Kappadi, by the Cauvery

Travel Tales

B V Prakash visits the village of Kappadi in K R Nagar taluk near Mysore and discovers that it is a place of great spiritual significance. The village by the Cauvery is also a great spot to unwind.

As River Cauvery flows through the district of Mysore, many interesting spots have sprung up along the banks. There are waterfalls, check dams, canals, bathing ghats and temples.

The landscapes around these spots also exuberate lush green foliage creating a pleasant contrast of colours. The picture postcard scenery and the rejuvenating  sight of flowing water bring life to otherwise dull locales. Temples and religious centres are often found in the vicinity of the river, making such spots famous. An example of such a location is the not-too-well known Kappadi Kshetra in K R Nagar taluk near Mysore.

Unlike the heavily congested and noisy town of Hebbalu near KR Nagar, through which one has to pass, the village of Kappadi, situated barely 5 km away, is in an entirely peaceful and calm surroundings.

The shallow but wide stretch of the Cauvery drifts along so gracefully that it almost looks motionless. The numerous grey and white boulders add interest to the view while the green grass, bushes and trees  along the bank complement the background. The wide easy steps carved on the rocky plateau lead to the river.

To enjoy the serenity of the place, there is nothing like sitting on a rock or the steps and watching the river go by while the calls of innumerable birds fill the air. Some birds like kingfishers, egrets, cormorants and darters (snake birds) can be spotted too. For the avid birder, the list of birds that can be observed here is endless.

Kappadi is also a place of great religious significance. It is the seat of two saintly mortals who lived here years ago.

The gaddiges (seats) here are dedicated to Rachappaji and his sister, Chennammaji, who were considered living gods in their times by virtue of the miraculous abilities they displayed to help mitigate people’s problems.

According to the present pontiff  Varchuswee SS Raje Urs, Rachappaji and his sister were originally from Yadgir taluk in Gulbarga district and as ardent disciples of Manteswamy, a secular and reformist saint and contemporary of Basavanna, they travelled down south.
In those days , it is said that the southern area was considered katthale rajya, a dark kingdom, untouched by spiritual enlightenment.  

So the trio took up the task of spreading their philosophy and reached this place. After their demise, Rachappaji and his sister were entombed here.  

While at Kappadi, you can also visit the simple shrine of Siddappaji, another saint, the sacred bull called Manteswamy Basava, Kadebagilu, the entrance to the shrine, Pada Gaddige and Uriyuva Gaddige where the saints were known to give an audience to their devotees.

The otherwise quiet town bursts into activity at one time of the year. During the month-long festival held between Shivarathri and Ugadi, Kappadi comes alive, as hordes of people gather here.

Once the fair is over, Kappadi rolls back to its tranquil  ambience once again.

Getting there

Kappadi is 5.5 km north of Hebbalu village which is 4.5 km from KR Nagar (38 km from Mysore). Buses and autorickshaws ply from Hebbalu to Kappadi only during the fair.                 

The only way to reach the place at other times is to hire a private vehicle.