If the river Tunga flows peacefully, can the river Bhadra be far behind ..A couple of hours from Sringeri is Chikmagalur and as one climbs the western ghats across the hairpin bends, dense forests and coffee plantations , you come across an ancient temple called the Kandya temple, where the Bhadra flows quietly behind..The two rivers join to form the Tunga Bhadra which flows down the ruins of Vijayanagar empire in Hampi.


I had been to this temple as a child when we had visited Sringeri and I remember seeing the rivers Tunga and Bhadra for the first time.This is my second visit to this temple.I was must admit that I have not done any research on this temple.The story of Markandeya who defies death and the Lord of death, Yama by praying to Lord Shiva is immortalised here , hence the name Kandya temple.

The story goes that Markandeya’s parents had prayed to Lord Shiva for a son. Lord Shiva gave them an option – either an intelligent compassionate son who will die at 16 years or a stupid indifferent son who will live a long life . The parents opted for the former and when Markandeya became 16 years old, Yama with his noose landed to claim his life. Markandeya requested a few minutes to pray to Shiva, but death waits for none. As Yama flung the noose over Markandeya’s neck, the boy clung on to the Linga praying to the Lord. As the noose tightened, it is said that Lord Shiva emerged out of the Linga and gave Markandeya his life back saying that he will live and forever be 16 years of age..


It is said to be a very ancient temple and not much literature is available here. The temple was under renovation when we went there..and yet, not a soul around. I do not know which dynasty built this temple, but note the image of the fish on the wall. It probably indicates the direction to find the the river which is the only witness to the history of this temple. Calm and placid, it flows as history and mythology weave a tale..


16 comments

  1. Emperor Ropi 25 May, 2008 at 17:15 Reply

    You have beautiful culture. Yes, your language education sounds reasonable. Ihave been learning English for less than 3 years. It will be exactly 3 years in September.

  2. GMG 25 May, 2008 at 20:17 Reply

    Hi Lakshmi, three beautiful posts while I was absent and some more places to include in my (still enormously long ) must see list…
    the water of the River Tunga is so serene… (shame that some garbage seems to be around)!
    The sculptures of the temple are fantastic; similar to the work in some Marrakesh palaces (with the difference on the motifs of the stonework…).
    Finally, that tree must be very, very old!
    Have a great week!
    Gil

  3. Made in Colombia (hecho en Colombia) 26 May, 2008 at 01:57 Reply

    Hello friend blogger
    I have known him the Nobel Prize in blogging and he deposited his vote for you, I think a blog that highlights the magnificent wonders of this blessed land of India.

    I recommend putting the banner in a conspicuous place and great for the people who still know you’re nominated and continue voting for your great blog

    greetings from Colombia!

  4. Nobel Prize Blogger 27 May, 2008 at 06:31 Reply

    Dear Blogger …
    Fly in the poll this week … Do not forget you’re Nomine … put banners, visit your teammates make new friends .. … send mails inviting candidates … .. suggests browsing. That is the Nobel

    greetings and good luck

  5. backpakker 10 June, 2008 at 18:42 Reply

    Ropi – Indian culture is truly beautiful and its got lots of depth . all the best with your classes

    Vishnu – and its the stories that make it more interesting

    Matt – Maybe sometime ..I will visit and yes, Ive stumbled you as well

    Gil – the tree is very ancient and in india, some trees are worshipped or they have a deeper significance..the temple sculptures do look breathtaking and I did see some influence from your Marrakesh posts

    Joy – its in the hills not near a village ..so pilgrims visit once in a while.

    Made in Colombia – thanks for the vote ..Im sorry I havent been part of this activity as I have been travelling

    Celine – Thanks .I like the place for its calm..but it has been renovated and still in the process …

    Andy – Welcome to backpakker and thanks.looking forward to seeing you soon

    Cuckoo – Thanks ..it does

    Indrani – Yes, thats the story thats immortalised here

    Pallavi – The Tungabhadra flows in Hampi..I love ruins

    NPB – Sorry..I havent participated so much..I have been travelling

    Sameera -Thanks ..The place is so quiet and beautiful

    Jeevan – Yes..that adds to the mysticism of the place

    Lakshmi

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *