Participants:
1. Pranab K. Deka
2. Nabanita Sarmah
3. Mother-in-law
4. Wife (Chumki)
5. Myself
Date: 30th June, 2013
Mode of Transport: Tata Indica
Ramalingeshwara temple complex:
The Ramalingeshwara temple complex consists of around 7 shrines that of Ramalingeshwara Temple, Lakshmanalingeshwara Temple, Bharateshwara Temple, Satrughnalingeshwara Shrine, Subrahmanya Temple, Bali Temple and Sugriva Temple. Out of this, the temples of fours sons of Dasaratha gains prominence.
Ramalingeshwara Temple:
The shrine on plan has a garbhagriha, and antarala and a navaranga. The pillars in the navaranga are of the ornate type resemble to manastambha design. the adhistana has mouldings decorated with kirthimukas and lions. The walls have pilasters surrounded by Dravida towers. The linga is of dark stone and is smaller when comared with the linga of Lakshmanalingeshwara shrine.
Lakshmanalingeshwara Temple:
This is assigned to Nolamba period of 10th century AD. The shrine is most ornamented in the complex. The temple on plan has garbhgriha, an antarala and a navaranga. The navaranga has four pillars with ceiling ornamented with Uma-Maheshwara surrounded by dikpalakas. The linga at the garbhgriha is the largest in the complex. The walls are relived by pilasters and sculptures of Yakshas, Dwarapalas, Shiva, Bhairava, Bhairavi, Vishu, Ganesha .. The brick tower is from the late Vijayanagara period.
Bharateshwara Temple:
The shrine is smaller when compared with others in the complex. The pillars are octogonal in shape facing the small natural pond.
Satrughnalingeshwara Shrine:
This shrine is nearly the same size and shape as that of Lakshmanalingeshwara Tempe, but its basement has three corners one of which is rounded and the other has rows of poorly carved lions. It’s doorway is of dark strap stone and ornamented bonds of Gajalakshmi on the inner. The upper wall is similar to that of Lakshmanalingeshwara Temple, the pillars of which are sixteen side shafts with floral hangings.
Just besides this temple is the betta wherein lies the Sita Parvathi Temple. This temple is located in the premises of Valmiki Ashram. Sage Valmiki is said to have lived in this harsh terrain of large boulders. Even today one can find this cave in good condition.
The Sita Parvathi is quite different from the other temples in every aspect. Couple who wish to have children should undertake a small hike to reach the temple and on the way you find people pilling up small stones on top of one another. There is a small water tank on the way to the temple called Danushkodi.
Route Information:
Avani Betta is around 100 kms from Bangalore(Hebbal). One needs to take the road towards Mulbagal of Bangalore-Tirupati Highway. Once you cross Kolar you would find the Vasudeva Addigas on the right. Once you cross this, take the first right just after the first Indian Oil petrol bunk again on the right. Though it is a village road once you move out of the NH, there is no cause to complain about the road condition as it is very good all through out.
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