Sri Chamundeshwari Vardhanti Utsava

Chamundeshwari Temple (ಶ್ರೀ ಚಾಮುಂಡೇಶ್ವರಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ), 

Chamundi Hills, Mysore - 18 July 2014

The Chamundeshwari Temple (ಶ್ರೀ ಚಾಮುಂಡೇಶ್ವರಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ) is located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from the palace city of Mysore. The temple was named after Chamundeshwari or Durga, the fierce form of Shakti. She is the slayer of demons, ‘Chanda’ and ‘Munda’ and also ‘Mahishasura’, the buffalow-headed monster. She is the tutelary deity of the Mysore Maharajas and the presiding deity of Mysore. For several centuries they have held the Goddess, Chamundeswari, in great reverence.

‘Skanda Purana’ and other ancient texts mention a sacred place called ‘Trimuta Kshetra’ surrounded by eight hills. Lying on the western side is the Chamundi Hills, one among the eight hills. In the earlier days, the Hill was identified as ‘Mahabaladri’ in honour of God Shiva who resides in the ‘Mahabaleswara Temple’. This is the oldest temple on the hills.

In the later days, the hill came to be known as ‘Chamundi Hills’ in honour of the Goddess Chamundi, the chief subject of the ‘Devi Mahathme’. The Goddess is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A large number of devotees from all over the country and from abroad visit the temple every year. They believe that the Goddess fulfils their desires and aspirations.

Chamundi Hills rises to a height of 3,489 feet MSL and is visible from a distance itself while traveling towards Mysore. There is a good motorable road to the top. Besides from Mysore side, there is also a motorable road from its rear side, the Nanjangud side. Bus facilities are available to visit the hills. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular bus services every day for the convenience of pilgrims and others.

MAHISHASURA MARDINI

The Goddess is also known as ‘Mahishasura Mardini’ for having killed the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura. The temple has a very beautiful idol of the goddess wearing a garland of skulls. Goddess Chamundeshwari, also spelled Chamundeswari is an incarnation of Goddess Durga, Goddess Kali is also referred to as the Goddess Chamundi.

Mahishasura MardiniMysore was ruled by the demon-king Mahishasura, he was a buffalo-headed monster. Hence, came the name of this place - Mahishuru, the city of demon Mahisha. Hearing to the prayers of Gods and Goddess to save them from the monster, Goddess Parvathi, (consort of Lord Siva), took birth as Chamundeshwari and killed the monster. After killing the demon, the Goddess resided atop the Chamundi Hills where she is worshiped with reverence and devotion. The goddess is also known as Mahishasura Mardini meaning She who slew Mahishasura.

HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

The Chamundi temple has always been patronised by the rulers of Mysore. In 1659 Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar built 1,000 steps and huge Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull. This colossal Nandi is one of the largest in India, 16 ft. (4.8 meters) tall at the front and 25 ft. (7.5 meters) in length. The magnificent pendent bells around its neck are exquisite. Nandi and the temple beside it are located at the 700th step of the Chamundi Hill. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III repaired the shrine in 1827 and built the present beautiful forty-meter,seven storied Gopura (tower at the entrance) with gold finials, and set up statues of his and his three queens. In 1827, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III made arrangements for festivals and processions and gifted Simhavahana in 1843.

A temple of great antiquity with over 1,000 years of background, it was a small shrine initially and assuming importance over the centuries it became a big temple as seen today. It assumed significance after the Mysore Maharajas, the Wodeyars, came to power in 1399 A.D., great devotees and worshippers of the Devi, Chamundeswari became their home deity and thus assumed religious prominence.

THE IDOL 

The temple has a seven storey tall Gopura decorated with intricate carvings. The deity of the goddess is said to be made of gold and the temple doors of silver.

In the sanctum sanctorum you’ll find the stone statue of the Goddess ‘Mahisha Mardini’ with ‘Ashta Bhujas’ (eight hands) sitting in a powerful yogic posture. According to local myth, the image was established by sage Markandeya. The idol of the Goddess is decorated daily and worshipped by priests and uncountable devotees with coconuts, fruits and flowers.

VARDHANTI UTSAVA

JANMOTSAVA OF GODDESS CHAMUNDESHWARI 

Being an abode of famous Chamundeshwari temple on the Chamundi hill, the city occupies the highest sanctity attached to it. If people across state pay allegiance to goddess Chamundeshwari in this month, Chamundi temple atop hill has a special ritual – Vardhanti Utsav held in Aashada. 

The Vardhanti, popularly called Ammanavara Vardhanthi is observed on the Revathi nakshathra day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Aashada. Though, it is observed as the birthday celebrations of goddess Chamundeshwari, in real sense it marks the day when the ruler of Wadiyar dynasty Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar installed a “Utsava Murthy” (a replica of the goddess’s idol in sanctum sanctorum).

Since then, the day is observed as Vardhanthi when the “Utsava Murthy” of the goddess is carried on a golden palanquin along with special pooja offering. Thousands of devotees throng the temple to attend the Vardhanti from across state and various parts of the region. 

