Shivagange

Shivagange
ಶಿವಗಂಗಾ
Shivaganga
Location
Shivaganga location in Karnataka
Coordinates	13°10′5″N 77°13′20″E / 13.16806°N 77.22222°E / 13.16806; 77.22222Coordinates: 13°10′5″N 77°13′20″E / 13.16806°N 77.22222°E / 13.16806; 77.22222

Shivagange is a mountain peak with a height of 1368 meters^[1] and Hindu pilgrimage center located near Dobbaspet, in Bangalore Rural district India. It is situated 8 km from the town of Tumkur and 54 km from Bangalore. ^[2] The sacred mountain is shaped as a shivalingam and a spring flows near locally called "Ganga", thereby by 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, Olakal Teertha, Nandi Statue, Patalagange,^[3] 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.^[3] Sharadambe temple and several theerthas such as Agasthya theertha, Kanva theertha, Kapila theertha, Pathala Gange etc. are found in this hill.^[4]

History

The place was under the control of Hoysala kings and the queen Shanthala, wife of Vishnuvardhana committed suicide in this hill out of depression as she did not give birth to a son and the place is identified as Shantahala drop.^[3] The hill was fortified during 16th century by Shivappa Nayaka which is in ruins.^[4] The founder of Bangalore, Magadi Kempegowda also improved the fort and kept a portion of his treasure in this fort.^[4]

A month-long cattle fair is held during Sankranthi month (around January) every year, which is a market place for bullocks.^[4]

Beliefs Surrounding the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Bangalore

An interesting belief about this temple is that if an abhisheka is performed with ghee here, the ghee turns to butter. 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 inner sanctum (Garba Griha) of this temple to the Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple in Bangalore, around 50 kilometer from this temple.

Trekking

The area is a popular site for rock climbing in the Karnataka state.^[3] The entire trail to the peak is well marked and the presence of man-made steps (often carved into the rocky landscape, but sometimes made from rocks) makes the trail suitable for beginners. There are frequent rest opportunities with stalls serving food and drinks. The vertical ascent is approximately 800 metres, much of which is climbed towards the end of the path where the trail becomes steep and narrow - safety rails are provided in such areas.^[3]

Monkeys are a pest in the area, often snatching belongings (especially food) from unsuspecting trekkers.

Shivagange

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  A temple on top

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  Basavanna

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  Olakal Theertha

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  Architecture

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  Shiva Parvathi

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  Architecture

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  Veerabhadra Swamy

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  Basavanna

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  Olakal Theertha

References

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