Sagara, Karnataka

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Sagara | type = city | latd = 14.1667 | longd = 75.0333
locator_position = right | state_name = Karnataka
district = Shimoga District
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 579
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 50,115| population_density = 7160
area_magnitude= km²
area_total = 7
area_telephone = 08183
postal_code = 577401
vehicle_code_range = KA-15
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
distance_1 = 90
distance_2 = 76
distance_3 = 360
direction_1= southeast
direction_2= northwest
direction_3= northwest
destination_1 = Honnavar
destination_2 = Shimoga
destination_3 =Bangalore
footnotes =

Sagara is a town located in the district of Shimoga of the Indian state of Karnataka. Located within the Western Ghats range, it is known for its proximity to Jog Falls and to the historical places of Ikkeri and Keladi. "Varadamoola", the origin of the river Varada, is also near Sagara.

Etymology

Sagara derives its name from "Sadashiva Sagara", which is a lake. Sadashiva Nayaka, ruler of Keladi dynasty built a lake in between Keladi and Ikkeri. The lake Sadashiva Sagara is now called "Ganapathi Kere" (Ganapathi Lake).

Geography

Sagar is located at coord|14.17|N|75.03|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/19/Sagar.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Sagar] ] . It has an average elevation of 580 metres (1902 ft).

Sagara is surrounded by beautiful water bodies and mesmerising forest regions. The varada river serves the people with its lush springs. A dam is constructed on it, which sustains the basic water requirements of the city. Besides this there are lots of historical places surrounding the town. Its neighbouring Ghat sections received record rainfall this year. Surrounded by western ghats, sagara attracts nature lovers.

Economy

Economy of Sagar is mainly driven by Arecanut or Beetlenut, spice and forest product trading as well as agriculturist. Beetlenut is one of the cash crops and the villages surrounding Sagar grow these agriculture products. Along with beetlenut, spices like Pepper, Clove, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and cocoa are grown. Service economy at Sagar town is highly dependent on variation in the pricing of these agriculture products.

Villages near to Sagar also grow Vegetables, green Pepper, red pepper and mangoes. These are usually used for the consumption by the Sagar town and some of them are transported to Bangalore.

Sagar has a concentration of the Gudigars - families that for generations have been engaged in sandalwood and ivory carving. They are trained in the craft from childhood. While the Gudigar men make idols, figurines and knick-knacks like penholders, agarbathi stands, cuff links, photo frames and paper clips, the women are adept at making garlands and wreaths out of thin layers of scraped sandalwood.

The Gudigars make some of the most exquisite pieces using simple tools like knives, screwdrivers, hand drills and saws. They work in the verandahs of their houses. The Karnataka government ensures that they are given a regular supply of the wood. The items they make are sold in government emporia and through licensed private dealers.

Transport

Bus service is provided by private bus operators and KSRTC runs buses that connect Sagar to other places in Karnataka.A [Shimoga-Talaguppa railway| narrow gauge existed, now to convert this into broad gauge construction is going on. when this construction work completes, Sagara would become a vital place in terms of railway connections due its proximity to Konkan Railway and other important railway routes in southern west part of the country] . The Sagara train station is known as Sagara Jambagaru.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Sagar had a population of 50,115. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Sagar has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 75%. In Sagar, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Religion

The majority are hindus,with sizeable Christian and muslim populations as well.There is a famous Hindu temple called "Marigudi" (Goddess Mari's temple) at the heart of the town. Once in three years, a big fair called as "Mari Jatre" (Mari's Fare) is conducted. The town also has mosques, jain basadis and churches. A Hindu religious place, "Sreedhara Matha" is also near Sagara.

Culture

Ninasam, the famous cultural organisation is located at Heggodu, which is about 10 km from the town. It is a stage for all those aspirants who are eager to learn stage activities like dancing, drama, acting, direction, music, etc.Temples are Ganapathe Temple, laxmi Venkatesha Temple, Rakteshware Temple, Anjaneya Temple, Shree Ram temples are located in this place

Education

St. Joseph's Higher Primary School & Pragati Bhala Bhavan are schools for primary & higher primary education. Then there are Nirmala Girl's High School, MGN Pai & RVV High Schools. Government PU College is in the heart of the town, where as LB College is 3 km away from the city. LB College has both PU & Degree Education. There is also a girls degree college next to the Government PU College. There is also a law college in Sagar.There is also a diploma collage named SANJAY MEMORIAL POLYTECHNIC in sagar.Now the LB College has been deemed university and it has M.Com.,MA.

Rare disorders

;Handigodu Syndrome
Handigodu joint disease (HJD) is a familial skeletal disorder. Handigodu near Sagara is one of the only two places in the world where this disorder is to be found - the other being northern Zululand, South Africa. Severe precocious, progressive degenerative osteoarthropathy causes marked physical handicap by adulthood. The clinical and radiological manifestations is very similar to MJD (Mseleni joint disease) and they are sometimes believed to be the same entity.

;Kyasanur Forest Disease
Kyasanur forest disease, also known as "Monkey Disease" is a rare endemic tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever which was first noticed in Kyasanur village, near Sagara.There are also Bsc nursing,BEd,TCH colleges in sagara.

Tourism

Sagar is surrounded by places of historical importance and natural beauty including Marikamba Temple and Mahaganapati Temple within the city. One can find these places with the help of milestones and hoardings which are usually in Kannada.;KeladiA Shiva temple of historical importance is loacted here. It is located at a distance of 6 km from city. One has to take diversion at Sorab Road. There is a museum conatining old manuscripts written during the times of Keladi dynasty.

;IkkeriThis place is of historical importance due to the presence of temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. One has to take diversion at B. H. Road and travel 6 km.

;KalasiAnother historically important place with a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated at a distance of 8 km from city and one has to travel along Sorab Road for 6 km and take diversion.

;Varadapura (Varadahalli/Vaddalli)This place is situated 6 km from the city where one has to take a diversion from Jog Road soon after the end of city limits. It is famous for Samadhi of His Holiness Sri Sridhara Swami who was among the great saints of 20th century.

;HonnemaraduHonnemaradu is situated on the banks of back waters of Sharavathi river. A big water mass extends up to chakra dam. It is about 25 km from Sagar town towards Jog and 10 km from Talaguppa. Indian Institute For Adventure Applications is a training institute situated here which uses adventure as a platform for learning.

;HolebaagiluHolebaagilu is situated on the banks of Sharavathi River at about 30 km. Take a diversion from B. H. Road towards Ikkeri Road. Sharavati backwaters due to Linganamakki dam has submerged acres of land here. It is a place of natural beauty. It is situated in Kolur Grama Panchayat Limits. One has to take a launch to cross the backwaters which moves on a timely basis. The first priority is given for localites and their vehicles in this launch since they are the affected ones due to this submersion. Madenur Dam which was submerged due to construction of Linganamakki Dam is at a short distance from here. It can be seen only during summer.

;SigandooruSigandooru is a holy place of Goddess Chaudeshwari. A large temple of Goddess Chaudeshwari is situated here. This Goddess is a highly believed deity in Sagar and surrounding taluks as a protector against theft and robbery. It is just 3 km from Kalasavalli which is situated after crossing the backwaters at Holebaagilu. Bus frequency is very less from Sagar and other places like Bhatkal and Shivamogga. It is better to opt for a rented taxi or use private vehicle. Last trip of the launch will be at 5.30pm towards Holebaagilu.

References