Avani
Avani is located 15 km from Mulbagal. It is one of the most interesting place in terms of history. This place is embroiled in Myth and legend. Avani was the capital of the Chola rulers and one see magnificient architecture around.
RAMALINGA TEMPLE: Here Lord Ram is prayed in the form of Lord Shiva – hence the name Ramalinga. The temple is an architectural wonder. Built around 1400 years ago by Chola rulers and during the time of Rajendra deva raya and two others. There are numerous Shiva linga around the temple and on the Lav Kush hill which may remind you of Kotilingeshwara temple. But the numbers are definitely not to the extent what you see there. In one of the chambers you will find Sita devi prayer in the form of Goddes Durga. In the same chamber you will find 3 statues of Nandi and behind them are the statues of three Chola kings who built this temple. Located at the foothill of Luv Kush hill, this one of the best temple one can visit.
The architecture of the temple is interesting. The temple do not many lock system, like the pillers are just placed on the ground and do not seems to have any cement in between or any foundation connection each other. Looks like all are balancing each other conforming to the law of gravity.
Avani is located 15 km from Mulbagal. It is one of the most interesting place in terms of history. This place is embroiled in Myth and legend. Avani was the capital of the Chola rulers and one see magnificient architecture around.
RAMALINGA TEMPLE: Here Lord Ram is prayed in the form of Lord Shiva – hence the name Ramalinga. The temple is an architectural wonder. Built around 1400 years ago by Chola rulers and during the time of Rajendra deva raya and two others. There are numerous Shiva linga around the temple and on the Lav Kush hill which may remind you of Kotilingeshwara temple. But the numbers are definitely not to the extent what you see there. In one of the chambers you will find Sita devi prayer in the form of Goddes Durga. In the same chamber you will find 3 statues of Nandi and behind them are the statues of three Chola kings who built this temple. Located at the foothill of Luv Kush hill, this one of the best temple one can visit.
The architecture of the temple is interesting. The temple do not many lock system, like the pillers are just placed on the ground and do not seems to have any cement in between or any foundation connection each other. Looks like all are balancing each other conforming to the law of gravity.
Avani, Ramalingeswara Temples, Lava Kusha Hill
Nearby is Basava theertha, one can find a clean natural spring. Villagers use this water for even drinking purpose.
SHANKAR MUTT: It is located just besides Ramalinga temple and the presiding deity is Sharada devi. Sri Shankaracharya visited here and said to have installed the idol. You will have to walk little bit on the left hand side after comming out of Ramalinga temple. There is a small door on the hand side, go through that and then you will climb some steps to reach there.
Luv Kush betta or hill: This hill said to be one of the place where Ram, Sita and Lakshman stayed during their 14 years exile from Ayoudha. Legend says that on this hill Sita gave birth to Luv and Kush. Hence, the name Luv Kush hill. From the ground, the boulder fill hill gives a feeling that stones here are balanced in the air. The alignment is amaizing and looks like somebody went there and decorated the stones that way. One has to trek to the top, where a Sita devi temple is located. From here one can get a bird eye view of the surrounding area.
After you start trekking, you will find a liitle pleatue kind of place which will give a feeling that you have reached the destination but this not the case, you have still more to go. However, here you can indulge in photography and take some rest. Also, here you will find Valmiki ashram, where he is said to have meditated and wrote Ramayana. Now again you will have trek along stone fested route to reach the top.
SHANKAR MUTT: It is located just besides Ramalinga temple and the presiding deity is Sharada devi. Sri Shankaracharya visited here and said to have installed the idol. You will have to walk little bit on the left hand side after comming out of Ramalinga temple. There is a small door on the hand side, go through that and then you will climb some steps to reach there.
Luv Kush betta or hill: This hill said to be one of the place where Ram, Sita and Lakshman stayed during their 14 years exile from Ayoudha. Legend says that on this hill Sita gave birth to Luv and Kush. Hence, the name Luv Kush hill. From the ground, the boulder fill hill gives a feeling that stones here are balanced in the air. The alignment is amaizing and looks like somebody went there and decorated the stones that way. One has to trek to the top, where a Sita devi temple is located. From here one can get a bird eye view of the surrounding area.
After you start trekking, you will find a liitle pleatue kind of place which will give a feeling that you have reached the destination but this not the case, you have still more to go. However, here you can indulge in photography and take some rest. Also, here you will find Valmiki ashram, where he is said to have meditated and wrote Ramayana. Now again you will have trek along stone fested route to reach the top.
It is advisable to trek in early morning or late afternoon so that it is less strainous for you and you can also enjoy sunrise or the sunset. Also, the wind intensity makes one feel like, you are about to fly. Be cautios and do not venture at the edges. Also, try going there in groups.
