Bisle Ghat

Bisle is a reserve forest along the border of Hassan and Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka. The forest is dense and deep and have lot of lush vegetation. Animals like leopard, chital, Gaur, Malabar giant squirrel etc can be spotted in the forest. There is a view point at Bisle known as the Bisle beauty spot. A lot of mountains and and forest can be viewed from here. The forest here is full of streams and rocks. During the monsoon it rains really heavy and the whole forest will be misty through out the day. Through the forest there is a road connecting Kukke Subrahmanya to Sakaleshpura. The 30km stretch passes through the reserve forest. The village at the start of the reserve forest is also known by the name of Bisle

Best time for Bisle Ghat

Best time to enjoy Bisle ghat is the month of August and September. It will be misty and forest will be lush with streams. Bisle Ghat can be visited till February.

Reaching Bisle Ghat

Bisle Ghat is 265km from Bangalore.

Route 1: Bangalore - Nelamangala - Kunigal - Channarayanapatana - Hassan - Sakaleshpura - Sukravarasanthe - Hethur - Vanganoor Kudurasthe - Bisle

From bangalore direct buses(KSRTC) and trains(IRCTC) are available to Sakaleshpura. From Sakaleshpura there are two services to Bisle one in the morning around 8:00AM and one in the noon around 2:30PM. If u miss this straight bus then there are buses to Kudurasthe(13km away from Bisle) from Sakaleshpura. From Kudurasthe pivate jeeps are available to Bisle.

Bisle ghat resort

The Hills

The Hills is a nature resort nestled in the green environs of the western ghats at 3700 feet above from sea level near Sakleshpur 

Contact :

The Hills
Nelagalli Village,
Hanbal Hobli, Sakleshpur
Karnataka - INDIA

Photos

Manjarabad Fort

Manjarabad fort is located on NH47, enroute to Mangalore from Bangalore. Once we cross Hassan, we reach Sakleshpur ghat road, which is known as Shiradi ghats. The road is winding through the coffee estates with roadside vendors selling coffee stumps. They can be used as centre tables, showcase stands and telephone stands. At a small junction which is approximately 6 kms from Sakleshpur, Manjarabad fort is located on the hillock. One has park their vehicle on the roadside and walk up the steep well laid staircase to Manjarabad fort. 

The history of this fort remains a mystery. There is an ASI sign board to indicate that the fort is a protected monument, but there is no description. Probably the fort was built by the feudal lords of the Vijaynagar empire. Later the fort was occupied by Tipu Sultan. There are signs of Islamic architecture on the enterance façade. Inside the fort one finds a huge desolate tank which was storing the natural rain water. The tank is built with stairs from all four sides which is a unique formation probably to accommodate soldiers. There are 6 watch towers spread across the fort for viewing the enemy movement. The scenary from the fort and watch tower is beautiful. It gives a panaromic view of the landscape. There are two small bunkers which may have been used to store gun powder for firing the cannons. The cannons are missing from the Fort.

Only source of water in the fort are cross-shaped pits with steps leading into them. Work on the fort commenced in 1785, and ended in 1792. The star shaped fort was also used to store the ammunitions, during the reign of Tipu Sultan. Its strategic location enables soldiers in the fort to see the British army coming from Mangalore. From the fort, tourists can get an aerial view of the Western Ghats. Out of the many chambers in the fort, some were used to house the horses. Certain chambers served the soldiers as kitchen and bathroom. A tunnel in the fort leads to Srirangapatna. Later, the tunnel was used to dump dead bodies. The fort has Islamic style of architecture and arched entrance-ways. The forts sits at an elevation of 3,240 ft above sea level.

A secret tunnel seems to have connected both Mysore and Chennarayapatna for the escape of royalties from enemy capture. Tipu Sultan seems to have been under constant threat from the British and his subjects, no wonder he had so many secret getaways. There are number of arched gateways which seems to be resting place for the horses. The fort seems to have all round water channel to protect from the enemy invasion. Crocodiles used to infest these water channels to gobble up the enemies. The entire water channel and walls of the fort is being renovated by ASI. The boundary walls have been plastered with limestone and cement with ivory shade. After the rainy season further work will be taken up to deck up the ruined fort. A visit to the fort through the water channels will give us a good indication of the strategic value of the monument.

