<p>These rocky hills were believed to be the abodes of sages and saints, and many have legends woven around them. The unpretentious town of Avani close to Mulbagal in Kolar district has plenty of such stories.<br /><br />It was here that the sage, Rudra Bhattaraka, performed the Ahavaniya yaga, a sacred ritual, thus giving the place the name of Ahavani. Historically, Avani or Avantika Kshetra has been associated with the Gangas and the Cholas who are among the most famous rulers of South India.<br /><br />Though one does not spot a fortress or a palace here, the exuberant style of architecture of temples seems to support this claim. Later additions and renovations bear the stamp of the Nolamba kings. Right at the base of the 3,249- ft hill, is a group of temples erected in a single courtyard. It is said that Rama, during his sojourn to Ayodhya from Lanka, came here and, in repentance of rejecting Sita, installed an Ishwaralinga which became known as Ramalingeshwara. <br /><br />His brothers, Laksmana, Shatrughna and Bharatha, who accompanied him also consecrated temples here. With the shrines of Parvathi , Subrahmanya and Jambavantha, the courtyard has a dozen shrines. Architecturally, an outstanding structure is the Lakshmanalingeshwara temple with its superbly sculpted outer walls and an ornate tower above. All the shrines and the enclosure are well-maintained by the Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI).<br /><br /></p>.<p>If visiting any of these historic temples are part of Avani’s attraction, climbing up the hill strewn with boulders is another big draw for tourists. Though the hill looks rather steep, the gradual ascent of around 2000 steps made from from rock is not intimidating. <br /><br />The Valmiki Parvatha is a cave with a narrow entrance that comes into view very close to these boulders. This was where, according to legend, sage Valmiki, who scripted the Ramayana, observed penance. Sita, rejected by Rama, is said to have taken refuge in this cave with her twins, Lava and Kusha. <br /><br />The small pond nearby is believed to be Sita’s bath, her kitchen being a cavern with pits to store food. Many of the boulders here have names such as Horalu Gundu and Kudure Gundu. But the most astonishing pile of boulders is the Thottilu Gundu, where the cradle for Lava and Kusha was attached. This rock formation is unique in appearance.<br /><br />Further up the hill is a linear cleft in the rock filled with clear water. Called Dhanushkodi, this was where, Lakshmana struck an arrow to find water, according to a popular legend. Atop the hill sits a small shrine for Sita. Getting there: The NH 4 leads you to Avani. Buses ply from Kolar and nearby towns.<br /></p>
<p>These rocky hills were believed to be the abodes of sages and saints, and many have legends woven around them. The unpretentious town of Avani close to Mulbagal in Kolar district has plenty of such stories.<br /><br />It was here that the sage, Rudra Bhattaraka, performed the Ahavaniya yaga, a sacred ritual, thus giving the place the name of Ahavani. Historically, Avani or Avantika Kshetra has been associated with the Gangas and the Cholas who are among the most famous rulers of South India.<br /><br />Though one does not spot a fortress or a palace here, the exuberant style of architecture of temples seems to support this claim. Later additions and renovations bear the stamp of the Nolamba kings. Right at the base of the 3,249- ft hill, is a group of temples erected in a single courtyard. It is said that Rama, during his sojourn to Ayodhya from Lanka, came here and, in repentance of rejecting Sita, installed an Ishwaralinga which became known as Ramalingeshwara. <br /><br />His brothers, Laksmana, Shatrughna and Bharatha, who accompanied him also consecrated temples here. With the shrines of Parvathi , Subrahmanya and Jambavantha, the courtyard has a dozen shrines. Architecturally, an outstanding structure is the Lakshmanalingeshwara temple with its superbly sculpted outer walls and an ornate tower above. All the shrines and the enclosure are well-maintained by the Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI).<br /><br /></p>.<p>If visiting any of these historic temples are part of Avani’s attraction, climbing up the hill strewn with boulders is another big draw for tourists. Though the hill looks rather steep, the gradual ascent of around 2000 steps made from from rock is not intimidating. <br /><br />The Valmiki Parvatha is a cave with a narrow entrance that comes into view very close to these boulders. This was where, according to legend, sage Valmiki, who scripted the Ramayana, observed penance. Sita, rejected by Rama, is said to have taken refuge in this cave with her twins, Lava and Kusha. <br /><br />The small pond nearby is believed to be Sita’s bath, her kitchen being a cavern with pits to store food. Many of the boulders here have names such as Horalu Gundu and Kudure Gundu. But the most astonishing pile of boulders is the Thottilu Gundu, where the cradle for Lava and Kusha was attached. This rock formation is unique in appearance.<br /><br />Further up the hill is a linear cleft in the rock filled with clear water. Called Dhanushkodi, this was where, Lakshmana struck an arrow to find water, according to a popular legend. Atop the hill sits a small shrine for Sita. Getting there: The NH 4 leads you to Avani. Buses ply from Kolar and nearby towns.<br /></p>