It is said that more than more than two and half centuries old temple has followed the ritual to celebrate Vardhanti in a grand manner. More than a lakh devotees are expected to throng the hill for Vardhanti. 

It is the only temple where the deity is offered Abhisheka twice everyday – in early morning and in evening, which makes it an abode of strong spiritual vibe providing protection from evils, the temple authorities believe.

On Vardhanthi, the goddess is offered special poojas like Rudrabhisheka, Panchamruthabhisheka, Sahasranamarchane in early morning and Mahamangalarathi at 10 am. While, evening pooja includes durbar utsav inside temple premises and Thambula charana besides special Abhisheka. 

ARCHITECTURE OF THE TEMPLE

The temple is of a quadrangular structure. Built in Dravidian style, it consists of the Main Doorway, Entrance, Navaranga Hall, Antharala Mantapa, Sanctum Sanctorum, and Prakara. There is a beautiful seven-tier Gopura or pyramidal tower at the entrance and a ‘Vimana’ (small tower) atop the sanctum sanctorum. Atop the ‘Shikara’, the tower at the entrance, are seven golden ‘Kalashas’.

Krishnaraja Wodeyar III repaired the shrine in 1827 A.D and built the present beautiful tower at the entrance (Gopura). Blessed by the Goddess, Krishnaraja Wodeyar, an ardent devotee of the mother Goddess, presented to the temple a ‘Simha-vahana’ (A lion-shaped vehicle) and other animal cars and jewels of value. The cars are used even now for processions on special religious occasions.

The tower at the entrance has a small image of Lord Ganesha on the doorway. The doorway is silver-plated and has the images of the Goddess in different forms. On either side of the doorway are the images of ‘Dwarapalakas’ or door-keepers. As one enters inside, on the right hand side is a small statue of Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles. After a few steps, there is a flagstaff, the footprints of the Goddess and a small statue of Nandi, facing the sanctum sanctorum. On the right side, before approaching the flag staff, there is an image of ‘Anjaneya’ attached to the wall. On either side of this entrance are two Dikpalakas, Nandini and Kamalini.

In the ‘Antharala’ prior to the sacred sanctum sanctorum are the images of Lord Ganesha on the left side and of ‘Bhyrava’ on the right side. To the left of Ganesha, there is a beautiful 6-foot statue of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. He is standing with his hands folded in his religious clothes. On either side of him are his three wives, Ramavilasa, Lakshmivilasa and Krishnavilasa. Their names are carved on the pedestals In the sanctum sanctorum is the stone statue of the Goddess, ‘Mahisha Mardhini.’ Having ‘Ashta Bhujas’ or eight shoulders, she is in a seated posture. According to the local leged, the image was established by sage Markandeya and hence it is said to be very old.

The idol of the Goddess is decorated every day and worshipped by a number of priests. The Mysore Maharajas have donated number of valuable gifts to their family deity.Coconuts, fruits and flowers are offered to the diety.

On top of the sanctum sanctorum, a small tower or ‘Vimana’ is seen. In the ‘Prakara’ or enclosure, behind the sanctum sanctorum, are small images of a few deities, which are also worshipped.

VIEW FROM THE TOP

The crowning glory of Mysore, Chamundi Hills is an enchanting place surrounded by natural beauty. In the forest, there are varieties of trees, birds and animals. While going up the hills, a bird’s eye view of Mysore can be seen and several prominent places be spotted. It offers a spectacular scene when the Palace and its surroundings are illuminated during the Dasara and other occasions.

Some of the places that can be spotted from the hills are the Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, which houses the ITDC hotel, Dasara Exhibition grounds, Race Course, Kukkarahalli Lake, St. Philomena’s Church, and Krishnarajasagar at a far off distance.

Besides the Chamundi and the Mahabaleswara temples, there are a few more temples atop the hills. There are also some interesting spots and the monolith statue of ‘Nandi’ is among them. While proceeding towards the Chamundi Temple, the statue of ‘Mahishasura’- built in 1659 by Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar attracts the visitors. The ‘Chamundi Village’ is located close to the temple.

Chamarajeshwara Chariot Festival, Chamarajanagar

Chamarajanagar is a town in the southern end of Karnataka. It is also the headquarters of the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. It is named after Chamaraja Wodeyar IX (1774–1796), king of Mysore, who was born in the town.

Chamarajanagara was earlier called as ‘Hari Kutaara’ and later got the name Chamarajanagara because of God Chamarajeshwara Swami. 

 "Chamarajashwara" a historical and ancient temple that has been a great devotional boon to the people of Chamarajanagar and surrounding villages over the years, truly deserves its place in tourism map of Karnataka.  "Bhilvastakam" a Sanskrit chant praises Lord Shiva at Chamarajeshwara temple located in area of in the heart of Chamarajanagar town. 

