Musafir

Continued from the previous post…

Kadlekalu Ganesha: As i move towards the Pavilion where the Kadlekalu Ganesha resides, i see a small Mantap which was once used for resting. The monolithic Kadlekalu Ganesha is so called, for the closeness in appearance, of the share of its belly, to the unsplit Bengal gram. The sculpture is carved out of a single boulder in situ, and stands 4.5 mts. high.

Dated to the 15th century, and located on the north-eastern edge of the Hemakuta hillock, the seated Ganesha sculpture, is four armed, and bears in each hand a tusk, goad, noose and a bowl of sweetmeats, respectively.

The monolith is enshrined in a simple sanctum with a vestibule and an open ornate pillared pavilion in front. The tall slender pillars are sculpted with depictions of various Hindu gods and goddesses.

This idol also had taken the brunt of the siege of Hampi in 1565. Its belly is cut off to some extent where it is suspected to hide jewels and gold inside. 

Sasivekalu Ganesha: As we move along we come to a small Pavilion which houses the Sasivekalu Ganesha. Situated on the south-eastern slopes of the Hemakuta hillock, this monolithic Ganesha, is four armed and referred to as the Sasivekalu (mustard seed) Ganesha. In situ, it stands 2.4 mts high, and is enclosed in an open, plain pillared pavilion.

The statue sealed in half lots posture (ardha padmasana) bears a tusk, goad, noose and bowl of sweets in its four arms, respectively.

An inscription engraved on a rock nearby, records that this Vinayaka mantapa was built in 1506 A.D., by a trader belonging to Chandragiri (near Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh), in memory of Narasimha II (1491 - 1505 A.D), of the Saluva dynasty.

Passing this pavilion there is a way uphill which leads to the Hemakuta Hill. The Hemakuta hillock is one of the favourite location for a view of the Sunrise or Sunset as once we reach on the top,  there are no obstructions and we can have a clear view of the sky. The hills and pavilions for a distance of 10 miles can be visible from the top of the hillock. A nice view of the Krishna Temple Complex can be had while moving to the top of the hill.

To be continued…