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[edit] Introduction
Gajendragarh / Gajendragad is a town in Ron taluk Gadag district in the state of Karnataka, India.
Gajendragad is lying amidst hills, in one of which is encapsulated Kalakaleshwara temple unbelievable temple of Lord Shiva who is worshipped in the form of Veerabhadraswami, the angriest form of Lord Shiva.
Gajendragad, better called as Gada, is about 40 Kms from Gadag. Gadag district lies 72 Kms north of Hubli-Dharwad.
Gajendragad is known for Kalakaleshwara temple, Historical fort, Beautiful very long hill strip, popular market for Javali (Sarees / Saris and Dress Materials) for marriage, Local business center and Handlooms.
The Royal families of Kapsi and Gajendragad owe their origin to Vallabhasinha and the Chiefs of Sondur are descended from the third son of Cholraj.
Gajendragad is the central place, one of the big town in the Gadag district, which has better facilities than any of the town in the district.
Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and Kudala sangam are main tourist places near by.
Gajendragad also one of the tourist place, you can visit to Kalakaleshwar temple and Fort.
Gadag District is also known for Wind Power Generation. Many big companies have started generating power using the Wind Power in various places of Gadag district including Gajendragad.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) constructed kalyan mantap at Gajendragad.
Gajendragad is surrounded by the places which are the Core area of Western Chalukya architectural activity in modern Karnataka state, India
Gajendragad fort was one of the forts built and renew by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Ron is Taluk place in Gadag district. Of historical importance, called Dronapur in ancient times. There are temples built by ancient architect Dronacharya. Gadag has been an important seat of Hindustani music in north Karnataka, and is home to the Hindustani singer Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
[edit] Tourist attractions
1. Gajendragad fort http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShivajiFort_Gajendragad
2. Kalakaleshar temple http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalakaleshwara_Gajendragad
KALKALESHWARA is one of the lesser known pilgrim destinations of North Karnataka. It is also better known as Dakshina Kashi among the jangams and other Lingayats of this zone. There are some large steps that lead you up to the temple. It is a traditional temple with an idol of Veerabhadraswami and an Udhbhava Lingu. But one would definitely be amazed at the story in which the significance of the destination lies. The people at this place are simple and very down to earth, and you may have to either know or accompany a person who knows the local language, i.e., Kannada. A simple pooja and offerings of fruits etc. has to be done according to your bhakti or astha. Just outside the temple exit is a small square water reservoir formed naturally due to Akashgangè. It is an evergreen water resource that constantly falls along the roots of Peepal tree into the pond all throughout the year. It is said to be flowing even in the peaks of summer season and has an unknown root. More amazing is the story attached to this destination that has taken a few lives too. Do not panic, please. These were the daring people who wanted to try and learn more about a miracle that happens on the previous night of Ugadi, New Year of Kannadigas. The pandit/pujari of the temple prepares a solution of limestone, and keeps it ready for application along with a brush, inside the temple. The next morning, lo, the jobs done!! No one knows whodussit. But the temple is painted on its own and this happens without fail every year. A hookah thats also kept along with it seems to be used when seen the next morning. Legend has it and so do elderly people that there used to be a bell equivalent to the size of soaked kidney beans that fit into 22 gunny bags. In the 1970s, it so happened that the bell vanished all of a sudden towards the heavens, ringing and sounds of the bell echoing and resonating in into the blue skies. And then there was an epidemic of plague that spread across the place, which people blame was due the bells act of vanishing.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping
One can see many a wind mills lined on the hill opposite the hill on which the temple is located. Besides a beautiful view awaits you after the visit to the temple from the hill.
Gada means The Fort, but all one finds from a distance while nearing the pilgrim proper is a huge mountain with the temple carved into it. A serpentine road, thats for slightly broken in between, will take you to the destination through semi-arid areas, so it is advisable to carry enough water supplies, as also one may not get to buy water at the pilgrim.
