A massive ancient Shivalinga, possibly dating to the Pandava era, was found in Kunda village, Kodagu. Discovered beneath a tree in Darshan Nanjappa’s garden, it included sacred objects. Believed linked to the Eshwara Temple, experts suggest Pandava influence. Efforts to preserve it underway, awaiting verification by Archaeology Department for historical connections.
A remarkable discovery has been made in the quaint village of Kunda in the Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district. A massive Shivalinga believed to date back to the Pandava era, has been unearthed, leaving the locals astounded by its presence in the tomb of Kilan Ganapati.
The unexpected finding unfolded following a revelation by Kalyatanda Ajjappa, who mentioned the presence of a Shivalinga buried within Darshan Nanjappa’s garden. After an initial search around a tree in the garden yielded nothing, a decision was made to excavate the area with the aid of heavy machinery. Much to everyone’s surprise, a colossal Shiv Linga was discovered deep within the base of the tree.
This significant finding, situated in the Gummattira family estate, boasting a history spanning nearly 800 years, has brought immense joy to the family. Senior priests and elders within the Gummattira lineage assert that the Shivlinga holds profound spiritual significance. The discovery also included several other objects such as a tirthanala, an elephant pillar, stone bricks, a Somasutra, and a panipeeth, all laid beneath the linga.
The proximity of this Shivlinga’s discovery to the renowned Eshwara Temple atop the revered Kunda hill has triggered numerous contemplations among the locals. Renowned sculptor Sivakumar suggested that the Shivalinga might have been installed during the time of the Pandavas’ sojourn in this area to venerate Lord Shiva.
Efforts have been taken to preserve the Shiva Linga, Panipeeth, and the assortment of objects discovered within the depths of the Darshan Nanjappa tree. However, it was noted that a portion of the Shivalinga had suffered damage in the past.
In historical records, Shivalingas were crafted using white and wild stones, consistent with the materials used in constructing this particular Shiv Linga. Notably, during Kodagu’s time as a separate state, it was ruled by Lingayat kings, leading to speculation that the unearthed temple could be associated with a Shiva lingam. To confirm these historical connections, verification by officials from the Archaeology Department is deemed necessary.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinaykumar Patil / January 07th, 2024
The consecration, known as ‘Prana Pratishtapana,’ of Lord Ram in his child-like form (Ram Lalla) is scheduled to take place in Ram Temple at Ayodhya on Jan. 22. To perform the sacred Jalabhishekha ritual, holy water from the seven rivers (Sapthanadi) is being collected from various locations across the country.
A dedicated team of priests from the Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi, representing Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kodagu units, visited Talacauvery, the birthplace of River Cauvery, yesterday to collect the sacred water. The water was received from the holy Brahmakundike through meticulous rituals, homas and havanas.
Masilamani Desiga Jnana Sambhandha Swamiji, the Peetadhipathi of Dharmapuram Adheenam in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, conducted special pujas and received the sacred tirtha from the head priest of Talacauvery Temple from the holy Brahmakundike.
The gathering included notable figures such as State President of Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi and the Guru of Om Sri Math in Mangaluru Mahamandaleshwar Sri Vidyananda Saraswati Swamiji, Co-President Matashree Shivajnanamahi Saraswati, Kodagu District President of Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi Shri Rajeshnath Ji, Tamil Nadu unit of Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi President Mahamandaleshwar, Treasurer Garuda Maharaj, Vishwa Hindu Parishad Kodagu District Working President Suresh, Treasurer Sampath Kumar, Kodagu Journalists Association President S. A. Muralidhar and others.
In addition to the water from Sapthanadi, water from the rivers of Nepal, including Bagmati, Narayani, Ganga Sagar, Dudhmati, Kali, Gandaki, Kosi, Kamla, etc., has been collected. These sacred waters will play a significant role in the rituals during the consecration.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 07th, 2023
While documents mention mandhs as paisari land, they are much more than just a piece of land — they are cultural hubs preserving the rich traditions of the Kodava community.
Two Kodava men perform Pare Kali
Madikeri :
A land narrates the culture of the people who reside on it.
