A massive ancient Shivalinga, possibly dating to the Pandava era, was found in Kunda village, Kodagu. Discovered beneath a tree in Darshan Nanjappa’s garden, it included sacred objects. Believed linked to the Eshwara Temple, experts suggest Pandava influence. Efforts to preserve it underway, awaiting verification by Archaeology Department for historical connections.
A remarkable discovery has been made in the quaint village of Kunda in the Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district. A massive Shivalinga believed to date back to the Pandava era, has been unearthed, leaving the locals astounded by its presence in the tomb of Kilan Ganapati.
The unexpected finding unfolded following a revelation by Kalyatanda Ajjappa, who mentioned the presence of a Shivalinga buried within Darshan Nanjappa’s garden. After an initial search around a tree in the garden yielded nothing, a decision was made to excavate the area with the aid of heavy machinery. Much to everyone’s surprise, a colossal Shiv Linga was discovered deep within the base of the tree.
This significant finding, situated in the Gummattira family estate, boasting a history spanning nearly 800 years, has brought immense joy to the family. Senior priests and elders within the Gummattira lineage assert that the Shivlinga holds profound spiritual significance. The discovery also included several other objects such as a tirthanala, an elephant pillar, stone bricks, a Somasutra, and a panipeeth, all laid beneath the linga.
The proximity of this Shivlinga’s discovery to the renowned Eshwara Temple atop the revered Kunda hill has triggered numerous contemplations among the locals. Renowned sculptor Sivakumar suggested that the Shivalinga might have been installed during the time of the Pandavas’ sojourn in this area to venerate Lord Shiva.
Efforts have been taken to preserve the Shiva Linga, Panipeeth, and the assortment of objects discovered within the depths of the Darshan Nanjappa tree. However, it was noted that a portion of the Shivalinga had suffered damage in the past.
In historical records, Shivalingas were crafted using white and wild stones, consistent with the materials used in constructing this particular Shiv Linga. Notably, during Kodagu’s time as a separate state, it was ruled by Lingayat kings, leading to speculation that the unearthed temple could be associated with a Shiva lingam. To confirm these historical connections, verification by officials from the Archaeology Department is deemed necessary.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinaykumar Patil / January 07th, 2024
The consecration, known as ‘Prana Pratishtapana,’ of Lord Ram in his child-like form (Ram Lalla) is scheduled to take place in Ram Temple at Ayodhya on Jan. 22. To perform the sacred Jalabhishekha ritual, holy water from the seven rivers (Sapthanadi) is being collected from various locations across the country.
A dedicated team of priests from the Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi, representing Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kodagu units, visited Talacauvery, the birthplace of River Cauvery, yesterday to collect the sacred water. The water was received from the holy Brahmakundike through meticulous rituals, homas and havanas.
Masilamani Desiga Jnana Sambhandha Swamiji, the Peetadhipathi of Dharmapuram Adheenam in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, conducted special pujas and received the sacred tirtha from the head priest of Talacauvery Temple from the holy Brahmakundike.
The gathering included notable figures such as State President of Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi and the Guru of Om Sri Math in Mangaluru Mahamandaleshwar Sri Vidyananda Saraswati Swamiji, Co-President Matashree Shivajnanamahi Saraswati, Kodagu District President of Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi Shri Rajeshnath Ji, Tamil Nadu unit of Akhila Bharatha Santha Samithi President Mahamandaleshwar, Treasurer Garuda Maharaj, Vishwa Hindu Parishad Kodagu District Working President Suresh, Treasurer Sampath Kumar, Kodagu Journalists Association President S. A. Muralidhar and others.
In addition to the water from Sapthanadi, water from the rivers of Nepal, including Bagmati, Narayani, Ganga Sagar, Dudhmati, Kali, Gandaki, Kosi, Kamla, etc., has been collected. These sacred waters will play a significant role in the rituals during the consecration.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 07th, 2023
While documents mention mandhs as paisari land, they are much more than just a piece of land — they are cultural hubs preserving the rich traditions of the Kodava community.
