JOIN USHill with rare medicinal plants
Sages used to live in the cave atop the hills. Legend has that one of the sages, Gargaya Mahamuni, observed penance for a long time here. This hill has continued to remain as important and significant as in the past.
The hill is rich in vegetation and to study its bio-diversity it is frequented by Ayurvedic doctors and scientists from abroad.
According to mythology this hill has a connection with Ramayana. Following the kidnapping of Sita by the demon king Ravana, Rama crossed the ocean and waged a war against Ravana to rescue his wife.
Supporting him were Hanuman and his associates with their strong army of monkeys. During the war, Lakshmana, Rama’s brother, was hit by an arrow and was seriously injured and was unconscious.
To bring him into consciousness required him to be treated with the herb, Sanjeevini.
Hanuman tales
Hanuman was sent to fetch this plant and he landed on a mountain range, but he could not locate the plant.
Flying in the sky, he therefore carried the the hill to Sri Lanka. On the way, a piece of this hill broke and fell down on earth.
This piece is the hill found in Gedare village.
Over a hundred years ago, a sage called Gavirangappa used to live in this cave. Since then this cave is known as Gavirangappa’s Cave.
Trees of various species are found at the base of the bill, while medicinal plants are found on the hill.
A legend has it that a man had gone to the hills to fetch firewood. While cutting the wood he accidently hurt his hand with his axe.
To prevent bleeding he rubbed some leaves and by the time he reached home he was completely healed. These leaves which he used are said to be Sajeevini patra associated with Hanuman, “Government should develop Gedare hill as s tourist spot just like the Siddara betta near Koratagere.
Students from various schools and colleges come to see this hill. Facilities should be provided to the visitors”, says Ashwathama the caretaker of Gargaya Ashram and Mutt.