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Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple

Overview


The temple of Ulavi Channabasaveshwara, devoted to Lord Shiva and the saint, Channabasavanna, is in Ulavi, about 75 km from town of Karwar (via Kumbarawada) in the state of Karnataka. This shrine is an key pilgrimage center for the people who are following the Lingayat faith. The shrine also encloses the Samadhi of Channabasavanna, one of the most respected saints of the Lingayat faith. The restoration of this samadhi began in 1976 and was completed in the year1979.


About The Temple


The shrine of Ulavi Channabasaveshwara is situated in the middle of hilly and rocky terrain. In front of the shrine, the first thing that meets the eye is the lovely pond brimming with lotus flowers. Devotees across India come over here to bath in the holy waters of the pool to be freed of all their sins.

The mantapa (hall) outside the shrine is attractively decorated. The fine-looking gopura (tower) portraying 23 Sharanas (disciples) is also embellished with ornamental elements. The shrine has doors to the east and south while the door of the sanctum sanctorum is to the east. The east facing Mahasamadhi of Channabasavanna is active thrice a day, with rituals that are done with great pomp. The face of Nandi can be seen on the Samadhi.

To the left of the Channabasavanna samadhi is Lord Sangameshwar and to the right is Lord Mallikarjuna. To the right of Mallikarjuna is Basavanna’s shrine. A cave that is found near the temple, is named after the dedicated devotee, Akka Nagamma, who had done penance here. She is the sister of Basavanna and mother of Channabasavanna the propagator of Six-fold System of Veerashaiva philosophy.

There are few other caves around the Channabasaveshwara Temple complex in Ulavi such as Vibhooti Kanaja, which literally means a place where holy ash is kept. This structure is made of lime stone. There are other caves like Akka Nagammana gavi and Rudrakshi Mantapa. The last and the main cave is Akala gavi. The cave is at a height. One has to access the cave by climbing an iron ladder.


Legends and stories


The Puranas tell numerous stories of Lord Shiva who is easily pleased when prayed to with great devotion. Likewise, satisfied by the prayers of Ravana, the King of Lanka a ten-headed demon, Lord Shiva blessed him with an Atmalinga.The devotees who visit Channabasaveshwara frequently believe that the Atmalinga in the cave is the same one that was given to Ravana. There is a strong belief amongst the locals that Ravana worshipped the Atma linga over here on his way to Gokarna.


History of The Temple


During the 12th century, Sri Basaveshwara, serving as a minister in the court of King Bijjala in Kalyana, started spreading the message of equality and social justice in the kingdom. Few miniters who were aginst Basaveshwara, saw this as n opportunity to tarnish the image of Sri Basaveshwara and guided the king wrongly. The king began to ill-treat Basaveshwara and his followers, known as sharanas. The saint and his followers were forced to move out in search of safer locations. Sri Basaveshwara chose Kudalasangama as his abode and finally attained maha samadhi there. Various groups formed by his believers spread through country in multiple directions.

The saint’s nephew Channabasavanna, accompanied by his mother Akka Nagamma and numerous disciples, arrived at Ulavi after trudging up the rocky mountainous terrain. The hills provided them sanctuary. The boulders and caves served as protection and secured the Vachanas, their holy scriptures, from Bijjala’s forces that were behind them. Soon Channabasavanna’s teachings gained acceptance and attracted followers from far and wide. Many years after Channabasavanna’s time, a samadhi and a temple devoted to him were constructed in Ulavi and it became one of the important pilgrimage centers of Karnataka.


Festivals

Jathre

The ten-day celebration at the Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple jathre (festival) on Magh Purnima captivates pilgrims from all over Karnataka. The community of the 'Panchamsali Lingayath' visit in large numbers here regularly.


Annual Chariot Festival

The Annual Chariot Festival is held with thousands of devotees from all over coming to take part in the 2-week cultural, folk arts, spiritual discourses of the Sharana Vachana, music and bhajan programs. A wrestling competition is a big attraction.


How to Reach Ulavi

Airport

Closest Airports are Belgaum, Hubli and Goa at equal-distance.


Railways

Dandeli Railway Station is the closest railhead.


Road

KSRTC and private buses services are available at Ulavi. There are three services available daily traveling via Dharwad from Hubli, Chitradurga, Haveri and Belgaum.


Temple Address


Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple,
Ulavi, Uttara Kannada District,
Karnataka, India, Pincode – 581187.

Significance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

  • Peace of mind
Shlokas

Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha

Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.

Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi

Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.

Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam

Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).

Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te

Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.

Timings

The temple is open from 6 A.M to 9 P.M

Weather in Ulavi
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