Two Kodava men perform Pare Kali
Madikeri :
A land narrates the culture of the people who reside on it.
Similarly, ‘mandh’, also known as ‘mandh maani’, are tiny pieces of land found in villages of Kodagu, which intimately recite the identity, culture, traditions and way of life of the Kodava people. Even as these pieces of land are given sacrosanct status in several regions of Kodagu, they come alive with vibrant culture during the festivities of the Kodavas. Rich greenery surrounded by age-old trees and serene mountain peaks and the silence of nature broken by the sound of traditional drums and people dancing in tune with the rhythmic sounds — this is a common sight in the mandh regions after the harvest festival of Puthari across Kodagu.
While documents mention mandh as paisari lands, they are much more than just a piece of land — they are cultural hubs preserving the traditions of the Kodava community.
“Known as the cultural centres of the Kodava community, mandhs come alive with traditions and culture once or twice each year. Folk dance, art, culture and traditions of the Kodava community are exhibited on mandhs. While mandhs are mostly sacrosanct places, they bustle with activith during Kailpodh and Puthari festivities,” explained Madetira Beliappa, former joint secretary, Madikeri Kodava Samaj, a member of Kodava Sahitya Academy and an artiste at Madikeri Akashvani. He is also president of the uru mandh (village mandh) of Kadagadal village.
A group of men perform Balo Paat, a traditional performance, during a temple festival
As he explains, mandhs are a connection between an individual and society. They play the role of multipurpose auditoriums and have taken up preserving and promoting the rich Kodava culture. “Mandhs are the first places that introduce the culture of the community to children. They also adorn the role of training spots,” K Shashi Somaiah, a resident of Madikeri, adds.
Promotion of culture, tradition After Puthari, the community participates in a cultural extravaganza. Cultural programmes are not hosted amid the four walls but on mandhs. Puthari Kolat is a folk dance that is hosted right after a harvest. After paddy is harvested, every village hosts Puthari Kolat aka Puthari Mandh Namme across the mandhs. While Kolata is performed with colourful sticks that are usually short, lengthy canes are used to perform Puthari Kolat. The villagers get together at the mandh even as they take part in the Kolaat.
“During ancestral times, Puthari Kolat used to be hosted across all mandh regions up to five days after Puthari. While the Kolat started off at one mandh, it ended at the main mandh of the district on the fifth day of the festivities. After this, the sound of the canes falls silent,” explains Beliappa. He, however, added that Puthari Kolat is now hosted across the mandhs throughout the month.
Right after the timings are fixed following astrological readings to observe the harvest festival of Puthari, every village prepares to host Puthari Namme across the mandh regions. “Currently, committees are formed by villagers to host these cultural programmes. Every village has a head from one particular Kodava clan and they are called thakkas. They call for a meeting even as finance for it is crowd-funded,” Beliappa adds. While Koalat forms the basis of the cultural programmes, several other folk arts, including Balo Paat (songs in praise of the village, village heads and deities), Bolkaat (traditional lamp dance), Umathaat (a traditional dance performed by women) and Pareyakali (a mock fight with canes to exhibit the warrior culture) also take place.
A group of Kodava men perform Kolaat in their traditional attire
Apart from Puthari, the mandhs also come alive during the festival of Kailpoldh. While Puthari calls for a cultural extravaganza, Kailpoldh festivities call for unique sports activities — from coconut shooting to throwing heavy stones, the mandhs exhibit the warrior culture of the Kodava clans.
The mandh is also filled with activities during the ancient practice of nari mangala (tiger wedding). As Beliappa explains, “Kodavas were warriors who often hunted in the bygone era. When a warrior kills a tiger, a ritual called nari mangala — where the warrior is married to the tiger he killed – is conducted with unique wedding-like rituals.”
Kinds of mandhs
Mandhs are categorised into different types and have an ancestral history. In ancestral times, mandhs were not just cultural hubs but played a more serious role of courts providing justice. Any village dispute would be settled amicably in mandhs. Like the hierarchy in courts, mandhs were also divided into categories.
