Kalasa, Kudremukh

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Kalasa, Kudremukh Overview

Kalasa, a beautiful city which is situated in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, along the serene banks of river Bhadra, is known to be a temple town. The historical city of Kalasais the perfect getaway to nature because of its scenic beauty and surrounding rainforest. Kalasa’s road to its origin goes back to reasons, both mythological and etymological. The mighty River Bhadra is the sole provider for the water needs of the agricultural economy of this city. The fertile soils of Kalasa yield the freshest and pure coffee along with other herbs. It is the shrine of Goddess Bhagavathialong with a Varaha in a cave that makes Kalasa a blessed and renowned decision.

The city of Kalasa is a reflection of the rich architectural heritage of South India and expresses the exclusive philosophical designs of the region. The Sri Kalseshwara Temple in honour of Lord Shiva is the most popular holy spot in Kalasa. In fact, with the growing number of pilgrims flocking to Kalasa has not only made it a popular pilgrimage but also a tourist place, with numerous people pouring in to offer their prayers from temple to temple.The climatic conditions of Kalasaare majorly refreshing throughout the year except for the summer times, owing to its idealistic location in the Western Ghats of India. Kalasa is an ideal destination to visit with all its beauty and spirituality.

More on Kalasa

Origin of Kalasa

The origins of the city of Kalasa is linked to the auspicious marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This wedding was obstructed by a sudden shift in the Earth’s rotation. In order to resolve the problem of balance, Lord Shiva turned to Sage Agasthya to reach the southern part of Earth. But with the earnest desire of attending the holy marriage, Sage Agasthyawas adamant about staying. This is when Lord Shiva granted the sage, the ability to witness the holy ritual during his stay in Kalasa simultaneously. The sage travelled southwards having received an Arcadian vision and witnessed the holy ceremony. The locals’ legends associate great Punya or blessings with the pilgrimage of Kalasa.

The city of Kalasa is also named after its geographical view.With the beautiful River Bhadra encircling the city on three sides, to the South of the city lies the Duggappana Hill which will appear like a pot of water from the bird’s eye view.In Sanskrit, Kalasa is deemed to mean ‘kalashsa’ or a pot of water, fully justifying the name. In fact, Hindu Temple Architecture shows a round pinnacle at the top of every time which is known as the kalsha.

Places to visit in Kalasa

KalaseshwaraTemple: The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located near the Bhadra river, on a hillock. The majestic temple features a soapstone shrine built in the Hoysala sculpture style and has a large community hall within the temple. Approximately 5000 people can be accommodated within this hall where pilgrims are served  meals between 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. The Prasad of the magnificent temple providesLaddus, coconut and dates.

Girijamba Temple: Celebrated after two days of Diwali, the Girijamba Temple is dedicated to the festival of Girija. This festival is celebrated in the temple in a grand way to mark the holy marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, also called Girija.

Venkataramana Temple: The establishment of this pious temple dates back to the 15^th century and is constructed in honour of Sri Venkataramana. The car festival is one of the popular festivals celebrated in this temple.

Festivals Celebrated in Kalasa

The temple town of Kalasawitnesses a year-round celebration of numerous festivals to mark and honour different events. These events occur according to the timeline of the Hindu calendar.The processions mark the celebration of these festivals during which the idols of God are taken throughout the city and then established again at the temple.The most popular festivals of Kalasa are-

GirijaKalyana: This particular festival is one of the longest festivals celebrated in a truly grand way. The festival which begins at the new moon and goes on till full moon is celebrated to mark the iconic marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Three families that travelled from Kasi along with Sage Agasthya, namely Hoskere, Mavinakere and Kunikereperform the Kalyana Mahotsav.

Kalasa Car Festival: This annual car festival is celebrated by taking out the idol of KalaseshwaraTemple in processions. During the period of festivities, the Kalaseshwara Temple remains open in the night as well as the day. This annual car festival is referred to as the Rathotsava.

Venkataramana Swamy Temple Car Festival:This car festival celebrates Venkataramana Swamy. During the processions of this car festival, his idol is passed around the town and then established in the temple.

Best Time To Visit Kalasa

Kalasa is a part of Chikmagalur, which can be found within the vast Western Ghats of India.Besides the somewhat hot summers, the place is pleasant and refreshing at all times of the year. However, to visit Kalasa at the peak of its grandeur, September to February, that is after the monsoons, is the time highly recommended for visiting.

How To Reach Kalasa

Kalasa can be easily reached from cities by availing the KSRTC buses. The Kalasa Bus Stop has buses operating for all location within Kalasa. Other options for travelling include Private Taxi services.