Sri Swamiji visits Banavasi and Shimoga
22-25 February 2007

His Holiness Sri Swamiji visited the vibrant Malanad region of Karnataka state from the 22nd to the 25th February 2007. Sri Swamiji visited Nisrani, Banavasi, Sagar, Mattur and Shimoga towns during this short visit. On 23rd, Sri Swamiji visited Banavasi, the famous 2nd century historical town the capital of Kannada Rulers, Kadambas. The historical Madhukeshvara temple is from the Puranic era and was revered through out the centuries as a place of SHiva worship. the astounding and mesmerizing sculpture and carvings of banavasi temples are to be seen to be believed. Sri Swamiji was very happy in the temple and worshipped the deities personally. There is even a shrine of Lord Dattatreya there.

On 23rd, Sri Swamiji arrived in Shimoga. Sri Swamiji presided over the conclusion of the three day Kriya Yoga camp. Over 300 enthusiastic Yoga students had taken the tree day Kriya Yoga course. A short booklet about Kriya Yoga in Kannada language was released.

On 24th morning, Sri Swamiji visited Mattur village, now famous as Sanskrit speaking village. Sri Swamiji was taken around the village in a procession led by hundreds of Veda scholars. Mattur has the distinction as one of the great seat of Vedic learning in modern India. Hundreds of families engaged in Sanskrit, Veda and Shastra learning live in this village. Sri Swamiji visited Shiva temple. Pada Puja was performed by the Veda scholars to Sri Swamiji. In the speech, Sri Swamiji encouraged them to continue in the service of Vedic learning and not to be swerved by the onslaught of modernity that was taking firm foot hold in India. Sri Swamiji reminded that in the entire 2000 year history of India it was culture that was the singularly alive throughout history. Various life styles, and advancement in living conditions that India had to embrace in its 2000 year history had not greatly affected the learning of Vedas and Shastras - remarked Sri Swamiji. Later, Sri Swamiji visited a specially developed spiritual park by Sri Markandeya Avadhani, an erudite Vedic scholar. Sri Swamiji performed abhishekam to a large Lingam which was carved out of an existing rock in the garden. Various foreign and Indian devotees who had followed Sri Swamiji also had the blessed opportunity to perform Abhishekam.

In the evening, music for meditation and healing was held in the open air field behind Kuvempu Ranga Mantapa. More than five thousand people listened to Sri Swamiji's healing music which comprised of the healing Raga, Sarasangi and Varam.

After the concert, Sri Swamiji was honored by Sri Eshwarappa, minister of irrigation, Government of Karnataka and the president of SRI GANDHA, an cultural organization in Shimoga. The organization also honored Sri Nagaraj, music teacher who heads the respected "Guru Guha Sangeetha Vidyalaya". Sri Swamiji in his message said that the entire Malanad region was culturally very rich and the people were cultured, educated and artistic. Many of the Kannada greats hail from this region.

On Sunday the 25th, Sri Swamiji visited the Ashrama of Sri Adigunchagiri Matha and was gretly happy to see the developments there. Sri Chakra Puja was performed in the same venue. Hundreds of Vedic scholars from Mattur chanted the Veda Mantras. In the afternoon, Sri Swamiji drove to Bangalore. On the way, Sri Swamiji made a sudden decision to visit Chidambara Ashrama in Gubbi town. This place was established by late Chidambara Swamiji a great Datta devotee and Upasaka. Sri Swamiji Blessed the Veda students there and performed Arati in the Datta temple.

On 26th Sri Swamiji left for Singapore from Madras. (click here to read Malaysia page)

Jaya Guru Datta

The courtyard in Madhukeshvara temple in Banavasi. The Dhwaja Stambha is unique

Sri Swamiji in Madhukeshvara Shiva temple in Banavasi

A historical vehicle. Wooden Chariot from the 15th century which is still used in Banavasi during the annual Banavasi Festival. Probably one of the world's oldest vehicle still in use.

The entrance hall to Madhukeshvara Shiva temple. The elaborately carved solid stone pillars are from the 15th century when the Kadamba kings extensively developed the temples.

Sri Swamiji stands behind a carved pillar and admires the sculpture skills of the great craftsmen from the 15th century

Sri Swamiji performs Arati toe ARDHA GANAPATHY in Banavasi. One of its kind in the world, this Ganapathy's half image is attributed to Ganapathy's decision to be half in Banares and half in Banavasi (it is said that Banavasi's Madhukeshvara Shiva temple is as important as the Kashi Viswanatha temple and Ganapathy was torn (literally) in to two to decide where to live.

Its lonely at top. A tall bent Coconut tree in Banavasi temple

Sri Swamiji in Mattur village - aka - Samskruta Grama - a Sanskrit speaking village

Sri Swamiji in the spiritual garden in Mattur. The gaint Shiva Linga carved from an embedded rock in the garden is seen in the foreground

Sri Chandrashekara Swamiji of Adi Chunchanagiri Matha (Shimoga branch) released the Kannada Kriya Yoga book. Sri Swamiji receives the first copy.

Three day Kriya Yoga teaching was held in Shimoga's Adi Chunchanagiri Matha

Healing music program underway in Shimoga

Sri Nagaraj, renowned music teacher is honored by Sri Eshwarappa, while Sri Swamiji looks on.

Concert from another view

Sri Chakra Puja in Shimoga town

Sri Swamiji made a sudden but pleasant detour to Chidambara Ashrama in Gubbi town. We see the Dattatreya idol receiving Arati.