Vaade is the mandh attached to the traditional houses of Ain Mane and they are in the possession of a single family. Then there is Keri mandh which belongs to the entire village. Uru mandh falls under two or more villages and the Naad mandh are regions that fall under a cluster of big villages. Seeme mandhs are the biggest mandh regions, which according to community elders, hold the prominence of the Supreme Court that declares the final verdict.
Mandhs started losing their importance a few decades ago. While the district had over 240 mandhs, only 70 to 80 exist now. Encroachment, government possession and other factors led to the deterioration of the sacrosanct mandhs. Nevertheless, the community is now alert about this situation even as several individuals, Kodava Samajas and other Kodava organisations have initiated the task of reviving mandhs. As Beliappa explains, “As per land documents, mandhs are paisari lands that come under the possession of the government. Over a decade ago, several development projects were carried out on village mandhs by the government. However, the community is now alert and several mandhs have been revived. The community will continue to preserve these sacred lands and changes need to be made to land documents to ensure permanent protection.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 07th, 2024
In a significant development, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has committed to expeditiously transferring the necessary land for the construction of an airstrip in Kodagu District to the District Administration.
This assurance followed a meeting held yesterday at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru, presided over by Krishna Byre Gowda and attended by Kodagu District In-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju.
The Kodagu District Administration conducted a comprehensive land survey for the proposed airstrip near Kushalnagar. Initially, a 49.5-acre plot near Sainik School, Kushalnagar (Koodige) at Doddathoor village, bordering Basavanathoor village, was identified in the first survey.
However, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) deemed it insufficient, prompting a re-survey. The second survey identified over 130 acres of land at Dodda Aluvara village near Koodige, within the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department, addressing the need for additional space.
Minister Boseraju, addressing reporters post-meeting, noted that issues related to the Revenue Department were brought to his attention during the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting in Kodagu a few days ago. He stated, “The meeting with the Revenue Minister aimed to find solutions to these problems.”
Expressing satisfaction, Minister Boseraju affirmed, “The Revenue Minister’s positive response to the land transfer for the airstrip instils confidence in the timely resolution of the highlighted issues.”
The meeting also delved into acquiring necessary grants and permissions for constructing a mini Vidhana Soudha and an administration building in newly established taluks.
Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, along with various officers, attended the meeting.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 05th, 2023
Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya, SM (Retd.), aged 87 years, passed away at 7.45 am today at his residence in Kalpavruksha Farm, K. Hemmanahalli, Mysuru.
Fondly called as Keshu by those in his close family circles, he leaves behind his wife Dechu Karumbaya, son C.K. Somanna, daughter Shabari, daughter-in-law Navya, grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
His mortal remains will be kept at Muktidhama in Vijayanagar 4th Stage here tomorrow (Jan. 5) from 10.30 am to 12 noon for people to pay their last respects, following which the last rites will be held, according to family sources.
MLA G.T. Devegowda and Mysore Race Club (MRC) Chairman K.M. Chandregowda were among those who paid their last respects to the departed soul this morning.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 04th, 2024
Hockey stadium inaugurated at Chowdlu village in Kodagu.
Minister in-charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju, MLA Mantar Gowda and others at the launch of hockey stadium in Somwarpet in Kodagu on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Minister in-charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju on Wednesday said he would make efforts to get a sports hostel sanctioned for Somwarpet.
Speaking after inaugurating the hockey stadium at Chowdlu village near Somwarpet, the Minister said he will talk to the Sports Minister for allocating additional grants for the construction of a compound wall for the stadium. Kodagu is famous for sports and the sporting tradition has to be continued, he added.
The Minister acknowledged the contribution of former MLA Appachu Ranjan for the construction of the hockey stadium at Chowdlu village and added that the present Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda made efforts to get a sum of ₹40 lakh sanctioned for completing the stadium works.
