Where the twain meet

Kudali village in Shimoga district is at the confluence of two rivers, Tunga and Bhadra. The famed Rameshwara temple, flanked by the rivers, makes for a spectacular sight, writes M S Dwarkinath.

The confluence of two rivers is considered sacred and typically, a temple is constructed at such spots. Karnataka is known for many such spots.

Kudali village, which lies at a distance of about 15 km from Shimoga, is one such place which stands out among the State’s pilgrimage centres. It is at the confluence of two major rivers of the State, namely the Tunga and Bhadra, giving rise to the mighty Tungabhadra flowing through its circuitous path to join the Krishna in Andhra Pradesh to eventually merge into the Bay of Bengal.

Earlier this place was known by the names, ‘Dakshina Varanasi’ (as referred to in one of the inscriptions) and ‘Dakshina Prayag’. This place was under the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi, Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas of Kalyana, Hoysalas and Nayakas of Keladi.

This holy pilgrimage centre, the Kudali, has the honour and distinction of being home to two schools of thought, advaitha and dvaitha, Srimajjagadguru Kudali Sringeri Mahasamsthana (advaitha), founded in the 16th century and Kudali Arya Akshobya Teertha Sree Paadangalavara Mahasamsthana (dvaitha).

The Sringeri Mutt enjoyed the patronage of the palegaras of Santhebennur and the Nayakas of Keladi with land grants during their reign. A temple dedicated to Goddess Sharadamba and Jagadguru Shanka­r­acharya is situated within the precincts of the Mutt.

To crown all this, Kudali is also home to an ancient Hoysala temple dedicated to Lord Rameshwara, the popular Chintamani Narasim­haswamy temple and Brahmeswara temple situated at the entrance of the village. It is believed that Lord Narasim­haswamy in the Narasimha­swamy temple was installed and worshipped by none other than bhakta Prahallada, an ardent devotee of lord Vishnu who was the son of demon king Hiranyakashipu.

Nature’s grandeur

As we entered this holy village, the not so powerful monsoon showers welcomed us and the cool wind breezing over the rivers flanked on either side of the temples soothed us. The stone steps provided from the end of the land surface lead us to a small shrine built at the exact spot of the confluence of the two rivers, Tunga and Bhadra.

From there, the Tungabhadra courses along, touching the distant horizon. A grand spectacle with the grey clouds looming. As we feasted on nature’s grandeur, we were reminded by the moving hands on our watches, that it was time to visit the temples.

The Rameshwara temple, the main attraction, a non-ornate Hoysala temple flaunting the royal insignia of the Hoysalas, built during the 12th century, is an east-facing temple with a single cellar dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Entry to the temple can be gained through any of the three entrances situated in all the three cardinal directions except in the west.

The temple consists of the garba griha, antharala and a closed mantapa with a navaranga platform enclosed by four lathe turned pillars. The ceiling of this navaranga displays a panel of ashtadikplalkas with Nataraja at the centre.

The sculptures in this ceiling lack finesse and appear to be worn out with the passage of time. In conformity with the tradition of having the vahana (vehicle) of the presiding deity in front of the lord, a couchant nandi is in place, placed in front of Lord Shiva in the closed mantapa. Daily prayers are offered to the deity of Shiva.

A small incomplete structure (at the time of visiting this place) which when completed would take the shape of a temple lies in the precincts of the Rameshwara temple.

A finely sculpted Shiva linga sits on the pedestal facing an equally finely sculpted nandi figure mounted on short rectangular pillars with an inscription, separated by a well decorated and perforated doorway does not fail to attract the attention of the visitors.
Kudali may be aptly called the temple town thanks to its many extant temples.