This is a weekend destination which could be wound up in a days time, if the trip is a well-planned one. Reaching Hubli-Dharwad is quite an easy task. Hundreds of buses ply to and from Bangalore on a daily basis, if you are traveling from Bangalore. So do they from Pune, Goa, or Belgaum via NH4. One may have to leave for the place from Hubli-Dharwad at the wee hours of the day, say 5:30-6:00 am, so as to reach the place in cooler hours of the day. It is also advisable to carry food and have it on the way to or back from Gada.
3. Sudi
Sudi (Kannada:....), is a panchayat town in the Gadag District of Karnataka, India. At one time it was a key town of the Kalyani Chalukyas during 1000 AD. It is famous for rare stone carved monuments like twin towered temple and large well built of stone and carvings, and few other structural temples. For long time these amazing structures were abandoned, but recently they caught the eye of the Indian Archeological Department.
4. Itagi Bhimambika
Very famous Devi temple known as Itagi Bheemavva, about 13 Kms away from Kalkaleshwara could be visited. Hundreds and thousands of believers throng everyday to this place to get their wishes fulfilled by a female diety. They tie coconuts and wish for their desires to be fulfilled. And believe it or not many more people visit repeatedly only to untie the same coconut after they are blessed.
[edit] See also
- .... [1]
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_%28city%29
- Gajendragarh
- Gadag
- Gadag_district
- Koppal
- Koppal_District
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeological_Survey_of_India
- Lakkundi
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashtrakuta_Dynasty
[edit] Wind mills, poachers drive wolves away
Endangered hyenas and wolves rapidly disappearing from Gajendragad
Wind energy is safe and reliable. But the eco-friendly mills set up to generate wind energy, are posing a threat to the very existence of rare hyenas and wolves at Gajendragad in Gadag district.
Three years ago, Gajendragad was recognised as a safe haven for highly endangered species like the Indian grey wolf and striped hyenas, but then came wind farming and wind mills with huge noisy fans and human traffic to maintain these machines. It drove away these species from their habitat.
The hills were destroyed for the construction of roads and huge mills by a private firm, replacing the dry decidous place. The only beneficiary is cattle, for they can graze free and without fear. There were a lot of wolves here. And the sight of grazing sheep was rare. Now the situation is the reverse. The wolves have gone.
This is a significant habitat for these hyenas and we had seen some near goshalas around Kalakaleshwar temple. But there are gone. It is possible that too much of human interference might have driven them away.
Power generation is permitted on this government land and about five mega watt of power is generated.
Nocturnal species dwindling
The Indian striped hyena, a scavenger species was sighted in places like Gajendragad, Chitradurga, parts of Tumkur region, around Doroji, Sandur and Bidar.
http://www.everythingwolf.com/news/readarticle.aspx?article=173
[edit] Rich Folk Heritage
1. Dollu Kunitha: It is a popular drum dance. The large drums are decorated with coloured cloth, and are slung around the necks of men. The dances are at times accompanied with songs relating to religious praise or wars.
2. Veeragase: Veeragase is popular folk dance. It is a symbolic presentation of the heroism and valour of God Veerabahadhra. Its exponents are called Lingadevaru and they perform the dance with religious fervour at festival time especially during the months of Shravana and Kartika.
3. Nandikolu kunitha: This art form is the domain of male devotees of Lord Siva. The Nandi pole is about 18 cubits in length, each cubit representing a 'dharma'. The length of the pole is fitted with brass pots and plates, and ornate silver or brass umbrella at the top with a silk tassel, which is the flag. The performer on a sling balances the pole; this requires skill as well as strength. The sight of the devotee's inspired dance, to the background beat and the resulting symphony of sounds, from the pots and plates on the pole, is truly breathtaking.
4. Jodu halige: Halige meaning two percussion instruments used by two artists to produce rhythmic notes of astounding energy and power. Their movements along the stage expressive of their physical energy harmonizes with the notes produced by the instrument. The Haligi (wood) circular in shape is made of buffalo hide. A short stick is used on it. The notes combined with the bodily movement pervade the stage and overflow to the audience.