HISTORY 

Maharaja Mummadi Krishna Raja Wodeyar

 The place was known by previous name "Arikotara"(Ari means enemy, Kotara means a Axe) and later it was renamed as Chamarajanagar after the birth of Sri Jayachamrajendra Wodeyar of Mysore Dynasty in 1776. The Chamarajeshwara temple was built in A.D. 1826 by Mummadi Krishna Raja Wodeyar in the memory of his father Sri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar. The inscription - carved on a huge slab placed in front of the Janana Mantapa near Chamarajeshwara temple - gives information about the birth place of Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar. The temple acquired prominence and fame during the period of Mummadi Krishna Raja Wodeyar of Mysore Dynasty. 

                  INSIDE THE TEMPLE

This temple has two mantapam’s – the Muukha-Mantapa (open pillered hall), the Nandi mantapam and Garbha Gudi (sanctum sanctorum). All the mantapams are carved with motifs of deities. At the entrance of the temple, the sitting Nandi Idol facing Lord Shiva is made of concrete, covered by an Iron Shield. A huge praakara (enclosoure wall) of the temple resembling a fort, covers the main temple comprising 64 idols and ancient deities. Inside the Sanctum of Lord Shiva temple, one can see Lord Snapana Ganapathi at Navarang and 6 lingas in a separate Chamber. Devotes after having a darshan of all the Gods inside the temple, report to the devotee of Shiva - Chandikeshwara to authorize the grace of Shiva. The “Navagraha’s” installed in front of Shiva temple attracts more number of devotees during Amavase(the new moon day). 

The more than 70ft high, 5 storey Rajagopura with 5 glittering brass "Kalasha " facing east is a wonderful specimen of the south Indian style of Hoysala architecture. The temple has big stage on either side in front of the temple. The stage witnesses the Cultural Utsav during the special occasions.

On either side of the main entrance of the temple, one can see the carvings of Lord Ganesha at left and Goddess Chamundeshwari at right. Mummadi Krishna Raja Wodeyar installed the Lord Chamarajeswara Linga in the memory of his father. Goddess Kempa-nanjambha in the memory of his mother resides to the left side of Lord Chamarajeshwara. But the historians and scholars assert that the temple was rebuilt by Mummadi Krishna Raja Wodeyar.

         Manuals say that the idols installed in the temple were brought from Balamuri temple in Srirangapatnam. The most characteristic and particularly interesting objects within the temple, are the paintings and stucco coloured images of Mythological instances taken from Girija Kalyana, Samudra Manthan (churning of sea to get Amrutha) and Goddess Chamundeshwari and Kempananjambha shrine. It is said that the images are maintained according to Mysore style by professional Palace artists belonging to Somavamsha Dynasty. 

 The color used for paintings were prepared by the Blue, Red and Yellow stones with a mixture of diamond Gum after crushing the stones to find powder. The color in stucco figures will last long time and can be witnessed even today at many temples in Mysore region including Chamarajeshwara temple. While a majority of the paintings are in a sad state of affairs some still carry the tinge of delicacy and softness, discernible only to shrewd eyes. 

 The temple was wealthy during the period Wodeyar Dynasty. Mummadi Wodeyar who visited the temple along with his three wives, is said to have presented all the valuable jewelry ornaments to the Lord Shiva. Even to this day, all the ornaments are kept in treasury and decorated during Girija kalyana celebration. Mummadi Wodeyar has donated the revenue of 13 villages to the temple to meet the expenditure incurred by the temple. But the income from the villages had been stopped due to the implementation of land reforms Act. Now a days, the temple income is said to have risen to Rs. 4 Lakhs per year, donated solely by the devotees. 

         CELEBRATIONS

Customary rituals and special aradhanas, poojas are conducted during the time of Shivarathri and Girijakalyana. Over thousands of devotees from other parts of the states witness the famous Chamarajeshwaraswamy Rathayathra celebrated with grandeur during the month of Aashada (July month) on every year. 

The Chamarajeshwaraswamy Ratha yathra is famous in this region because of the unique chariot fest celebrated during the month of Aashada (July Month). The Ratha yathra also has a special reference to the newly married couples. It is a custom normally followed in this region that the newly married couples must necessarily throw a pair of Banana fruit to the rolling chariot. The Rathotsava is also witnessed by many couples who have undergone child marriage, which is still being practiced in rural areas of Chamarajanagar District. 

        

The Rathothsava celebration takes place with an inclusion of other four Ratha’s, prominent of which includes Kempananjamba Ammanavara Ratha. The main chamarajeshwara ratha has a history of over 167 years. It is said that the main ratha was built by Basavaraje Urs of Urs Dynasty who served as a “bhakshi” in palace of Mysore Wodeyar in 1835.