Dharmasthala

Dharmasthala  is a temple village on the banks of the Nethravathi River in the Belthangadi taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka.^[1]
The temple is devoted to Shiva and the principal object of worship is the linga. The temple is unusual in that it is run by a Jain administration and poojas are conducted by Hindu priests of Madhva order. Lakshadeepa- the festival of lights is the annual festival of Dharmasthala comes off in November–December.^[2] On an average the flow of pilgrims is about 10,000 people a day. A mechanised kitchen provides free food for all pilgrims and there are guest houses with modern amenities.
Dharmastala represents religious tolerance. A Jain Theerthankara is worshipped beside Daivas and Lord Manjunatha (Shiva). The priests are Vaishnavite Brahmins and the guardian of the temple a Heggade (Jain).
To those who come here for justice, the Heggade - an over 800 year old local lineage - dispense judgements that are said to represent the will of the deities.There are reportedly free hostelries that provide food and shelter

History

It has been told in Dharmasthala that the Shiva Linga in Dharmasthala was brought to Dharmasthala by a Daiva, a local deity with significant supernatural powers, named Annappa. Legend is that he used to work for the Heggade family. Once when the Heggade he was serving wanted to worship Lord Shiva, Annappa had assured him to get one linga and vanished from the sight. Surprisingly next day morning, by the time all woke up, he had already established the linga in Dharmasthala, a few metres away from Heggade's house.
Later it was known that the Linga was from Kadri near Mangalore, from the Kadri temple. By then, Annappa had vanished and he was never again sighted in the vicinity. Now people in Dharmasthala worship Annappa as Annappa Panjurli, a local god deva and a hero.
About Temple

Situated on the banks of river Nethravathi and surrounded by the lush green forests and hills of Malnad, Dharmasthala is known for it's beautiful surroundings and Sri Manjunathaswamy Temple. In Dharmasthala, charity is a way of life, extended to all without discrimination. Sri Dharmasthala which is one of the sacred places in South India and is a famous pilgrim centre. It is situated in the village of Dharmasthala, in Beltangady Taluk of South Kanara district about 75 kms from Mangalore. 
Originally this place was called Kuduma, it has rich history of over 800 years. The History of this place says that, one day about 800 years ago, angels in the form of human beings came to house of pious people, Barmana Heggade and his family. The couple received the visitors with joy and respect. Impressed with the hospitality and the treatment given by the family, the angels appeared in their dream and promised to stay at Kuduma. They also ordered Barmana Heggade to give donations and food for the needy everyday. As per the wish of the angels Barmana Heggade built temples for Kalarahu, Kalarkai, Kumarswamy and Kanyakumari and performed the rituals and ceremonies from time to time. 


As per the custom of Kshetra,

1. Men should remove shirt and Banian while entering the Sanctum Sanctorum.
2. Children below the age of 2 years are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum.
3. Bags are not allowed inside the Temple for security purpose

Other places around Dharmasthala:

1. Kukke Subrahmanya, is around 60 Kms from Dharmasthala
2. Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi.
3. Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple, Kateel, near Mangalore
4. Horanaadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, Chikamagalur District.
5. Mangalore

Kukke Subramanya

History

According to one Mythology, after killing the demon rulers, Tharaka, Shurapadmasura and their followers in a war, Lord Shanuka reached Kumara parvatha with his brother Ganesh and others. He was received by Indra and his followers. Indra being very happy prayed Lord Kumara swamy to accept and marry his daughter Devasena for which the Lord readily agreed. The divine marriage took place on Margashira shudha shashti at Kumara parvatha. Gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra and many other deities assembled for the marriage and coronation ceremony of Shanmukha for which waters of several holy rivers were brought. With these waters of Mahabhisheka fell down to form a river which was later known by the popular name Kumaradhara.

The great Shiva Bhakta and Serpent king Vasuki was performing tapas for years in the Biladwara caves of Kukke Subrahmanya to avoid the attack of Garuda. Following Lord Shiva`s assurance Shanmuka gave darshan to Vasuki and blessed him that he would stay with his parama bhakta in this place forever. Hence the poojas offered to Vasuki or Nagaraja are nothing but the poojas to Lord Subrahmanya.