5. Lambani nruthya: Lambani women dressed colourfully and move circularly with clapping and singing. This dance is out of the common. In dress, mode of living and dwelling, they dance on important festivities in a free manner.
6. Veerabhadra kunitha: The dance form depicts the story of Veerabhadra, the legendary minor god created by Lord Siva to teach a lesson to his father-in-law Daksha. Veerabhadra to go to the place of the yaga and destroy the ceremony.
[edit] Great personalities of this region
[edit] Lambani
The people of the Lambani tribe are mostly found living in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh eg.,Priya, PGDMLT,MCC,Tambaram and northern Karnataka. This area is the most southern reach of the tribal belt of north-western India. It marks the dividing line between the Indo-Aryan north and the Dravidian south. The Lambanis as their language indicates, originated from Rajasthan
Lambani Embroidery
Lambani embroidery is an amalgam of pattern darning, mirror work, cross stitch, and overlaid and quilting stitches with borders of .Kangura. patchwork appliqué done on a base fabric. A distinctive design element is its use of local mud-resist handloom fabric, and mirrors, shells and white ornamental trims.
The Lambani clan is believed to have left their traditional home of Rajasthan and settled down in Karnataka and brought the Kasuti craft along with them.[4] Sarees embroidered with Kasuti were expected to be a part of the bridal trousseau of which one saree made of black silk with Kasuti embroidery called Chandrakali saree was of premier importance.
[edit] Handlooms
Gajendragad is also famous for handlooms, particularly Gajendragad Kana.
The jamkhanas are woven in punja looms. The raw unbleached yarn is bought from Pali in Rajasthan and dyed in various colou rs at Gajendragad, some 80 km from Navalgund. They are then distributed to the weavers according to the design of the jamk hanas. The women then wrap the yarn on a charkha wheel called rattinam to remove tangles.
Ilkal was an ancient weaving centre where the weaving seems to have started in the 8th century AD. The growth of these sarees
is attributed to the patronage provided by the local chieftains in and around the town of Bellary. The availability of local raw materials and migration of weavers from the state of Maharashtra has also helped in the growth of this saree About 20000 people in the town of Ilkal are engaged in saree-weaving.
Nekarara Sahakari Uthpadaka Sangha
1. Sri Banashankari Nekarara Sahakari Uthpadaka Sangha Niyamitha, Gajendragad, Taluk Ron.
2. The Gajendragad Nekarara Sahakari Utpadaka Sangha Niyamitha, Gajendragad, Taluk Ron.
[edit] Educational Institutions
1. Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Ayurvedic Medical College, Gajendragad
2. S M Bhoomaraddi Pu College Gajendragad, Aided P.U.College
3. K S S Comp Pu College Gajendragad
4. R G V PU College Gajendragad
5. B M J PU College Gajendragad
6. SVVS PU College Gajendragad
6. Govt PU College Gajendragad, Government P.U.College
[edit] History
GAJENDRAGAD (Jagir)
LOCATION: Karnataka DYNASTY: Ghorpade RELIGION: Hindu
PRESENT RULER: (Gadag, Karnataka, India)
PREDECESSORS AND SHORT HISTORY: Founder of the family was Shri Valabhasinh Cholaraj Ghorpade, the second son of Raja CHOLARAJ GHORPADE of Mudhol.
Shrimant Malojirao Ghorpade, married and had issue.
Shrimant Murarrao Malojirao Ghorpade, married and had issue.
Shrimant Daulatrao Murarrao Ghorpade, adopted by his uncle (see below).
Shrimant Shambhu Malojirao Ghorpade, adopted his nephew, married and had adopted issue.
Shrimant Daulatrao Shambu Ghorpade (born as Shrimant Daulatrao Murarrao Ghorpade), adopted by his uncle (see above), married and has issue.
. Shrimant Shambhusinhrao Daulatrao Ghorpade
Shrimant Vijaysinhrao Malojirao Ghorpade, married and had issue.