Similarly, ‘mandh’, also known as ‘mandh maani’, are tiny pieces of land found in villages of Kodagu, which intimately recite the identity, culture, traditions and way of life of the Kodava people. Even as these pieces of land are given sacrosanct status in several regions of Kodagu, they come alive with vibrant culture during the festivities of the Kodavas. Rich greenery surrounded by age-old trees and serene mountain peaks and the silence of nature broken by the sound of traditional drums and people dancing in tune with the rhythmic sounds — this is a common sight in the mandh regions after the harvest festival of Puthari across Kodagu.
While documents mention mandh as paisari lands, they are much more than just a piece of land — they are cultural hubs preserving the traditions of the Kodava community.
“Known as the cultural centres of the Kodava community, mandhs come alive with traditions and culture once or twice each year. Folk dance, art, culture and traditions of the Kodava community are exhibited on mandhs. While mandhs are mostly sacrosanct places, they bustle with activith during Kailpodh and Puthari festivities,” explained Madetira Beliappa, former joint secretary, Madikeri Kodava Samaj, a member of Kodava Sahitya Academy and an artiste at Madikeri Akashvani. He is also president of the uru mandh (village mandh) of Kadagadal village.
A group of men perform Balo Paat, a traditional performance, during a temple festival
As he explains, mandhs are a connection between an individual and society. They play the role of multipurpose auditoriums and have taken up preserving and promoting the rich Kodava culture. “Mandhs are the first places that introduce the culture of the community to children. They also adorn the role of training spots,” K Shashi Somaiah, a resident of Madikeri, adds.
Promotion of culture, tradition After Puthari, the community participates in a cultural extravaganza. Cultural programmes are not hosted amid the four walls but on mandhs. Puthari Kolat is a folk dance that is hosted right after a harvest. After paddy is harvested, every village hosts Puthari Kolat aka Puthari Mandh Namme across the mandhs. While Kolata is performed with colourful sticks that are usually short, lengthy canes are used to perform Puthari Kolat. The villagers get together at the mandh even as they take part in the Kolaat.
“During ancestral times, Puthari Kolat used to be hosted across all mandh regions up to five days after Puthari. While the Kolat started off at one mandh, it ended at the main mandh of the district on the fifth day of the festivities. After this, the sound of the canes falls silent,” explains Beliappa. He, however, added that Puthari Kolat is now hosted across the mandhs throughout the month.
Right after the timings are fixed following astrological readings to observe the harvest festival of Puthari, every village prepares to host Puthari Namme across the mandh regions. “Currently, committees are formed by villagers to host these cultural programmes. Every village has a head from one particular Kodava clan and they are called thakkas. They call for a meeting even as finance for it is crowd-funded,” Beliappa adds. While Koalat forms the basis of the cultural programmes, several other folk arts, including Balo Paat (songs in praise of the village, village heads and deities), Bolkaat (traditional lamp dance), Umathaat (a traditional dance performed by women) and Pareyakali (a mock fight with canes to exhibit the warrior culture) also take place.
A group of Kodava men perform Kolaat in their traditional attire
Apart from Puthari, the mandhs also come alive during the festival of Kailpoldh. While Puthari calls for a cultural extravaganza, Kailpoldh festivities call for unique sports activities — from coconut shooting to throwing heavy stones, the mandhs exhibit the warrior culture of the Kodava clans.
The mandh is also filled with activities during the ancient practice of nari mangala (tiger wedding). As Beliappa explains, “Kodavas were warriors who often hunted in the bygone era. When a warrior kills a tiger, a ritual called nari mangala — where the warrior is married to the tiger he killed – is conducted with unique wedding-like rituals.”
Kinds of mandhs
Mandhs are categorised into different types and have an ancestral history. In ancestral times, mandhs were not just cultural hubs but played a more serious role of courts providing justice. Any village dispute would be settled amicably in mandhs. Like the hierarchy in courts, mandhs were also divided into categories.
Vaade is the mandh attached to the traditional houses of Ain Mane and they are in the possession of a single family. Then there is Keri mandh which belongs to the entire village. Uru mandh falls under two or more villages and the Naad mandh are regions that fall under a cluster of big villages. Seeme mandhs are the biggest mandh regions, which according to community elders, hold the prominence of the Supreme Court that declares the final verdict.
