The whole of South India is replete with attractive temples with unique architecture. The Ramalingeshwara Temple Group of Avani is also a group of such scenic and wonderful temples which is located near Kolar city of Karnataka.
Avani is a small town located 30 km from the main town of Kolar. situated at a distance. This quiet and serene city, despite being located very close to the Bangalore metropolis, seems to be out of the box.
This untouched city has emerged as an excellent destination for tourism in itself. The Ramalingeshwara temple complex located here has been declared a national heritage by the Archaeological Survey of India.
History of Ramalingeshwara Temple Group of Avani
According to the Archaeological Survey of India, these temples of Avani were built in the 10th century. It was done by the Nolamb dynasty in AD.
The Nolamb dynasty was a minor dynasty of South India whose descendants followed the Lingayat tradition while worshiping Shivalinga.
Later, the Chola dynasty also contributed in the revival of these temples built in Dravidian architecture. According to historian James Harley,
the Ramalingeswara temples at Avani are the earliest examples of temple clusters where a group of temples were built within an outer wall.
According to local legends, Maharishi Valmiki used to reside in Avani. He had his residence on the plateau situated on one side of these temples of Avani.
It is believed that Lord Rama had met him here on his return from Sri Lanka after killing Ravana. It is also said that the sons of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, Lava, and Kush were also born here.
Therefore, this plateau is affectionately known by the devotees as ‘Lava-Kush Betta’. Betta means hill in the Kannada language. During the Ashwamedha Yagya organized by Lord Rama,
Luv and Kush stopped the horse of Shri Ram here. As a result, Lord Rama, along with his brothers, had fought with his sons here out of ignorance.
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Lord Rama, out of remorse for taking up arms against sons, organized a ritual of worship with his brothers and apologized for his sinful deeds. At the same time, all the four brothers worshiped Lord Shiva by establishing one Shivling.
How to reach Ramalingeshwara Temple in Avani?
After reaching Kolar from Bangalore proceed on National Highway 75. About 30 KM from Kolar main town. A road from the main highway takes a right turn towards Avani village. About 10 kms on this road. After going further you will reach the premises of Ramalingeshwara temple.
Since the Ramalingeshwara temple complex is the main heritage site of Avani, everyone in Avani village is aware of the route to reach the temple.
This temple is also the main attraction of every tourist coming to Avani. Therefore, it is natural for the villagers to know about these temples.
They are always ready to show you the right path. Most of the tourists do not know the local language. However, just mentioning the name of the temple is sufficient. Villagers will definitely give you the right directions.
The road leading to the temple is easy to find as there is only one road leading to the temple from Avani. You will recognize Luv-Kush Betta from a distance. The path which takes you near this plateau is the right path.
Visit to Avani Ramalingeshwara Temple Group
As we entered inside the temple courtyard, we were mesmerized by the many beautiful cluster of temples built in exquisite Dravidian style of architecture.
The intricate carvings engraved on each pillar of the temples were attracting our attention as they were extremely conspicuous. We saw that each temple had a mandapa built before the entrance to the sanctum.
A Kalyani Mandap has been built for the marriage ceremony on the right side of the complex entrance. Similarly, on the left, a platform is built for rest.
After entering the temple premises, in front of the entrance, a golden flag was hoisted in the middle of the courtyard. While circumambulating this temple clockwise from left to right,
you can see all the temples which are part of the Ramalingeshwara temple complex. Images of animals like lion and gaj etc. are also engraved on the temple walls.
In front of each temple, information plates giving information about the rich architecture of the temple concerned are erected. For example, the information displayed in one such plaque was as follows-
The Ramalingeshwara temple has a sanctum, an antarala and a navranga adorned with many ornate pillars. The outline of these ornate pillars is similar to that of Manastambha. The decoration of its establishment has been done by the figures of Kirtimukh and lions.
The innermost sanctum of the temple is called the sanctum sanctorum, while the innermost shrine is called the Upakshmi in front of the sanctum.
The ritual of dedicating worship to the deities in the form of dance music is followed in many temples. There is an auditorium built here for such a display of Navrang, which is equipped with many pillars. Adhisthana is the raised platform on which the temple is built.
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