Kalyani - The Pond..

The temple town of Shravanabelagola gets its name from its pond, Kalyani. Belagola or Bili kola meaning white pond, which became Shravanabelagola, with the visit of many jain monks called Sharavanas. The pond which is said to have been formed by the milk poured by Gullakayajji(visit the link to know the story) on Bahubali idol on Vindhyagiri Hill.

The pond which had been the main source of water of the town for years, has steps which lead you to water. It is surrounded by wall with gates surmounted by towers and presently restricted with entry. I still recall those days, when it was open to public, and the water fountain at the centre used to be functional and light at night.

The towers on the gates too have great carving from inside out and the pond with the reflection of the surrounding greens adores the beautiful of the temple town when viewed from both the hills.

History

(info credit Mahamasthakabhisheka)

It was built by Annaiah the officer of Kammata (mint) but he died before its completion. Later his grandson Krishnawodeyar-I completed the gopura, the tank and corridor as mentioned in Anathakavi’s Gommateshwara Charite. In the course of years the construction was also taken over by Chikkadevarajendra Wodeyar, the king who ruled Mysore state from A.D. 1672-1704 and was completed in A.D. 1723 in his memory as he died during the period of its construction.


Check our the complete Mahamasthakabhisheka Series here.