Mandhs started losing their importance a few decades ago. While the district had over 240 mandhs, only 70 to 80 exist now. Encroachment, government possession and other factors led to the deterioration of the sacrosanct mandhs. Nevertheless, the community is now alert about this situation even as several individuals, Kodava Samajas and other Kodava organisations have initiated the task of reviving mandhs. As Beliappa explains, “As per land documents, mandhs are paisari lands that come under the possession of the government. Over a decade ago, several development projects were carried out on village mandhs by the government. However, the community is now alert and several mandhs have been revived. The community will continue to preserve these sacred lands and changes need to be made to land documents to ensure permanent protection.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 07th, 2024
In a significant development, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has committed to expeditiously transferring the necessary land for the construction of an airstrip in Kodagu District to the District Administration.
This assurance followed a meeting held yesterday at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru, presided over by Krishna Byre Gowda and attended by Kodagu District In-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju.
The Kodagu District Administration conducted a comprehensive land survey for the proposed airstrip near Kushalnagar. Initially, a 49.5-acre plot near Sainik School, Kushalnagar (Koodige) at Doddathoor village, bordering Basavanathoor village, was identified in the first survey.
However, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) deemed it insufficient, prompting a re-survey. The second survey identified over 130 acres of land at Dodda Aluvara village near Koodige, within the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department, addressing the need for additional space.
Minister Boseraju, addressing reporters post-meeting, noted that issues related to the Revenue Department were brought to his attention during the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting in Kodagu a few days ago. He stated, “The meeting with the Revenue Minister aimed to find solutions to these problems.”
Expressing satisfaction, Minister Boseraju affirmed, “The Revenue Minister’s positive response to the land transfer for the airstrip instils confidence in the timely resolution of the highlighted issues.”
The meeting also delved into acquiring necessary grants and permissions for constructing a mini Vidhana Soudha and an administration building in newly established taluks.
Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, along with various officers, attended the meeting.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 05th, 2023
Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya, SM (Retd.), aged 87 years, passed away at 7.45 am today at his residence in Kalpavruksha Farm, K. Hemmanahalli, Mysuru.
Fondly called as Keshu by those in his close family circles, he leaves behind his wife Dechu Karumbaya, son C.K. Somanna, daughter Shabari, daughter-in-law Navya, grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
His mortal remains will be kept at Muktidhama in Vijayanagar 4th Stage here tomorrow (Jan. 5) from 10.30 am to 12 noon for people to pay their last respects, following which the last rites will be held, according to family sources.
MLA G.T. Devegowda and Mysore Race Club (MRC) Chairman K.M. Chandregowda were among those who paid their last respects to the departed soul this morning.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 04th, 2024
Hockey stadium inaugurated at Chowdlu village in Kodagu.
Minister in-charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju, MLA Mantar Gowda and others at the launch of hockey stadium in Somwarpet in Kodagu on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Minister in-charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju on Wednesday said he would make efforts to get a sports hostel sanctioned for Somwarpet.
Speaking after inaugurating the hockey stadium at Chowdlu village near Somwarpet, the Minister said he will talk to the Sports Minister for allocating additional grants for the construction of a compound wall for the stadium. Kodagu is famous for sports and the sporting tradition has to be continued, he added.
The Minister acknowledged the contribution of former MLA Appachu Ranjan for the construction of the hockey stadium at Chowdlu village and added that the present Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda made efforts to get a sum of ₹40 lakh sanctioned for completing the stadium works.
Mr. Boseraju said the national-level hockey matches can be hosted at the stadiums in Somwarpet, Koodige, Madikeri and Ponnampet.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gowda said the dream of the people in Somwarpet has come true with the inauguration of the hockey stadium. The new facility has delighted the people here since hockey enthusiasts had been seeking for the stadium to promote the sport. He added that the hockey stadium needs to be properly maintained and also required safety measures. A lot of impetus had been given for promoting hockey in the district.
On the occasion, the MLA urged the Minister to get the hockey stadium named after one C.K. Kalappa, whose family had donated the land for constructing the hockey stadium.
B.M. Suresh, one of the family members of the donor, and hockey player Subbaiah were felicitated on the occasion.
Hockey coach Shashidar sought a sports hostel in Somwarpet.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The HIndu Bureau / January 03rd, 2023
While a majority of science projects are done using the internet, Shreesha went a step ahead, and did a real world project.