Kumari Sunila Raje Ghorpade, married Shrimant Rane of Sangli.
Kumari Harshala Raje Ghorpade
Kumari Methila Raje Ghorpade
[edit] Taste of North Karnataka Cuisine at Gajendragad
The North Karnataka Cuisine can be primarily found in the northern districts of Karnataka, including Bidar, Kalburgi, Vijapura, Bagalakote,Belagaavi, Raayachooru, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Koppala, and parts of Ballari.
The following are typical items in a typical vegetarian Northern Karnataka meal :
- rotti or bhakri, Rice, Saaru, Happala, kosambari
- Badane kaayi gojju/enne-gai/tumbu-gai - Stuffed and/or sauteed
- Shenga/Ellu dry chutney in powder form - sometimes called hindi (not hindi language). kempu khaara - hot chutney paste made with/of red chillis, consumed as a condiment
- Bele palya - cooked split or whole beLe, chana, moong with greens such as methi and spinach, or spring onion
- mosaru bajji or raitha - salad involving yogurt, Mosaru and majjige, beNNEe or tuppa. Raw Salads - of spring onion, onion, green chili, methi leaves, sometimes with oggaraNe of sasive and/or jeerige
[edit] Other Tourist attractions of this region
1. Itagi Bhimambika temple
Very famous Devi temple known as Itagi Bheemavva, about 13 Kms away from Kalkaleshwara could be visited. Hundreds and thousands of believers throng everyday to this place to get their wishes fulfilled by a female diety. They tie coconuts and wish for their desires to be fulfilled. And believe it or not many more people visit repeatedly only to untie the same coconut after they are blessed.
2. Banashankari
Banashankari Temple is a Hindu temple located near Badami, in Bagalkot District , Karnataka, India. The temple is dedicated to the Shakambhari (also known as Banashankari Amma), an incarnation of the Goddess Parvati.
3. Badami
Badami (Kannada: .....), formerly known as Vatapi, is a panchayat town in the Bagalkot District of Karnataka, India. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples. It is located in a ravine at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya lake.
4. Aihole
Aihole (Kannada .....) is a town in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. Early inscriptions call this town "Ayyavole" and "Aryapura". Aihole has its own historical significance and is called as cradle of Hindu rock architecture. Many temples and caves of historical importance can be found at Aihole. It is a very popular tourist spot in north Karnataka.
5. Pattadakal
Pattadakal (Kannada - ........) is a town in the Indian state of Karnataka famous for its group of monuments that are the culmination of earliest experiments in vesara style of Hindu temple architecture. The temples were built in the 8th century CE. The uniqueness of this place derives from the presence of both the Dravidian or the Southern and the Nagara or the Northern (Indo-Aryan) styles of temple architecture!!
6. Mahakoota
16 km away from Badami is the archaeological site of Mahakoota where there are several temples from the Early Chalukyan period.
Legend has it that the sage Agastya lived at Mahakoota, on the banks of a tank by name Vishnu Pushkarini. It is believed that Agastya worshipped Vatapi Ganapati here; and that during the expedition of Narasimhavarma Pallavan, this image was taken to Tiruchenkattankudi in Tamilnadu.
The Mahakooteswara temple here, is probably the oldest of the early Chalukyan temples. It is a Dravidian styled temple. There are several other temples in the vicinity, and all of these collectively are enclosed by heavy walls.
7. Kudala Sangama
Kudalasangama (also written Kudala Sangama in India is an important center of pilgrimage for people of the Lingayat faith. It is located about 15 km from the Almatti dam site in Bagalkot district of Karnataka state. The Krishna and Ghataprabha rivers merge here and flow towards Srisaila (another pilgrim center) of Andra Pradesh. The Aikya Mantapa or the holy Samadhi of Basavanna, the founder of the Lingayat faith along with Linga, which is believed to be self-born (Swayambhu), is situated here. The Kudala Sangama Development Board takes care of the maintenance and development of this place.
