Hampi Cries For Conservation

A distance of just 32-km, from Toranagallu to Hampi, takes an hour and a half. This is testimony enough to the infrastructure in this part of the country.

Scholars from India and abroad voiced their concerns at a seminar held there recently, calling for better infrastructure at the UNESCO Heritage Site, apart from conserving the monuments and the artifact, integrating it with the people living in the area.

With over 2,000-listed monuments and many more unlisted ones, scattered over 26 sq km, Hampi and its environs attract a large number of tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts of archaeology, either to see and study the monuments and stones or to pray at the 15th century Virupaksha Temple.

This 'largest open-air museum in the world', however, offers them few facilities. With not even the basic facilities like toilets, drinking water and accommodation, the large number of visitors to this city of yore of grandeur and wealth of the Vijayanagar kings who ruled during 1336 and 1565, cries for attention today. The roads are in such state, it can takes six to eight hours to traverse the 133 km. The only consolation is water tanks are used to water these mud and potholed roads to save the visitors a dust-bath.

There are other issues too afflicting the heritage site. There is unfounded fear among the locals of being evicted from Hampi to save its monuments as it is a Heritage Site. They apprehend that this city, would be turned into a dead city of deserted monuments. The officials dub it a bogey of those who have encroached the monuments and the stone pavilions.

These and other issues figured at an international seminar on 'Taking Vijayanagar's Past Into the Future', sponsored by the Hampi Foundation of the Vidyanagar (Toranagallu)-based JSW Steel Ltd. The foundation has taken up the task of formulating a master plan for the management of the Hampi region.

Cornell University (US) Professor Michael Tomlan said at the very outset, "There is growing concern across the world about this heritage site. With its World Heritage designation, it has translated into an important heritage site of the world. However, the problem is of the access to the centre. You have to have infrastructure to tackle the wide range of issues like sanitation, water and such others," Tomlan said.

He was not for relocating people living here, but wanted the economic advantages of it to be seen.

Director of the Vijayanagara Research Project John M Fritz of US spoke on the human association with the place. "Whether there has to be a continued destruction of the archaeological record or conservation, it is ultimately India's choice," he said.

London-based architect and historian George Michell explained through an illustrated presentation how the damages to the heritage sites have continued over the years. "The early photographs of Vijayanagar compared with the subsequent years reveal there are many lessons to be learnt," he said.

There was a general opinion that the controversial bridge should be built five km from the present place across the Tungabhadra.

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Sringeri - The Holy realm

Sringeri is a picturesque town in the heart of the Malnad with rich vegetation and pleasant climate. This temple town attracts pilgrims from all over India and abroad as well. It is located at the foot of the Sahyadris (Western ghats). The green forests and the sacred river Tunga have made this town a lovely abode of nature. Sringeri is situated on the left bank of the holy river Tunga. The water of this river is sweet and pure and by all counts. Tunga paana, Ganga Snaana ( taste the Tunga and bathe in the Ganges).

The region of Sringeri was once ruled by the Hoysala emperors. the Hoysala rule came to an end when Mallik Kafur entered South India with his regiments in 1311 A.D. The invaders in their zeal to spread their religion, made assaults on the Hindus and broke their idols of worship and their temples. It is said that the Sringeri Mutt and Sharada temple suffered mutilation at the time of the invasion. Sringeri till then was only a spiritual centre. It became a beehive of political activities which culminated in the establishment of the great Vijayanagar empire.
There are many shrines and temples in and around Sringeri. Adi Guru Sankaracharya constructed four temples for four deities as the protector of the Sree Sharada Peetha at Sringeri. They are Kalabhairava temple to the east, Durga Temple to the south, Anjaneya temple to the west and Kali temple to the north.
Sankaracharya established the Advaita Mutt and the temple of Sree Sharada. The Sharada temple has been rejuvenated from time to time.

Sree Sharada Devi Sree Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamiji built a grand gopuram to this great temple. Every year during Navarathri (dussera) a grand festival is celebrated. The goddess is taken out in procession through the streets of the town. Thousands flock to the temple to witness this ten-day festival.
Sree Malahanikareshwara temple, situated on the top of the Mallappa hill, in the heart of the town, is very old. This temple is built in the dravidian style. On the left is the Bhavanidevi temple, which is believed to be built by Sreemad Chidanand Swamiji.
Sree Vidyashankar temple is the cynosure of Sringeri. It fascinates all types of visitors and devotees. It possesses architectural beauty and grandeur. The samadhi of Sree Vidyatheertha Swamiji is also here. Viewed from a distance it looks as though it is a attractive chariot. On the walls are carved innumerable statues. On the pinnacle of its lofty tower is the gold cupola. Inside this temple are the twelve sculptured pillars with the signs of zodiac from Aries to Pisces. As the sun move from one zone to another, its rays fall on the respective pillars. These pillars are placed strictly in accordance of the principles of astronomy. Lord Shanideva housed in this temple is offered with special pujas.
Shree Sankaracharya temple, the Janardhana temple and the Harihareshwara temple are also beautiful. Sringeri overflows with life and brisk activities. Everyday one can find a celebration of some kind. Celebrations on a grand scale takes place on days like, Sankara Jayanthi, Ganesha Chathurti, Shiva Rathri etc. The Rathotsavas of Sharadadevi, Vidyashankar and Malahanikareshwara present a grand spectacle of religious gatherings. The Jagadguru of the Peetha offers worship to Lord Chandramouleshwara everyday. The silver Rathotsava of Sri Sharadadevi is celebrated on all Fridays.
Sree Vidya Theertha was the Swamiji of Sringeri at the time of the founding of the Vijayanagar Empire. Bharathi Theertha and Vidyaranya were the ardent disciples of Sree Vidya Theertha. Hukka and Bukka, who founded the Vijayanagar kingdom, were the devotees of the Sringeri Mutt. Thus, Sringeri participated in the glorious adventure of founding an Empire whose prime objective was to protect and foster the Hindu culture and religion from the onslaughts of the invaders.
Sringeri prospered as a great center of learning. Temples and Mutts were built and students flocked to this place to learn the vedic philosophy.
After the fall of the Vijayanara Empire, the Nayakas of Ikkeri continued to protect the interests of Sringeri. Venkatappa Nayaka rendered his services in helping the mutt to carry on its noble task of perpetuation of spiritual creed. Sringeri flourished as a principal center of education and as the propagator of Hindu religion and philosophy.
The reign of Veerbhadra Nayak witnessed political tumult. The rulers of Ikkeri came in conflict with the rulers of Kalasa. The prince of Kalasa seized Sringeri.
Sree Sachchidananda Bharathi, the then Jagadguru of the Peetha gave shelter to the people affected by the seize and protected the Mutt. The turmoil ended soon when the Ikkeri army rushed to Sringeri and fought a decisive battle and defeated Bhairava.
Hyder Ali annexed Ikkeri to the kingdom of Mysore. Tipu Sultan extended financial and material aids to Sringeri for the reconstruction of the temples. Tipu revered the Jagadguru and sought his blessings. Eventually Sringeri came under the rule of the Wodeyars.
The Wodeyars of Mysore were the staunch devotees of the Sringeri Mutt. Thus, the Mutt of Sringeri maintained its integrity and carried on its objective of the propagation of faith. It strove hard to protect its interests whenever there was a political upheaval and turmoil.
Sringeri has all along been a great center of education, a platform of intellectual activities and strong moral force. People all over India revere it as a Peetha of moral and intellectual and philosophical excellence. It has ushered in a new era by engaging itself in the nation building activities.

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