Kundapur: Cave Temple Carved From Boulder Remains Unknown

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (RD/CN)

Kundapur, Nov 17: A sculpture of Lord Ganapati carved out of a boulder is tucked in a cave at Padumundu, near Beloor and is regarded with wonder by many.

The artistically sculpted temple of Lord Ganapati is of significant interest to visitors. It seems like a boulder from a distance but as one approaches it a sculptured temple of Lord Ganapati unfolds.
The shrine is complete with Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganapati. The boulders are precariously placed on top of each other.

A mild tremor in the vicinity might dislodge the boulders and cause the temple to lie in ruins. The boulders have been in this position for thousands of years. The rays of the sun penetrating through these boulders create a wonder world. It was believed that the temple was erected by the Barkoor kings.

It is a mini monolithic sculpture erected in the empty space between boulders and mesmerizes the visitors with the mastery of sculpting involved. The visitors have to crouch down while circumambulating
the deity. One can climb to the top boulder to get a magnificent view of pristine nature and the hidden treasures that Mother Nature has in store.

“Due to lack of publicity about this cave temple, not many people know of this tourist spot,” said the temple priest Ramakrishna Adiga. “It’s difficult to erect this kind of cave temple in modern times. Of
late, a few tourists and devotees have been arriving here. Solar lights were put in and steps were cut for the benefit of devotees. ‘Puja’ and religious celebrations are being held daily. The boulders have
empty spaces beneath which are believed to have be used by sages for meditation and penance,” added Adiga.

The temple can be reached by driving along Kota–Saibarakatte-Shiriya Road or Tekkatte–Beloor–Padumondu Road from the NH 17.