very deep and no
one could ever know about its depth. This water is said to be connected to a
place called Antaragange in Kolar very far off from here.
Way Back
Ultimately we came down. Opposite the hill is very big pond which
was almost isolated at that time and buses were going from there for Tumkur. We
decided to start from there before sun sets completely. We booked one auto from
there for Rs 100 and came to the flyover where we got down from bus in morning.
We searched for tea and also got some evening snacks which were necessary after
such an exciting trek. We waited for the bus and got in KSRTC bus which was
over crowded.
Anyhow we all were very happy as completed our day successfully…
for me it was a trek that I was thinking of so long. We lost in our discussion..
got down at Majestic and again got in the bus… reached home around 10PM and it
was the time to get lost in sweet dreams J J
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General Information with Day Plan
Date of Visiting : 02-Feb-2014 Sunday
Distance from Bangalore
: approx 60 Km from Silk Board
Entry Fee : No Entry Fee is there for the hill
Mode of travelling : By Bus(BMTC and KSRTC)
Plan for the day :
BTM->Majestic->Shivagange->Majestic->BTM.
Days required : 3 hours to go up and 1 hr on top and then 2
hrs to come down.
Kind of place : Equally
famous among trekkers & pilgrims. Final part of the trek is really
challenging. A lot of shrines are there upto the summit.
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