Gandaberunda, Keladi

026/366 When I was kid, I was extremely fascinated with this two headed bird seen on red buses plying in Bangalore/Karnataka.
Later on I realized that, there were many many Kannada rulers, who ruled different parts of Karnataka, were also fascinated with this imaginary bird "Gandaberunda" just like me!
List of dynasties which used 'Gandaberunda' Symbol includes Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas & few Vijayanagar rulers like Nandyals & Gobburis.

Gandaberunda seen in this pic is found in ceiling of Keladi Rameshwara Temple in Shivamogga District.
This beautiful stone carving depicts might of this bird by holding lions in two heads and elephants in its feet.

Currently, Gandaberunda is part of official State symbol of Karnataka.

Mythologically, Gandaberunda is linked to Narasimha Avatara of Lord Vishnu.
You can read very interesting story about "Gandaberunda" & another imaginary animal "Sharabha" here.

Keladi is situated 6km North of Sagara, Shivamogga District, Karnataka.

Hoysala Symbol @ Kedareshwara Temple, Belligavi

Photo captures Hoysala Symbol found over Kedareshwara Temple, Belligavi.


Belligaavi(also known as Balligave, Belagami, Balligame, Balligrama and Balipura) is located just 2km from Shiralakoppa/20km from Shikaripura in Shivamogga(Shimoga) district, Karnataka.

This place is also known as Dakshina Kedara as per Archeological department due to religious & cultural importance.

As one can figure out from the pic, temple was built in typical Hoysala architecture in Trikootachala Style(triple celled). This temple was possibly built in Eleventh century AD .

This temple situated opposite to huge lake, has Kedareshwara (Lord Shiva) as main deity with beautiful Nandi.
Bramhalinga and Vishnu reside on southern and northern parts.

Belligavi is supposedly birthplace of famous Hoysala Queen, Natya Rani Shantale.
Allamaprabhu the mystic-saint & Vachana poet of 12th century was also born in Balligavi.

This place also contains beautiful museum maintained by Archelogical department and houses many inscriptions of Halegannada.

More info & pics can be found here:
http://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/2011/12/kedaresvara-temple-belligavi.html