Avani is a small village famous for its ancient Shiva temples and monuments on the adjacent hill. This small place is a reputed centre of considerable antiquity, known by various names as Avantika Kshetra, Ahavaniya and Dakshina Gaya, and is said to be one of the ten places of great sanctity in India. It is also the seat of an ancient math established by the order of Adi Shankara. This math is said to have been established about 500 years ago.
According to mythology, Avani was the abode of sage Valmiki, the composer of epic Ramayana. The story goes that Sita Devi, when banished by her husband Sri Rama, stayed here and gave birth to her twin sons Lava and Kusha. Historically, Avani appears to have been a place of great importance as a Shaiva Kshetra, popularly called as the Gaya of the South. It is believed that a Shivalaya was erected by the queen of Nolamba king Vira Mahendra.
The Shiva temples at Avani form a group of seven shrines. These fine temples have been built in medieval Dravidian style, undoubtedly in various stages by different dynasties. According to an old inscription found in the temple premises, it is believed that the original shrines were constructed during the Ganga period, improved upon during the Chola rule, and additional structures were built at a later period. The figures of boar and dagger, sculptured on the outer walls of the temples, confirm that additions were made during the reign of Vijayanagar rulers.
The temples are enclosed in a spacious courtyard with an elegant tall stone main entrance facing east. The basement of the temples has distinct cornices, one of which is ornamented with a row of small horse-shoe arches, and another bearing a frieze of elephants, lions, yalis and makara faces in various poses. The outer walls contain pierced stone windows well carved with finely sculptured idols. Each shrine has a linga installed in the sanctum.
The Ramaligeshwara shrine is the most ornate of all in the enclosure, with very fine sculptures all around the outer walls. The hall has a square ceiling with a beautifully executed figure of Uma Maheshwara in the centre and Ashta Dikpalas around. There are two profusely ornamented figures standing in the hall, believed to represent the brothers Ilavanji Raya and Vasudeva Raya, who renovated the old temples. The doorways of some of these temples are beautifully carved in black stone.
Adjacent to these shrines on the west is a hillock called Valmiki Parvatha, locally known as Seethamma Betta, which has many interesting legendary places connected with Ramayana. There is a sacred water spring known as Dhanushkoti Tirtha between two huge boulders, said to have been created by the arrow of Lakshmana. A large cave on the hillock is pointed as the hermitage of sage Valmiki. There is a huge boulder on top of the hillock called Kudure Gundu, which is stated to have been used by Lava and Kusha to tie the sacrificial horse of Rama. There is another small spring called Kashaya Tirtham. On the summit of the hillock is a small temple carved in a huge boulder, enshrining an idol of Parvathi, popularly called as Sitamma.
The annual car festival of Ramalingeshwara is celebrated here for 10 days on a grand scale during Maha Shivarathri. A  cattle fair also forms a part of the festival when thousands of pilgrims assemble here.
Besides its mythological importance, Avani is an excellent place for rock climbing enthusiasts and nature lovers. The unpolluted atmosphere of the place has made it very popular as a picnic spot too. For the busy city dweller, Sitamma Betta is an excellent retreat for rejuvenation.
HOW TO GET THERE
Avani is 95 km from Bangalore. Take a diversion on Old Madras Road 10 km before Mulbagal. A number of buses ply on this route. It is advisable to carry your own food and water. Overnight stay is possible at the PWD guest house and a few lodges at Mulbagal Town.