Mr. Boseraju said the national-level hockey matches can be hosted at the stadiums in Somwarpet, Koodige, Madikeri and Ponnampet.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gowda said the dream of the people in Somwarpet has come true with the inauguration of the hockey stadium. The new facility has delighted the people here since hockey enthusiasts had been seeking for the stadium to promote the sport. He added that the hockey stadium needs to be properly maintained and also required safety measures. A lot of impetus had been given for promoting hockey in the district.
On the occasion, the MLA urged the Minister to get the hockey stadium named after one C.K. Kalappa, whose family had donated the land for constructing the hockey stadium.
B.M. Suresh, one of the family members of the donor, and hockey player Subbaiah were felicitated on the occasion.
Hockey coach Shashidar sought a sports hostel in Somwarpet.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The HIndu Bureau / January 03rd, 2023
The need to shift to a better job urged Bhavani, a cleaner at the panchayat, to try and apply for the 10th board exams.
Madikeri :
A digital library in a rural part of Kodagu is helping shape a new life for a panchayat cleaning staff.
Bhavani HD (48), who never had the luxury to attend school, has now completed 10th grade after receiving help at the digital library even as she hopes for a promotion in her 12-year-old career.
A resident of Maldare village in Virajpet taluk, Bhavani hails from a poor family. She did not enjoy the right to attend school during her childhood and started off earning a living by working as a daily wager.
She then applied to work at the Maldare Grama Panchayat and has been working as the cleaning staff there for the past 12 years. She is shortly to be deployed as a civic worker who has to collect and dispose of garbage.
“I cannot lift heavy weights. I have undergone five surgeries including tubal ligation, uterus, piles, appendix, and a leg surgery. I requested a different job profile due to my illness and the then PDO had suggested that I could have applied for an attendee post at the panchayat if I had passed 10th grade,” shared Bhavani.
The need to shift to a better job urged Bhavani to try and apply for the 10th board exams.
“My dream of attaining an attendee post led me to the digital library at the panchayat. I obtained support from the library supervisor Sujitha,” Bhavani said.
“From the Grama Digi Vikas portal, I helped download the study materials for Bhavani. The study materials are easy to understand and they are in the form of videos. Bhavani visited the library every day and studied for the board exams,” shared Sujitha KV, the library supervisor who learned about the ordeal of Bhavani and stepped in to help.
For three months, Bhavani spent a few hours every day studying at the library. She wrote the board exams in March last year.
“But I passed only in Kannada. However, by god’s grace, I cleared all the subjects during the supplementary examination,” explained Bhavani.
Following this success, Bhavani is now confident of availing the attendee post.
However, Bhavani has a long fight before she gets to her dream post at the panchayat, as several panchayat members have failed to see her efforts and are demanding a male candidate for the attendee post over Bhavani.
While her hard work led her towards completing the 10th grade, it has not yet paid off due to the unprecedented developments at the panchayat.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 03rd, 2023
The World of Coffee 2024, a highly anticipated event in the coffee industry, is set to organise two distinctive national championships including ‘UAE National Barista Championship’ and the ‘UAE National Latte Art Championship’ targeting industry professionals.
The third edition of the exhibition, organised by DXB Live, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), is scheduled to take place from 21-23 January.
The UAE National Barista Championship is a unique competition that convenes the country’s skilled coffee preparation and presentation professionals under one roof. The event will convene the best baristas in the UAE to exhibit their talents and capabilities in front of thousands of experts, specialists, and enthusiasts.
An international team of judges will evaluate the participants based on the quality of the beverage, presentation technique, creativity, and technical proficiency.
The championship aims to underscore the barista profession and elevate the level of excellence in the coffee sector by offering experts the opportunity to exhibit their skills and innovative approaches.
The event will also set the stage for the ‘World Barista Championship’, one of the most renowned international coffee competitions, in which winners of the national barista championships held across the globe will compete on a global level.
