Dravidian University, Kuppam,AP

 

 

      

          For a long time I was thinking of visiting the University campus. Ever since I read the book Yavudu Charitre translated from Telugu to Kannada and published by this University. It is fairly large campus nestled in the hillside about 10 kms from Kuppam. Vast area of greenery with small hillocks of red granite for which Kuppam is famous. there are at least a thousand students pursuing research and studies in various fields in all the five recognized Dravidian languages. There is a good Library and a digital one too. I wanted to visit Kannada section but it was closed for the day. Prasaranga is also there where books are available for sale.

Bhadravati, Lakshminarasimha temple

The long awaited visit to Bhadravati fructifies on that day .In continuation of my desire to photograph hoysala temples I made it a point to visit Bhadravti to see The 13th century Hoysala temple on the banks of Bhadra river.The road to temple had more pot holes than road once you step on to that from the byepass.Filth all around.The temple was built by The grandson of Vishnuvardhana dedicated to lord lakshminarasimha primarily. It is a trikutachala ( with three sanctums). I was totally disappointed at the apathy of the archeology departments attitude. The rule says for 100 metres there should be no construtions but here you see the entire compound abutted with buildings. the inside yard is in total neglect. cleanliness is unheard of plastics,excreta of animals strewn. you cant walk barefoot at all. coming to the temple itself almost every figure has been damaged beyond belief. whether it is by invaders or the vandals I dont know. The  temple was closed and I could not go inside .I am told it is more beautiful inside. a beautiful relic of an architecture lying vandalised.

Keladi the Kingdom of Nayakas

My next stop after Sagara was Keladi,the earst while capital of Nayakas. Choudappa nayaka was the founder under the tutelage of Vijayanagara empire.They  were in control for nearly 250 years after which Mysore took over. The GandubhErunda in the Rameshwara temple here later became the insignia of Mysore and now Karnataka.The eighth ruler in the dynasty Shivappa nayaka was famous for discipline(shistina Shivappa Nayaka).Later his daughter in law chennammaji aka pepper queen is known as a capable ruler.She defended the kingdom against Aurangzeb's army after giving protection to Shivaji's son Rajaram.
  The Rameshwara temple in Keladi was built in 16th century. It is a

 fairly large temple with beautifully carved pillars in Vijayanagar style. Not much Ornate outside.It was closed when we went there. The visit to Museum and its donor Sri Gunda jois's house was rewarding.