ವಕ್ಕಲೇರಿಯ ಮಾರ್ಕ೦ಡೇಯ ಪರ್ವತ

ವಕ್ಕಲೇರಿಯ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಶ್ವರಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಜಯಂತಿ

ಚಿನ್ನದ ನಾಡು ಕೋಲಾರ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಪುರಾತನ ಪುಣ್ಯಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ ವಕ್ಕಲೇರಿ. ಅರಣ್ಯ ಹಾಗೂ ಬೆಟ್ಟಗುಡ್ಡಗಳಿಂದ ಕೂಡಿದ ಈ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಕೃತಿ ಸೌಂದರ್ಯದಿಂದ ಶ್ರೀಮಂತವಾದ ರಮಣೀಯ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಶ್ವರಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟವಿದೆ. ಬೆಟ್ಟಕ್ಕೆ ಈ ಹೆಸರು ಬರಲು ಕಾರಣ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಮೇಲಿರುವ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಶ್ವರಸ್ವಾಮಿಯ ಬೃಹತ್ ದೇವಾಲಯ.

ಬಿಳಿಬೆಟ್ಟ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯ ನದಿಯ ಉಗಮ ಸ್ಥಾನವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಬಂಗಾರಪೇಟೆ ತಾಲ್ಲೂಕು ಬೂದಿಕೋಟ ಬಳಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯ ಜಲಾಶಯವೇ ಇದೆ.

ವಕ್ಕಲೇರಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಸುತ್ತಮುತ್ತಲ ಗ್ರಾಮಸ್ಥರ ಆರಾಧ್ಯ ದೈವವಾಗಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಪದ್ಮಶಾಲಿ ಜನಾಂಗದ ಕುಲದೈವವಾದ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಶ್ವರಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಅವತಾರದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಪುರಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಕಥೆಯಿದೆ.

ಐತಿಹ್ಯ

ಬ್ರಹ್ಮ ಮಾನಸ ಪುತ್ರನಾದ ಭೃಗು ಮಹರ್ಷಿಯ ವಂಶಸ್ಥನಾದ ಮೃಕಂಡು ಮಹಾಮುನಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಮರುಧ್ವತಿ ದೇವಿ ದಂಪತಿಗೆ ಬಹಳ ಕಾಲ ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರಿಂದ ಮೃಕಂಡು ಪುತ್ರಾರ್ಥಿಯಾಗಿ ಪರಮೇಶ್ವರನನ್ನು ಕುರಿತು ತಪಸ್ಸು ಮಾಡಿದ. ತಪಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಮೆಚ್ಚಿದ ಈಶ್ವರ ಪ್ರತ್ಯಕ್ಷನಾಗಿ ಜ್ಞಾನಿಯೂ ದೈವಭಕ್ತನೂ ಆದ ಅಲ್ಪಾಯುಷಿ ಮಗ ಬೇಕೋ ಅಥವಾ ದೀರ್ಘಾಯುಷಿಯಾದ ಲೋಕಕಂಟಕನಾದ ಮಗ ಬೇಕೋ ಎಂದು ಕೇಳಿದಾಗ, ಮೃಕಂಡು ಅಲ್ಪಾಯುಷಿಯಾದರೂ ಜ್ಞಾನಿಯಾದ ಮಗನೇ ಬೇಕೆನ್ನುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಹೀಗೆ ಅಲ್ಪಾಯುಷಿಯಾಗಿ ಜನಿಸಿದವನೇ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯ.

ತಾನು ಅಲ್ಪಾಯು ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿದ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯ, ತನ್ನ ತಂದೆ, ತಾಯಿಗಳ ಸಂತುಷ್ಟಿಗಾಗಿ ಶಿವನನ್ನು ಕುರಿತು ತಪವನ್ನಾಚರಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಆತನ ಆಯುಶ್ ಮುಗಿದ ದಿನ ಈಗಿನ ವಕ್ಕಲೇರಿಯ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಶಿಖರದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯ ಶಿವಪೂಜೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾಗ, ಅವನ ಪ್ರಾಣ ಕೊಂಡೊಯ್ಯಲು ಬಂದ ಯಮಧರ್ಮ, ಅವನ ಕೊರಳಿಗೆ ಪಾಶ ಹಾಕಿದಾಗ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯ ಶಿವಲಿಂಗ ತಬ್ಬಿ ಹಿಡಿಯುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಯಮ ಬಲವಂತ ಮಾಡಿ ಎಳೆದಾಗ, ಲಿಂಗದಿಂದ ಕೋಪವಿಷ್ಟನಾಗಿ ಎದ್ದ ಶಿವ,ತನ್ನ ತ್ರಿಶೂಲದಿಂದ ಯಮನನ್ನೇ ಕೊಲ್ಲಲು ಮುಂದಾಗುತ್ತಾನೆ. ನಂತರ ಶಾಂತನಾಗಿ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯನಿಗೆ ಚಿರಂಜೀವಿಯಾಗೆಂದು ವರ ನೀಡುತ್ತಾನೆ.

ಯಮನನ್ನು ಗೆದ್ದು ಚಿರಂಜೀವಿಯಾದ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯನನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸಲು ಭುವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅವತರಿಸಿದ ಶಿವ ಇದೇ ಬೆಟ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಶ್ವರನಾಗಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟವೇರಿ ಬರುವ ಭಕ್ತರನ್ನು ಸಲಹುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾನೆ.

ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯನಿಗೆ ಯಮನ ಪಾಶದಿಂದ ವಿಮುಕ್ತಿಗೊಳ್ಳುವ ವರ ನೀಡಿದ ಕಾರಣದಿಂದ ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ‘ ವರಪುರಿ “ ಎಂದು ಹೆಸರು ಬಂತು ಎಂದು ಸ್ಕಾಂದ ಪುರಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಉಲ್ಲೇಖವಿದೆ. ಕ್ರಮಕಪುರಿ ಎಂದೂ ಕರೆಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ ಈ ಊರು ನಂತರ ವಕ್ಕಲೇರಿಯಾಯಿತು ಎಂದು ಸ್ಥಳೀಯರು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಮಾರ್ಕ೦ಡೇಯ ಪರ್ವತ ದೇವಾಲಯ

ಈ ದೇವಾಲಯವು ವಿಶಾಲವಾದ ಏಕಶಿಲಾ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿರ್ಮಿತವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಈ ಬೃಹತ್ ವಿಶಾಲವಾದ ಬಂಡೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಅಡಿ ಅಗಲದ ಸುಮಾರು ಉದ್ದವಾದ ಕಪ್ಪಾದ ಪಟ್ಟಿಯು ಬಂಡೆಯ ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಪಾರ್ಶ್ವದಿಂದ ಗರ್ಭಾಂಕಣದವರೆಗೆ ಬಂಡೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂಡಿ ಬಂದಿದೆ. ಇದರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಯಮಧರ್ಮರಾಯನು ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯನಿಗೆ ಯಮಪಾಶವನ್ನು ಹಾಕಿ ಎಳೆದ ಕುರುಹುಗಳು ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಮೇಲಿರುವ ಬಾವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಕಾಣಿಸುತ್ತದೆ ಎನ್ನಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಯಮ ಬಂದು ಎಳೆದಾಗ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯ ಶಿವಲಿಂಗವನ್ನು ಕೈಗಳಿಂದ ತಬ್ಬಿ ಹಿಡಿದಾಗ ಮೂಡಿತೆನ್ನಲಾದ ಉಗುರಿನ ಗುರುತುಗಳು ಶಿವಲಿಂಗದ ಮೇಲಿವೆ.

೧೨ನೇ ಶತಮಾನದ ಆದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭವಾದ ದೇವಾಲಯ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಕಾರ್ಯ ೧೬ನೇ ಶತಮಾನದವರೆವಿಗೆ ನಡೆಯಿತೆಂಬುದು ಇತಿಹಾಸದಿಂದ ವೇದ್ಯವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಚೋಳರು, ವಿಜಯನಗರದ ಅರಸರು ದೇವಾಲಯ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಪಡಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ ೧೯೭೦ರಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಪಟೇಲ್ ವೆಂಕಟರಾಮೇಗೌಡ ರವರು ಶ್ರಮವಹಿಸಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟ ಹತ್ತಿಬರಲು ಸುಲಭವಾದ ಮೆಟ್ಟಲುಗಳನ್ನು ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

೧೯೮೮ರಲ್ಲಿ ದೇವಾಲಯಕ್ಕೆ ಗೋಪುರ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಆರಂಭವಾಗಿ, ೧೯೯೦ರಲ್ಲಿ ಅನಾವರಣಗೊಂಡಿತು. ಈ ಸಮಾರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾರತದ ಮಾಜಿ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಪತಿಗಳಾದ ನೀಲಂ ಸಂಜಿವರೆಡ್ಡಿ ಮತ್ತಿತರರು ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಂಡಿದರು. ೧೯೮೭ರಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲವು ಕಿಡಿಗೇಡಿಗಳು ಇಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಪುರಾತನ ಸುಬ್ರಮಣ್ಯ, ಪಾರ್ವತಿ, ಗಣಪತಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಶ್ರೀವಳ್ಳಿ ವಿಗ್ರಹಗಳನ್ನು ಭಗ್ನಗೊಳಿಸಿದಾಗ, ವೇಮಗಲ್ ಶಾಸಕರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಶ್ರೀ ಬೈರೇಗೌಡರು ಹೊಸ ವಿಗ್ರಹಗಳನ್ನು ಕೆತ್ತನೆ ಮಾಡಿಸಿ, ೧೯೯೦ರಲ್ಲಿ ಪುನರ್ ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಠೆ ಮಾಡಿಸಿದರು. ಈ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನಕ್ಕೆ ಮಹಾದ್ವಾರ, ಬಹೃತ್ ವಿಶಾಲವಾದ ಬಸವಮಂಟಪ, ಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ಮಂಟಪ, ಸುಖನಾಸಿ, ನವರಂಗ, ಯಾಗ ಮಂಟಪ, ಗರ್ಭಾಂಕಣವಿದೆ. ವಿಶಾಲ ಪ್ರಕಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಶ್ವರ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಯವರ ಮೂಲಸ್ಥಾನದ ಸುತ್ತಲೂ ವೀರಭದ್ರಸ್ವಾಮಿ, ಸಪ್ತಮಾತೃಕೆಯರು, ವಿಘ್ನೇಶ್ವರಸ್ವಾಮಿ, ಸುಬ್ರಹ್ಮಣ್ಯೇಸ್ವಾಮಿ, ಪ್ರಸನ್ನ ಪಾರ್ವತಾದೇವಿ ಅಮ್ಮನವರು, ಚಂಡಿಕೇಶ್ವರಸ್ವಾಮಿ, ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ, ಕಾಲಭೈರವಸ್ವಾಮಿ ದೇವರುಗಳ ಗುಡಿಗಳಿವೆ.

ನವರಂಗದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ದ್ವಾರ ಪಾಲಕರ ವಿಗ್ರಹಗಳು ಗಮನಸೆಳೆಯುವಂತಿವೆ. ಈ ದೇವಾಲಯದ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ಮಂಟಪ ಹಾಗೂ ನವರಂಗದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಕಂಬಗಳು ಅತಿ ಸುಂದರವಾದ ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮ ಕೆತ್ತನೆಯಿಂದ ಮನಸೂರೆಗೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತವೆ.

ಮಹಾ ಶಿವರಾತ್ರಿ ದಿನ ಎರಡು ದಿನ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಮೇಲೆ ಜಾತ್ರೆ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತದೆ. ಜಾತ್ರೆಯ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಶ್ವರ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಯವರ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮರಥೋತ್ಸವ ಹಾಗೂ ಪದ್ಮಶಾಲಿ ಸಮಾಜದವರಿಂದ ಧ್ವಜಾರೋಹಣ, ಪರಮೇಶ್ವರನಿಗೆ ನಡೆಯುವ ಹತ್ತು ತಲೆ ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತು ಕೈಗಳ ರಾವಣ ವಾಹನೋತ್ಸವ ವಕ್ಕಲೇರಿ ಗ್ರಾಮದಲ್ಲಿ ನೆರವೇರುತ್ತದೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ನೋಡಲು ಎರಡು ಕಣ್ಣು ಸಾಲದು ಎಂದರೆ ಅತಿಶಯೋಕ್ತಿಯಲ್ಲ. ಆಷಾಡ ಶುದ್ಧ ತದಿಗೆಯಂದು ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಮೇಲೆ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯಸ್ವಾಮಿಯ ಜಯಂತಿ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತದೆ.

ಈ ದೇವಾಲಯದ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಸುತ್ತಲೂ ೧೭೩೦ ಎಕರೆ ಜಮೀನು ಅರಣ್ಯ ಇಲಾಖೆಯ ಸ್ವಾಧೀನದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದು, ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನವು ಮುಜರಾಯಿ ಇಲಾಖೆಗೆ ಸೇರಿದೆ.ಈಗ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ದಿ ದತ್ತಿ (ರಿ) ರವರು ದೇವಾಲಯದ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ದಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಗಳು ಹಾಗೂ ನಿತ್ಯ ಪೂಜೆಗಳನ್ನು ನಡೆಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಬರುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಈ ದೇವಾಲಯ ಹಿಂಭಾಗದ ಸುಮಾರು ೩ ಪರ್ಲಾಂಗ್ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿಳಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟವಿದ್ದು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ವೀರಾಂಜನೇಯ ದೇವಾಲಯ ಇದೆ. ಈ ಪ್ರದೇಶಕ್ಕೆ ರಾಮಾಯಣ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಲವಕುಶ ಹಾಗೂ ಸೀತಾರಾಮರು ಬಂದಿದ್ದರು ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿಯ ಒಂದು ಗುಹೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಕ್ಕಳು ಮಲಗುವಂತಹ ಶಿಲಾ ತೊಟ್ಟಿಲುಗಳಿದ್ದು, ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಲವಕುಶರು ಮಲಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು ಎಂದು ಹಿರಿಯರು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಬಿಳಿಬೆಟ್ಟ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯ ನದಿಯ ಉಗಮ ಸ್ಥಾನವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಬಂಗಾರಪೇಟೆ ತಾಲ್ಲೂಕು ಬೂದಿಕೋಟ ಬಳಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯ ಜಲಾಶಯವೇ ಇದೆ.

ಸೋಮವಾರ ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ 10:00 ರಿಂದ ಸಂಜೆ 4:30   ರವರೆಗೆ ದೇವಾಲಯ ತೆರೆದಿರುತ್ತದೆ. ಮಂಗಳವಾರದಿಂದ ಭಾನುವಾರದವರೆಗೆ ಬೆಟ್ಟಕ್ಕೆ ಬರುವ ಭಕ್ತರು, ಟ್ರಸ್ಟ್ ಖಜಾಂಚಿಯವರಾದ ಸಿ.ಎಂ.ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡಪ್ಪ ಅವರಿಗೆ 9449619980 ಅಥವಾ ಅರ್ಚಕರಾದ ಸಿ. ರವಿಶಂಕರ್ ಅವರನ್ನು 9448641948, 08152-237575 ದೂರವಾಣಿ ಮೂಲಕ ಸಂಪರ್ಕಿಸಿ ಹೋದರೆ, ದೇವರ ದರ್ಶನ ಮಾಡಬಹುದು.

