The place is also supposed to be endowed by five extraordinary qualities. The hill, also known as Vidyagiri, is among five special hills known as ‘panchagiri’.
Vidyagiri is spread over an area of 400 acres and the place had its brightest period under the rule of Bhyregowda. Forts, canals, tanks, wells, ponds, temples and choultries, built by Bhyregowda, dotted this town at one point in time.
Bhyregowda proved to be a revolutionary ruler, in that he sowed the seeds of literacy for everyone in an age when education was a difficult proposition. With scholars coming here from far and wide for studies, Vidyagiri came to be known as ‘Oduva betta’ or study hill. In the local Telugu-mixed rustic lingo it is known as ‘Duvulakonda’. Vidyagiri, in a way, was a rural university of sorts.
Historians say that the past glory of Gudibande should now be revived using the latest Natural water springs were developed in the past to ensure that there was no drinking water problem in the region. Also, there were different sections for different subjects.
Mystery
A cave named Thimmajammana gavi in the vicinity still remains a mystery. It is said that the cave had a metallurgy department. There is also a rare Shakti Ganapati idol in the cave.
The apex of the Vidyagiri hill has a ground big enough to be called a stadium, so that students could involve themselves in sports activities.
Legend has it that Lord Rama had spent some time here on his way to the forest, along with Sita and Lakshmana. He is said to have studied in the ‘gurukulas’ here.
But as time passed, no trace was left of the mini university that this place once was. The government land in the vicinity has been gobbled up by land sharks. The Education department can make use of the government land available here to set up Morarji Residential School, Chennamma Residential School, sports fields and other facilities, say the locals. Elders here feel that the glory of Gudibande should be restored and developed as a hub of learning.