Shivagange Hills - Dakshina Kashi
A heaven on hill
Shivagange is a mountain peak with a height of 804.8 meters or 2640.3 feet and Hindu pilgrimage center located near Dabbaspet, in Bengaluru Rural district India. It is situated 19 km from the town of Tumakuru and 54 km from Bengaluru. The sacred mountain is shaped as a shivalinga and a spring flows near locally called "Ganga", thereby giving the place its name. It is also known as Dakshina Kashi (Kashi of the South) and place is having various temples such as Gangadhareshwara temple, Sri Honnammadevi Temple, Olakal Teertha, Nandi Statue, Patalagange,A historical rock statue of Nandi or Basavanna carved on top of a steep rock is considered as a spell binding sculpture because of its narrow location. Sharadambe temple and several theerthas such as Agasthya theertha, Kanva theertha, Kapila theertha, Pathala Gange etc. are found in this hill.
Sri Honnammadevi Temple is inside the cave. Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is also inside the cave. Gavi means Cave, Gangadhareshwara means Parameshwara having Gange on the top. Every year in the month of January on the day of Sankranthi festival, the marriage function of Sri Gangadhareshwara and Sri Honnammadevi (Parvathi) is conducted. At that time Ganga holy water will come from the rock at the top of hill and that holy water is used for the dhare ritual (solemnise) of the marriage function.
Pic Credit: Puneeth Suvarna
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Interesting Fact
An interesting miracle happens here is that when an abhisheka is
performed on Shivalinga with ghee, the ghee turns to butter. Devotees
can see the miracle live during abhisheka.It is said that the ghee that
turns to butter has medicinal powers and can cure many ailments.
According to legend there exists a secret tunnel that extends from the
sanctum sanctorum (Garba Griha) of this temple to the Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple in Bengaluru, around 50 kilometers from this temple.
If you guys planning for to visit this place, please take care off following points.
1. Carry water. You will also get water on the way to the top of the hills.
2. Safe guard your bags, camera and other stuffs from monkeys.
3. I prefer you guys to start trekking in early morning.
4. Have your breakfast on the way itself, hotels near temple are not so good.
5. Winter season will be the best season for trekking.
Truly adventures spot
Trekking starts from a temple below, with more than 1000 steps. After the temple you will get a way to the top the hill. Kalyani has been built by management of temple for the pilgrimages.
Aerial view of temple This view from mid of the hill.
Lord Shiva inside cave. The cave is always filled with water.
Shelters and stores are available on the way to the hill.
Handrails are provided but not in good condition. Precaution to be taken care while climbing the hill as its very steep. Below pic shows the vertical climb of hill.
Way towards peak of hill.
Nandi at top of hill. I'm wonder how they did it. A monolith of Nandi.
Extra care to be taken when you see these guys. Keep your bag, camera in front.