ಮಾರ್ಗ 

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಗರದಿಂದ ಮಾಲೂರಿನ ಮುಖಾಂತರ ಹೋದರೆ 65 ಕಿಲೋಮೀಟರ್ ಮಾಲೂರಿನ ಬಾಲಾಜಿಥಿಯೇಟರ್ ಸರ್ಕಲ್ ಬಳಿ ಎಡಕ್ಕೆ ತಿರುಗಿ ಹೋಗಬೇಕು), ಕೋಲಾರದ ಮುಖಾಂತರ ಹೋದರೆ 75 ಕಿಲೋಮೀಟರ್ ಕೋಲಾರಕ್ಕೆ 2 ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ಮೊದಲು ಕೃಷಿ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಬಲಕ್ಕೆ ತಿರುಗಿ ಹೋಗಬೇಕು   ಕೋಲಾರ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಾಲೂರು ಎರಡು ಕಡೆಯಿಂದ 13 ಕಿ.ಲೋ.ಮೀಟರ್ ಮಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿರುವ   ವಕ್ಕಲೇರಿ ಗ್ರ್ರಾಮದಿಂದ 3 ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿ ದೇವಾಲಯವಿದೆ. ಬಸ್ಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬರುವವರು ಮಾಲೂರು ಇಲ್ಲವೆ ಕೋಲಾರ ದಿಂದ ವಕ್ಕಲೇರಿ ಗ್ರಾಮಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗುವ ಬಸ್ಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂದು ವಕ್ಕಲೇರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇಳಿದು ಆಟೋ ಹಿಡಿದು ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ತಪ್ಪಲಿಗೆ ಬರಬಹುದು. ಶಕ್ತಿ ಇರುವವರು ಮೆಟ್ಟಿಲು ಹತ್ತಿ ಬರಬಹುದು. ಸ್ವಂತ ವಾಹನ ಇರುವವರು ರಸ್ತೆ ಮಾರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಮೇಲೆ ಹೋಗಲು ಅವಕಾಶವಿದೆ. ಗ್ರಾಮದ ಹೊಟೆಲ್ ದೂರವಾಣಿ -೯೯೦೧೮೮೩೨೫೨, ಮನೆ:೯೩೪೨೨೬೮೧೨೫-೦೮೧೫೨-೨೩೭೫೭೦). ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗೆ ದೇವಾಲಯದ ಕನ್ವೀನರ್ ಆದ ವಿ. ವೇಣುಗೋಪಾಲಗೌಡ ಅವರನ್ನು 94491 87049, 08152-237621 ಮೂಲಕ ಸಂಪರ್ಕಿಸಬಹುದು.

Vakkaleri Markandeshwara Swamy Hill Temple, Kolar

Local Highlight this week: Vakkaleri Markandeshwara Swamy Jayanthi , June 30, 2014 

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Markandeya, the name of a sage, is the name of a well-known waterfall in North Karnataka. But a hill, a temple, a reservoir and a fish farm by the same name are in Kolar district too and they make for an interesting visit.

Two streams, one from Vakkaleri Hills (Kolar taluk) and the other from Tekal Hills (Malur Taluk) join near Budikote to form the Markandeya river. Its course is interesting.  It flows southwards into the descending ghats forming a waterfall near Thamatamakanapalli, joins the Vrishabhavati and leaves Karnataka to enter Hosur Taluk of Tamil Nadu. Ultimately it joins the Pennar (Ponnaiyar).

Once upon a time, River Markandeya was flowing over a distance of around 50 km. There were also 274 tanks of which the Markandeya Tank was the biggest. And the Markandeya Halla was one of the important streams of the Palar-Pennar basin.

Though the board giving details of the dam here is not clear, the name of Sir Mirza Ismail and the year 1940 on a plaque are visible. It is a masonry dam, constructed between 1939 and 1944. It is 61 ft high from the foundation and 1050 ft long. On a clear day, a view of the two streams with the hills in the backdrop and the water surface of the reservoir in front can mesmerise you.

The fish farm was established in 1942-43. Exotic and backwater fish varieties are bred here.

Legend of Markandeya - the ardent devotee

Markandeya is an ancient sage born in the clan of Bhrigu rishi.  Mrikandu rishi and his wife Marudmati did not have any children for a long time. They then worshipped Shiva and sought from him the boon of begetting a son. As a result he was given the choice of either  an exemplary gifted child who lives only for 16 years or a child of low intelligence who would live for 100 years. Mrikandu rishi chose the former, and was blessed with Markandeya, an exemplary son, destined to die at the age of 16.

