Where time comes to a halt...

If the cycle of monsoon is disrupted, the results could be catastrophic, resulting in long periods of drought. That is the time when people, farmers particularly, move heaven and earth to ensure a good monsoon and worship Varuna, the raingod.

While the Greeks adored Zeus and Poseidon, we have our own gods and sages. Rushyashrunga, the sage who was known to effect  a bountiful rainfall seems to be the most worshipped. Only has to travel to Kigga, a little town in Chikmagalur district, to know more about the sage, and the legends surrounding the town and its temple.

Situated close to Sringeri, Kigga is a sleepy town. With just one road flanked by large houses with tiled roofs and a temple towards one end, this is a place where time stands still. But for the inquisitive, Kigga has a few things to explore.  

The temple of Rushyashrunga standing at the end of the road like the guardian deity is a simple structure without much architectural extravagance. But it is large, with a sprawling inner courtyard. A tall dhwajasthambha adorns the entrance which leads to the mukhamantapa and the sanctum.

The soft-spoken priest in the temple narrates the legend of the temple. Mythology has it that this place was a dense jungle, where sage Vibhandaka penanced. Under mysterious circumstances his progeny was created in the womb of  a deer, and a son was born to him.

The child had the horn of a deer, and was named Rushyashrunga (shrunga in Sanskrit meaning the horn). Vibhandaka raised this child in the forest, far away from the materialistic world. Rushyashrunga grew up to be a virtuous saint. His powers came to light only when Narada, the  sage, advised the king of Angadesha province to invite the sage, because the kingdom was reeling under drought.

The moment Rushyashrunga stepped into the province, there was the sound of thunder, and a torrent of rain followed bringing an end to the twelve-year drought. Pleased with this, the king got his  daughter Shantha married to Rushyashrunga. Ever since, he has been worshipped as the raingod. He returned to the forest along with his wife after some years and performed penance.

Lord Chandramouleshwara appeared rather quickly and ordained that a temple be built at the base of the hill. It is said that the linga here in the sanctum has the vestiges of horns. The temple is called the Rushyashrunga temple.  

Kigga is a place of great natural beauty too. Right next to the temple is a large rectangular pond with green water. Surrounded by dense forests, this spot is serene and quiet. Another interesting excursion would be to the Sirimane waterfalls.

The small falls, surrounded by tree canopies, can be reached by a flight of steps. Unlike other waterfalls in deep jungles which are not easy to access, this one has a well-made road all the way to the falls.

Located at about five km from Kigga, vehicles and autos can go up to the falls. Even a leisurely walk to the spot is a pleasant experience.

Getting there   
Kigga can be reached by bus from Sringeri (10 km), which is well connected to other towns including Bangalore (340 km). Sirimane falls (5 km) can be reached by vehicles or auto rickshaws available at Kigga.