DEVARAYANA DURGA

Devarayanadurga is a hill which is situated in Tumkur and has two popular temples, the Yoganarasimha and Bhoganarasimha and is a popular destination for the devotees.The place is a favorite with both pilgrims as well as mountain climbers. The hills with lush green trees on all sides make the climbing a lot enjoyable. 
The Bhoganarasimha is at the base of the hill while the Yoga Narasimha is perched at the top of the hill.

The place was originally known as Anebiddasari then as Jadakana Durga after a chief named Jadaka and finally as Devarayanadurga after its capture by Mysore king Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar.

Legend has it that a robber chief named Andhaka or Lingaka had his stronghold here, and he was subdued by Sumati, a prince, whose father, Hemachandra, was the king of Karnata and ruled from Yadupattana. After accomplishing the task, Sumathi is said to have established the city of Bhumandana near the present Nelamangala and taken up residence there for the protection of that part of his father’s kingdom.

Under the Hoysalas, there seems to have been, on the hill, a town called Anebiddasari or the cliff from where the elephant fell. An elephant, which the sthala purana describes as a Gandharva suddenly appeared before the town to the great dismay of the people and after doing considerable damage, tried to walk up the steep rock on the west; it slipped, fell back and was killed.

Under the Vijayanagara Kings, the use of the same name continued, and a large tank called Bukkasamudra, was formed from which the river Jayamangali has its source. Remains of the embankment and of the adjacent town can still be traced.

Yoga Narasimha Temple

Devarayanadurga is around 75 km from Bangalore and 15 km from Tumkur.

The trip was good, as we set out from home around 10.30 am and reached Devarayanadurga by 12.30 pm after having some eats at Kamat Hotel. First went to top of hill,Yoga Narasimha Temple climbing up nicely laid out steps. Lots of monkeys greeting you on the steps. After coming down, visited Bhoga Narasimha Temple and had free lunch as prasada.

Returned via Tumkur and paid little extra for Highway toll.

Tuesday, 25 December 2012