Shiva protects Markendeya from Yama

Markandeya spent his childhood in the town of Shahabad Markanda on the banks of river Markanda in the Haryana state. He grew up to be a great devotee of Shiva and had mastered the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra by the ago of 12. When he reached the age of 16, he started praying to Shiva to get rid from the clutches of Yama, - he was not ready to leave Shiva. On the day of his destined death he continued his worship of Shiva in his aniconic form of Shivalingam.  The place where he prayed and the further happenings took place at a hill named Markandeya Betta, 2 km from Vakkaleri town and 18 km from Bangarpet in Kolar district of Karnataka state.

When Yama came, Markandeya was praying to a Shiva Lingam. When he saw Yama, out of fright, Markandeya grabbed a hold of the Shiva Lingam and asked Lord Shiva to protect him. When Yama forced him, he grabbed the Shiva Lingam. Yama threw his pashana (Yama’s whip) and sprung his noose around the young sage's neck. By accident or fate the noose mistakenly landed around the Shivalingam. Suddenly the Lingam burst open with majestic sound and , Shiva emerged in all his fury attacking Yama for his act of aggression.. He threw his Trishula (trident) on Yama and defeating Yama in battle to the point of death. Shiva then revived him, under the condition that the devout youth would live forever. For this act, Shiva was thereafter known also as Kalantaka ("Ender of Death"). This was said to have happened inThirukkadavoor in Tamilnadu. Shiva was very much pleased with the boy and gifted the boon of being Chiranjeevi (who has no death). 

Thus Maha Mrityunjaya Stotra is also attributed to Markandeya,  and this legend of Shiva conquering death is inscribed in metal and worshipped at Thirukkadavoor in Tamilnadu. A similar account is also given in Narasimha Purana, although in that version Markandeya is rescued by Vishnu after he recites the Mrityunjaya Stotra.

Markandeya Hill Temple

If you want to pursue the Markandeya story further, you may visit the typically Dravidian Markandeya Temple on the Markandeya Betta, two miles South East of Vakkaleri. The Markandeya jalashaya can be quiet a weekend picnic spot.

Markandeshwara temple atop the Markandeshwara hill is a 15th Century Ganga monument, that stands on a beautiful hill top. It is said that the great sage Markandeya meditated to escape the strong clutches of Yama(death) with great devotion to Lord Shiva, here. A temple stands as a testimony to it.

And strangely enough, here is a well that has a black striped mark inside, which is said to be a mark of Yama paasha(God of death) that is extended till the Shiva linga inside the Garbhagriha. The temple also has intricate carvings on all the pillars with stories from Hindu mythology. Durga, Ganesha and Kartikeya temples are around the main temple of Shiva. Linga inside the Garbhagriha is made of Saligram stone, and is worshipped every Monday, with abhishekha.

The temple is on the hill and has many things that give us the proof. Currently are a three finger mark on the Lingam and a mark of the whip inside the well situated in the temple. Earlier there were footsteps of the Bull on which Yama had come, Yama’s body prints when he got faint and the marks of whip from where Yama threw till the Lingam. Unfortunately due to the renovation and temple developmental activities stones have been paved everywhere, in the compound and inside the temple which has buried the prints.

The temple is open only on Mondays. For pooja at any other time one can contact the priest who usually stays at Vakkleri town. 

Markandeya Purana

Painting of Markandeya by Raja Ravi Varma

Markandeya is celebrated as a devotee of both Shiva and Vishnu and is mentioned in a number of stories from the Puranas. The Markandeya Purana especially, comprises a dialogue between Markandeya and a sage called Jaimini, and a number of chapters in the Bhagavata Purana are dedicated to his conversations and prayers. He is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. Markandeya is venerated within all mainstream Hindu traditions.

Today, Markandeya Tirtha, where the sage Markandeya wrote the Markandeya Purana is situated on a trekking route to the Yamunotri Shrine in the Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand.

The Devi Mahatmya section of the Markandeya Purana is one of the most important texts of Shakti tradition 

Markandeya in Bhagavata Purana

Markandeya prays to Shesha Shayana Vishnu

A tale from the Bhagavata Purana states that once sage Narayana visited Markandeya and asked him for a boon. Markandeya prayed to sage Narayana to show him his illusory power or maya since sages Nara-Narayana are incarnation of Supereme Lord Narayana. To fulfill his wish, Vishnu appeared in the form of a child floating on a leaf, and declared to the sage that he was Time and Death. Sage Markandeya entered into his mouth and save himself from the surging water. Inside the boy's stomach Markandeya discovered all the worlds, the seven regions and the seven oceans. The mountains and the kingdoms were all there. So were all living beings. Markandeya did not know what to make of all this. He started to pray to Vishnu. No sooner had he started, than he came out of the boy's mouth. Vishnu now appeared before him and blessed him. The sage spent a thousand years with Vishnu. He composed the Bala mukundashtakam at this moment.

How to get there

Markandeya is 17 km from Bangarpet beyond Budikote. It has a good motorable road. There are two villages on the river bank, Toralakki and Gollahalli.