Miscellany-Trail of a holy man

Hunsur is a taluk centre situated at a distance of 45 km from Mysuru. The town is on the banks of River Lakshmanateertha. According to local sources, the name of the town is derived from tamarind trees found in abundance in the area (‘Hunase’ in Kannada is tamarind). Gaddige is one of the important pilgrimage centres  in Hunsur taluk. Gaddige happens to be basking in the glory of the newly-renovated temple of Sri Kendaganneshwar Swamy and Sri Malai Mahadeshwar Swamy. This ancient temple is embedded with lively modern architecture.

Sri Kendaganneshwar Swamy is believed to have been a social reformer who was born in Shiggaon taluk in Haveri district. This story dates back to about 200 years ago according to relevant sources. Sri Kendaganneshwar Swamy was born into a royal family of Shiggaon, as the eldest son of Srishaila Rajendra and Kashamma. His characteristic fiery red eyes were what led to him being named as Kendaganneshwar.

Shiggaon was attacked by the Nawab of Savanoor when Kendaganneshwar Swamy was only 10 years old. His kingdom, as well as his entire family was destroyed. He alone survived. This experience changed him and prompted him to mull over the meaning of life at a young age as his.

These incidents in his life moulded his way of thinking, and after seeking blessings from his guru he started his journey towards South Karnataka. He left his town and became a wandering holy man, a seeker of truth. He became very adept at meditation.

Bestowed with ‘power’
His vision of faith awakened the heart of millions of followers to the new conception of God. They felt spiritual fulfillment. His teachings assumed the magnitude of a powerful movement. His preachings and dedicated social reformation was noticed by the Mysore king Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar. And he was honoured by being gifted 3.5 hours of the ‘Raja Mudrana’.

‘Raja Mudrana’ is a court seal with the king’s signature. In those days it was used by the king to approve a new programme or order. The king had given this seal to Kendaganneshwar as an honour for three and a half hours. In this time, using the powers, Kendaganneswar was able to use it to donate lands to poor people.

He also donated land and wealth to organisations and societies that  worked for poor people’s welfare. Later, He became famous as Paramayogi Jagadguru.

The temple dedicated to him at Gaddige is now a major tourist attraction and is considered a spiritual zone too. As we enter the temple, on the right side, we notice a magnificent idol of Lord Ganesha. The golden glittering idol of Lord Shiva, secured with glass shield is a major attraction of the temple.

The temple also has a dasoha facility and serves people with delicious food. The versatility of the sculptures here and the scenic beauty of the place attract many tourists.