Alongside help from other students, Shreesha led an awareness campaign to help preserve the stream | eps
Madikeri :
An honest effort from an eighth grade girl of the government school at Kodagarahalli of Suntikoppa in Kodagu district has helped preserve a local stream.
The work for her science project has now earned the respect of the district administration and district police, who have ordered that CCTV cameras be installed to prevent dumping of waste near the stream.
Shreesha AS, daughter of Suntikoppa residents Shiju and Sandhya, is a student of the Kodagarahalli Suntikoppa Nadu Government High School. She was nominated to represent the school at the 31st National Children’s Science Convention, where she won the ‘Young Scientist’ recognition for her presentation — ‘Pollution across river banks’.
While a majority of science projects are done using the internet, Shreesha went a step ahead, and did a real world project. With the help from her father, she visited the stream near her locality to collect inputs for her project. She surveyed the Haraduru stream, collected details about its importance to the locality. She recorded sound bytes from local residents and learnt that the stream has been the lifeline of the locality for ages.
Staff deployed near stream to stop littering
The survey, however, also introduced her to the sad state of affairs of the stream where she found loads of plastic and other garbage dumped by its banks. From coffee pulping to plastic waste, the stream was being polluted by a few locals and tourists who visited the spot.
Shreesha compiled the story and submitted a report on the pitiable condition of the water body to the district administration, district police and the local panchayat. Her efforts persuaded SP K Ramarajan to deploy the staff near the stream to stop littering. Further, the administration has ordered the local body to install CCTVs to control garbage dumping at its banks. With the help from her classmates, Shreesha also led an awareness campaign across the locality even as residents were urged to take responsibility in preserving the stream.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 01st, 2024
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Global Kodava Summit organized by the Connecting Kodavas Trust organization in Madikeri on Friday.
Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna. (Photo | Twitter, @ASPonnanna)
Madikeri :
“The Kodava community must unite to fight for the rights. Our ancestors fought to protect our land and culture. Let this fight continue. But fight for your rights and do not mock other communities or religions. Love every community,” called out Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Global Kodava Summit organized by the Connecting Kodavas Trust organization in Madikeri on Friday.
Ponnanna appreciated the efforts of the trust in bringing the community together. He urged the trust to lay a foundation for the rightful voicing of the communities’ needs and said, “Let there be resolutions formed in this summit on what our rights are and what needs to be done to preserve the community. I will extend my full support to attain these resolutions,” he assured.
He opined that political maturity is needed amongst the community to attain support for the fight towards rights. He highlighted that the land problems concerning Jamma land, preservation of gun rights and ethnographic studies are the issues that must be fought unitedly under a strong leadership. He urged for the preservation of the land, nature, culture and relationships.
MLC Shantharam Budna Siddi, who was present as the chief guest, urged the youth to come forward to work for the society. He assured to extend his support in the legislature for the ST tag fight of the Kodavas.
Chethan Singhai, Chief Consultant of the National Curriculum-Ministry of Education, urged the community to focus on education and appreciate the values of culture. He called out to the community to focus on locality that he said is largely rooted in values.
Human activist Rashmi Samath called out to the youngsters to come back to their roots.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 30th, 2023
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni was recently seen partying with his wife Sakshi at former teammate Robin Uthappa’s house.
MS Dhoni’s entrepreneur friend Hitesh Sanghvi shared an Instagram story on Thursday, December 28, in which the couple posed with Robin Uthappa and his wife in their Dubai residence.
Hitesh Sanghvi’s latest Instagram story
On the cricketing front, MS Dhoni will next be seen in action in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). Earlier this year, he led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their record-equalling fifth IPL title.
As many as 10800 devotees initiated the Koti Geetha Lekhana Yajna on December 27 at the Gayathri Kalyana Mantapa.
Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji himself preached the oath ceremony of registering the initiated devotees for Koti Geetha Lekhana Yajna, a religious global initiative of the swamiji.
Sankarshana Prakhanda Koti Geetha Lekhana Yajna Parivara, Kushalnagar, Kodagu district, organised the event in the presence of Sri Sushreendra Theertha Swamiji, junior seer.
As many as 10800 devotees participated in the event.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – (TP) / December 28th, 2023
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
![Picture] MS Dhoni parties with wife Sakshi at Robin ...](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/12/ca5ce-17037730738794-1920.jpg)