The ‘UAE National Latte Art Championship’ will exhibit the artistic and creative capabilities of baristas in the preparation of lattes. During the competition, a judging panel will evaluate entries based on visual and creative aspects, with a key focus on diversity in styles and overall taste. The championship will be conducted following the specific judging rules, regulations, and standards used in global coffee events.
Khalid Al Mulla, Chief Executive Officer of the Specialty Coffee Association – UAE Chapter, commented, “Such tournaments and competitions signify our vision to position Dubai as one of the most active regional centres for fostering innovation and excellence in the coffee sector and offering a dynamic platform for skilled individuals to exhibit their expertise in the field as well as to elevate barista techniques and skills. Aside from providing these benefits, it also gives remarkable experience to coffee lovers.”
Shouq BinRedha, Exhibition Manager of World of Coffee 2024, said, “These events will provide us with an opportunity to explore recent trends and approaches as well as barista innovations that can redefine the future of the industry both regionally and globally. In our opinion, the active participation of professionals, experts, and international companies from across the globe as well as the convergence of diverse cultures during the exhibition will play a key role in the development of this industry.
Furthermore, the UAE being home to various renowned global coffee chains and Dubai a region-wide leader in terms of bringing innovation to the industry reinforces the exhibition status in the sector.”
Besides these activities, the World of Coffee Dubai will also be hosting two other competitions, namely ‘Coffee Design Awards’ and ‘Best New Product’. These competitions aim to recognize and celebrate innovation, promote collaboration, and explore industry prospects.
The ‘Coffee Design Awards’ will showcase participants’ inspiring designs, including packaging, designing brand logos, equipment, and space decor, evaluated by an expert panel. The ‘Best New Product’ competition highlights innovative and high-value new products in the coffee industry.
Furthermore, the exhibition will feature a wide array of events and activities, including ‘Roasters Village’, ‘Cupping Room’, and ‘Brew Bar’. It will also include several panel discussions and specialised workshops focusing on sustainability, optimal resource management, and sustainable practices, signifying the global coffee community’s commitment to encouraging the responsible production of coffee.
World of Coffee Dubai will attract coffee enthusiasts, experts, and professionals, providing a dynamic platform to connect with the global coffee community, discover new products, share insights, and build connections with industry leaders. Attendees will include leading coffee experts, pioneers, café owners, and baristas.
While a majority of science projects are done using the internet, Shreesha went a step ahead, and did a real world project.
Alongside help from other students, Shreesha led an awareness campaign to help preserve the stream | eps
Madikeri :
An honest effort from an eighth grade girl of the government school at Kodagarahalli of Suntikoppa in Kodagu district has helped preserve a local stream.
The work for her science project has now earned the respect of the district administration and district police, who have ordered that CCTV cameras be installed to prevent dumping of waste near the stream.
Shreesha AS, daughter of Suntikoppa residents Shiju and Sandhya, is a student of the Kodagarahalli Suntikoppa Nadu Government High School. She was nominated to represent the school at the 31st National Children’s Science Convention, where she won the ‘Young Scientist’ recognition for her presentation — ‘Pollution across river banks’.
While a majority of science projects are done using the internet, Shreesha went a step ahead, and did a real world project. With the help from her father, she visited the stream near her locality to collect inputs for her project. She surveyed the Haraduru stream, collected details about its importance to the locality. She recorded sound bytes from local residents and learnt that the stream has been the lifeline of the locality for ages.
Staff deployed near stream to stop littering
The survey, however, also introduced her to the sad state of affairs of the stream where she found loads of plastic and other garbage dumped by its banks. From coffee pulping to plastic waste, the stream was being polluted by a few locals and tourists who visited the spot.
Shreesha compiled the story and submitted a report on the pitiable condition of the water body to the district administration, district police and the local panchayat. Her efforts persuaded SP K Ramarajan to deploy the staff near the stream to stop littering. Further, the administration has ordered the local body to install CCTVs to control garbage dumping at its banks. With the help from her classmates, Shreesha also led an awareness campaign across the locality even as residents were urged to take responsibility in preserving the stream.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 01st, 2024
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