Gajendragarh

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Gajendragarh | type = city | latd = 15.73 | longd = 75.98
locator_position = right | state_name = Karnataka
district = Gadag
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altitude = 643
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 28,227| population_density =
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Gajendragarh is a town in Ron taluk Gadag district in the state of Karnataka, India.

Introduction

Gajendragad, gad means Fort, local people are generally calling it as gada (nik name). Gad is having beautifil very long hill strip, on hill Kalakaleshwara temple, is about 40 km from Gadag and is one of the big town in the Gadag district.

Gajendragad is famous for the following

* Kalakaleshwara temple,
* Historical fort,
* Beautiful very long "'hill" strip,
* popular market for Javali (Sarees / Saris and Dress Materials) for marriage
* A local business center and
* Handlooms.

Gajendragad is surrounded by the Historical (Western Chalukya architectural) places like Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and Kudala sangam are very near. Gajendragad fort was built and renew by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The pilgrim (KALKALESHWARA temple) proper is a huge mountain with the temple carved into it. A serpentine road, that’s for slightly broken in between, will take you to the destination through semi-arid areas. This is a weekend destination which could be wound up in a day’s time. One can see many a wind mills lined on the hill opposite the hill on which the temple is located. Besides a beautiful view awaits you after the visit to the temple from the hill.

KALKALESHWARA temple - A little known pilgrim of North Karnataka

Gajendragad is a small town lying amidst hills, in one of which is encapsulated KALKALESHWARA temple of Lord Shiva (known as Dakshina Kashi ), who is worshipped in the form of Kalakaleswara,. There are some large steps that lead you up to the temple. It is a traditional temple with Udhbhava Lingu. There we can find God Virabhadra temple also in the same premises. But one would definitely be amazed at the story in which the significance of the destination lies. Just outside the temple exit is a small square water reservoir called AtharaGange. It is an evergreen water resource that constantly falls along the roots of Peepal tree into the pond all throughout the year. It is said to be flowing even in the peaks of summer season and has an unknown root.

More amazing is the story attached to this destination that has taken a few lives too. These were the daring people who wanted to try and learn more about a miracle that happens on the previous night of Ugadi, New Year of Kannadigas. The pandit/pujari of the temple prepares a solution of limestone, and keeps it ready for application along with a brush, inside the temple. The next morning, the jobs done!!. But the temple is painted on its own and this happens without fail every year. A hookah that’s also kept along with it seems to be used when seen the next morning.

Legend has it and so do elderly people that there used to be a bell equivalent to the size of soaked kidney beans that fit into 22 gunny bags. In the 1970s, it so happened that the bell vanished all of a sudden towards the heavens, ringing and sounds of the bell echoing and resonating in into the blue skies. And then there was an epidemic of plague that spread across the place, which people blame was due the bells act of vanishing.

History

The Royal families of Kapsi and Gajendragad owe their origin to Vallabhasinha and the Chiefs of Sondur are descended from the third son of Cholraj.

Reference : GAJENDRAGAD (Jagir) www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/g/gajendragad.html

Tourist attractions of this region

* Kudalasangama

The famous rivers Krishna and Ghataprabha merge (sangama) here, This place is closely associated with the 12th century poet and social reformer Basaveswara.There is a temple dedicated to Lord Sangameswara, worshipped in the form of a linga. The temple is an ancient monument built in the Chalukya style architecture.This place is well developed as one of the great tourism place.

* Banashankari

It is famous for temple of Banashankari, and annual car festival.

* Badami

* Aihole

* Pattadakal

* Mahakuta

Mahakuta is the source of an important Badami Chalukya inscription called Mahakuta Pillar inscription.

* Kuknur

MahaMaya temple, Navalinga Temples.

* Sudi

Mallikarjuna Temple, Twin Towered Temple, Ishwara in a stone made shelter and Naga Kunda are prime attractions of Sudi

* Itagi Bhimambika

Famous temple of Bhimambika, about 13 Km from Gajendragad

Educational Institutions

* Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Ayurvedic Medical College, Gajendragad

* S M Bhoomaraddi Pu College Gajendragad, Aided P.U.College

* K S S Comp Pu College Gajendragad

* R G V PU College Gajendragad

* B M J PU College Gajendragad

* SVVS PU College Gajendragad

* Govt PU College Gajendragad, Government P.U.College

Wind mills and poachers drive wolves away

Wind mills set up to generate wind energy, are posing a threat to the very existence of rare hyenas and wolves at Gajendragad. earlier Gajendragad was recognised as a safe haven for highly endangered species like the Indian grey wolf and striped hyenas, but then came wind farming and wind mills with huge noisy fans and human traffic to maintain these machines. It drove away these species from their habitat.

Reference : Windmills blowing away wolves and hyenas, www.wildlifewatch.in/news/219

Geography

Gajendragarh is located at coord|15.73|N|75.98|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/19/Gajendragarh.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Gajendragarh] ] . It has an average elevation of 643 metres (2109 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Gajendragarh had a population of 28,227. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Gajendragarh has an average literacy rate of 62%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 51%. In Gajendragarh, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

References