Temple

Pilgrims going to the temple have to cross the Kumaradhara River and take a holy dip in the river before entering the temple for their darshan holy viewing of the Lord.
The devotees enter the courtyard from the doorway at the back, and walk around to go before the deity. Between the sanctorum and the portico entrance, there is the Garuda pillar covered with silver. Devotees circumambulate this pillar. It is believed that this pillar was charmed and planted there to shield devotees from the poisonous flames streaming from the breath of Vasuki who resides inside. Beyond the pillar is the outer hall, the inner hall, and then the sanctorum of Sri Subrahmanya. At the center of sanctorum is a pedestal. On the upper dais stands the deity of Sri Subrahmanya and the deity of Vasuki and, at a somewhat lower level, the deity of Shesha. Ritual worship is offered to these deities every day.



Puja Activities

Ashlesha Bali Pooja & Sarpa Samskara are two important Sarpa Dosha Poojas are done at Kukke Subramanya Temple.

Ashlesha BaliAshlesha Bali Puja or Aslesha Bali pooja

is one of the important Kaalasarpa dosha pujas performed at Kukke Subramanya temple near Mangalore in Karnataka. Lord Subramanya is known as the protector from Kaalasarpa dosha and Kuja dosha. Kukke Sri Kshetra temple is the most popular for Sarpadosha puja. Aslesha Bali puja is performed on Aslesha nakshatra in each month. It is believed that if this puja is performed on other days it has no power.

Aslesha Bali puja in Kukke Subramaya temple will be performed in two shifts – 7:00 am and 9.15 am. Those who want to perform this puja need to report for sankalpa with Purohita inside the temple either at 7:00 am or 9.15 am. After the completion of Homa Poornahuthi Puja, devotees will get prasadam. Devotees believe Shravana masa, Karthika masa, and Margashira masa are the most auspicious months to perform Aslesha bali puja at Kukke temple. 

Sarpa Samskara / Sarpa DoshaSarpa Samskara

is one of the poojas performed by devotees at this temple to get rid of the sarpa dosha (according to belief, a person, either in this birth or in any of his previous births, could be afflicted by the sarpa (serpent) dosha (curse) either knowingly or unknowingly, through many ways). Persons who are afflicted with this dosha are advised by astrologers / horoscope writers to perform this pooja for their own wellbeing. Pooja can be done either by the afflicted person himself if he is male and married, or through a priest. This is because the pooja involves rituals similar to those done while performing shrartham (funeral rites). Sarpa Samskara seva devotees are required to be present for two days. The seva is performed during the daytime, with no particular poojas in the evening. Food arrangements will be made for these devotees by the temple devasthanam, for up to four persons per seva.

Due to the widespread belief in the snake god in Tulunad region of Karnataka and Kerala, this pooja is performed by people of all faiths.

Sacred places

1.Shree Subrahmanya :

Lord Subrahmanya is the main deity of Subrahmanya. The main entrance of the temple lies to the east. The devotees will enter from west through main Gopuram and enters the inner quadrangle from the east. There is a pedestal in the centre of the sanctum. On the upper Dias there is the idol of Shree Subrahmanya and then the idol of Vasuki and little lower the idol of Shesha. While entering the inner quadrangle devotees should remove their shirts and banyans.

2. Kukke Linga :

To the west of inner sanctum there is a cluster of Lingas known as Kukke Lingas. The Lingas were kept in basket.

3. Kala Bairava Devaru :

The shrine of Lord Bairava is situated at the southern side of the inner sanctum.

4. Umamaheshwara :

This image can be found in the north eastern side of the main sanctum. The images of Soorya, Ambika, Vishnu and Ganapathi are also found here.

5. Hosoligamma :

The shrine of Hosoligamma lies to the southern side of the main sanctum. The images of Soorya, Ambika, Vishnu and Ganapathi are also found here.

6. Sringeri Mutt :

This mutt is situated to north east of the main sanctum in the outer quadrangle. Chandramauleshwara is the main deity of this temple.

7. Ballalaraya Vigraha :

This statue of Ballala King can be found while entering the main temple. It is believed that Subrahmanya was once the capital of Ballala King.

