Dec 10, 2024. The day started with an early trek up Anjanadri Betta. Considered as the birthplace of Hanuman, Anjanadri hill is situated 3.5 km from Anegundi entrance. After spending 30 minutes at the hilltop and getting a relaxed darshan of Anjanadevi, we descended and had good breakfast of idli and paddu at a bandi eatery. Then we headed to Pampa Sarovara, the natural spring pond nestled in the slopes of Rishimukha Betta. It is beleived that Rama & Lakshmana had bathed at Pampa Sarovara during their stay at Kishkinda. The place is also connected to Shabari, and also known for Sri Vijayalakshmi Devastana. Then we headed to Anegundi with a sole objective of visiting Chintamani. Anegundi is an ancient fortified town situated on the left bank of Tungabhadra at the point where the river turns northwards. Here we stand at the gateway to the place. Take left to go to enter the river, and take right to enter Chinatamni temple complex.
The temple complex is an elongated premises consisting of temples and mantapas mostly built on the rocky shore. Straight ahead is the small structure named Ishwara Kashi Paduke, Further ahead is the multistoried structure of Rudrakshi Matha.
Also, there's a small structure on the boulder on the right hand side.
A board planted by Karnataka Tourism department describes this complex as follows:
The Chintamani temple complex is located in the southeast corner of Anegundi. According to the local legends, it is believed to have been established by a sage in the late 15th century, during the reign of Tirumalaraya. The tradition of matha (monastery) was ancient. The River Tungabhadra turns from the south to the north at this point, marking it as a sacred spot for many pilgrims. The Rudraksha Mantapa, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple and the Ganesha temple are prominent temples of this complex. There is a pedestal in the middle part of the garbhagriha and a carving of the Shivalinga on the lintel of the entrance. There are three arch carvings on the mantapa constructed with stucco. The mantapa is erected on square-shaped pillars. Nearly a one-foot height sculpture of a devotee with folded hands (Anjali Hasta) is found in front of the matha along the shore of the river. The terrace is lined with fertility stones - these have carvings of Nagashilpa (cobras in relief). There is a cave nearby which might have been a place of penance for the ancient sages. Further from this terrace is the Rama Pada, where footprints, said to be of Rama, are engraved in stone - this marks the spot from where he hid behind a tree and killed Vali. Further ahead is a cave, which is believed to be the first meeting spot of Rama and Anjaneya.
Side view of Rudrakshi Matha.
The arched gateway of Chintamani complex from Ishwara Kashi Paduke temple. All shrines of this complex face east and the river too.
The simple shrine with an open pillared hall on three sides.
The deity of this temple is a pair of feet, Paduke. Going by the name of the shrine these feet are Ishwara's.
Chintamani gateway, Ishwara Kasi Paduke and the little shrine atop the rock. Notice the window in the Paduke shrine's wall which gives a view of the river.
Here's the staircase connecting the river and Rudrakshi Matha. As I know during a good rainy season, the river swells raising the water level right upto the staircase here.
This is Rudrakshi Matha. As you see the structure has three levels- ground, first and second. The staircases on either sides of the building lead straight to the second floor, to the level where the Rudrakshi Mantapa is housed.
A unique temple indeed.
This is the Rudrakshi Mantapa. Long strings of Rudraksha are wound around the pillars and lintel beams. In the Hindu religious tradition Rudraksha symbolizes spiritual alignment, resonates with positive energy, and promote spiritual development. Inside the Mantapa are idols of Shiva Linga, Ganesha and Annapurneshwari. I regret not inquiring about the mantapa, must do it during my next visit.
The open space and pillared hall offers ample space for at least a couple of hundred people.
A splendid sight from Rudrakshi Matha.. Tungabhadra and Tara hill. The pillared hall sitting in the river is believed to be built in memory of the most popular king of Vijayanagara, Krishnadevaraya. It has 64 pillars set in a 8x8 matrix. It is said that Krishnadevaraya had mastered sixty four subjects required to be become an effective ruler.
Panning to the left.. Ishwara Kasi Paduke shrine comes into view.
This little structure is the highest point of Chintamani complex. Through it's narrow doorway one can see there's a platform. It seems to be a temple.
Moving on, we go deeper into the complex. This must be Sri Lakshminarasimha Devastana.
An ancient Brindavana. I guess all these temples are active, probably rituals are performed every morning, and surely there would be special rituals on festive days.
The path continues.. more temples to be seen. However names and histories of many of these temples are unknown. Perhaps, during my next visit I must make inquiries in Anegundi village.
Chintamani must be a bustling place during Vijayanagara times. This place with flowing water is an ideal place to perform rituals and ceremonies for deceased relatives. Of course, rituals for happy occasions would also be performed.
Here's a collection of Nagashilpa i.e. fertility stones. Maybe these are donations of people who wished for progeny or continuation of their lineage in the future.
There's more to see here. This article will continue in Chintamani temple complex, part-2.
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