8. KUKANOOR
KUKANOOR, in Yelburga taluk, is a small town lying seven miles due north of Bannikoppa station on the Guntakal-Hubli railway line. The town, though now small, was an important place in the early and mediaeval days and is rich in antiquarian remains of the later Chalukyan style of architecture and these buildings range from the 8th to the 13th century A.D. and illustrate the building tendencies of the age. The group of temples that represents the early Chalukyan school is called teh Navalinga group. Two other important temples are those of Kalleshvara and Mallikarjuna. The Kalleshwara temple is a fine example of the Chalukyan style and is in good condition. The original form of the Mallikarjuna temple, however, cannot be fully made out; the shrine and the mantapa also have been altered and built over in recent years. The Kalleshwara temple contains one Kannada inscription, while the other has three, one of them recording the date of construction of the temple in the 12th century A.D. But the most important temple from the relegious point of view is that of Mahamaya; (left side picture shows Mahamaya temple) it is in the same enclosure in which the Navalinga temple is situated, a building of considerable dimensions but devoid of architectural merits.
9. PURA
PURA, in Kushtagi taluk, about the five miles from Tavargera, is noted for its fine and spacious temple of Someshwara which has Koti Lingas , where annually a big jatra(Fair) is held in the month of Shravana
Distance of nearest tourist places (Approx. Kilometers, Transportation : by Road.)
1. Badami -> 35 km
2. Banashankari -> 30 km
3. Mahakoota -> 30 km
4. Aihole -> 35 km
5. Sudi -> 10 km
6. Itagi Bhimambike -> 13 km
7. Kudala Sangama -> 60 km
8. Hampi -> 75 km
- For tourism map of Karnataka visit
http://www.kstdc.nic.in/frames5.htm
[edit] Transport
Gajendragad is well connected to all major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore, Goa, Hydarabad.
Local Transport
Taxis and auto richshaws are available for getting around in the city.
To visit surrounding tourist places like Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and Kudala sangam Car, Cab, Trax etc. are available.
Long Distance Bus Routes
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs the long distance bus services from Gajendragad to other parts of the state.
KSRTC
KSRTC offers various bus services, namely Airavat volvo buses (Semi sleeper and executive buses), Mayura ac buses, Rajahamsa buses, Semi deluxe and super deluxe services, Karnataka sarige, Mofussil (express and regular bus services) and mini bus services (covering city and suburban road transportation).
Local tours and Travels contractors
Railways
Nearest Railway stations are Badami and Gadag.
Air
The nearest airport is in Hubli(85km). Now Govt of Karnataka has sanctioned new minor Airport to Badami. Land aquisation is inprogress.
[edit] Devadasis
Devadasis (Sanskrit: ......., translation: "Servant of God") are cult prostitutes in the service of the Yellamma, the Hindu goddess of fertility. The followers of Yellamma, who are mostly poor, and illiterate, take a vow to dedicate themselves, their spouses, or their children in the service of Goddess Yellamma when they are unable to face the hardships of life. The typical situations include life-threatening diseases, infertility, and dire financial troubles. These are the people who are primarily responsible for propagating Goddess Yellamma's virtues and achievements and glorify the Goddess. An elaborate ceremony is held in order to initiate the Jogathis (female) and Jogappa (male) volunteers in the service of Goddess Yellamma.
[edit] Wind power
Over 60 wind turbines installed on the gajendragad hill strip to generate energy.
Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into useful form, such as electricity, using wind turbines. In windmills, wind energy is directly used to crush grain or to pump water. Wind power is produced in large scale wind farms connected to electrical grids, as well as in individual turbines for providing electricity to isolated locations.
Wind energy is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions when it displaces fossil-fuel-derived electricity. The intermittency of wind seldom creates insurmountable problems when using wind power to supply a low proportion of total demand, but it presents extra costs when wind is to be used for a large fraction of demand.
Also refer to wind power for more details
References:
Western Chalukya architecture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Chalukya_architecture
Indian architecture