8. Uttaradi Mutt :

This Mutt is situated on the northern side of car street.

9. Adi Subrahmanya :

A road on the northern side of the main Gopuram leads to Adi Subrahmanya. 0.25 KM of walk will take you to Adi Subrahmanya temple. One can see a great Valmmika (anthill) in the sanctum. Here daily poojas are conducted and devotees can offer sevas to Shree Subrahmanya.

10. Kashikatte Ganapathi :

This is situated beside the main road towards Kumaradhara about 0.25 KM from the main temple. Here temples of Ganapathi and Anjaneya are seen. It is believed that the idol of Ganapathi found here is very ancient and installed by sage Narada.

11. Biladwara :

 

On the way from main temple of Kumaradhara you come across a very sacred place called Biladwara which is 0.30 KM from the main temple. It is said that Vasuki (Serpentking) lay hiding in this cave in order to escape from Garude. It is a cave surrounded by beautiful garden.

12. Kumaradhara river (Bathing Ghat) :

A holy river sanctifies this pilgrim center. It originates from Kumaraparvatha. As a natural charmer, the river cascades down great height and muters lush vegetation of the region. Its journey links with Nethravathi, a holy river of Dakshina Kannada district and joins Arabian Sea. As the river flows over the rocks and thick forest areas it is sure that all the skin diseases will be cured if pilgrims take bath in this river.
Note : As the river is very deep and flows very fast one has to take care while taking bath.

13. Darpana Theertha :

A tributary of Kumaradhara flows in front of the outer quadrangle of the main temple. It is believed that a mirror (Darpana) and an Akshaya patra (Kopparige with full of gold jewels) happened to come floating down from mountain and the same was collected by temple authority.

14. Sri Subrahmanya Mutt :

This Mutt belonging to the Dwaitha tradition, situated to the south east of outer quadrangle of the Temple. It is belived that Sri Madwacharya made his brother Vishnuteerthacharya, his disiple and gave this Mutt. The present sheer of this Mutt is Sri Sri Sri Vidyaprasanna Theertha Swamiji. Now Mutt runs a educational Institution provides value based education at Bilinele. Kukke shri Abhaya Ganapathi Temple, Sri Vanadurga DeviTemple, Somanatha Temple and Samputa Narasimha Temple are also managed by the Mutt.

15. Samputa Narasimha :

This Temple is situated in the south eastern side of the main sanctum. It is believed that the image of this God is handed over to Madvacharya by Shree Veda Vyasa.This temple belongs to Shree Subrahmanya Mutt.

16.Vanadurga Devi Temple :

 

This temple lies about 0.50KM away from the main temple, Recently this was renovated by using specially designed red stones on traditional style. Daily poojas are conducted here and devoteed offer sevas to Goddess.

17 Kukke Shree Abhaya Mahaganapathi :

 

 

It is situates on the left side of the main road to Kumaradhara, about 0.45 KM from the main temple. It is one of the biggest monolithic statues of Ganapa. It is 21 feet tall. The architecture of the shrine is in Nepali style.

Daily Pooja Timing :

• Morning: 6am - 7 am
• Noon: 11am - 12pm
• Night: 7pm - 7.45 pm

Important Harike Sevas (Except on Ekadashi days)

• Sarpa Samskara: Rs. 2500.00
• Naga Prthista: Rs. 400.00
• Ashlesha Bali: Rs. 400.00
• Maha Pooja: Rs. 500.00
stern Ghat can be seen if you stand in front of this Temple.

Transportation

Kukke Subrahmanya can be reached by road from Mangalore and from Bangalore. KSRTC operates buses on a daily basis from these two places. The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe Airport), at a distance of 115 km. The nearest railway station is Subrahmanya Road (SBHR) Railway Station on Mangalore-Bangalore railway route, which is 7 km from Kukke Subrahmanya. There is a daily passenger train service from Mangalore (Train No. 0651/0652), which leaves Mangalore at 10:30 a.m. and reaches Subrahmanya Road Railway Station by 1:00 p.m. One can then catch local transport from the station for a 15-minute trip to the temple. Train services have been introduced between Bangalore and Mangalore that pass through Kukke Subrahmanya (train numbers: 6515/6516 and 6517/6518).