Mangaluru: Villagers have taken a major collective decision to preserve Ninnikallu Pade, a unique ancient natural rock formation spread across 6.3 acres in Padubidri, and to develop it as a global cultural and natural heritage site. The decision was taken at a joint meeting of local residents and heritage supporters, who resolved to initiate structured research, documentation and conservation measures to safeguard the site’s historical and spiritual significance.

Ninnikallu Pade is regarded by local communities as an important link to the ancient worship traditions of Tulu Nadu. Though the site was saved from industrial acquisition after strong protests about 15 years ago, villagers say that no structured development or heritage recognition efforts were undertaken afterward. The latest resolution aims to move beyond protection alone and work towards long-term cultural and environmental preservation.

Meeting held with heritage groups

The decision emerged from a village-level meeting held in association with the Tuluworld Foundation, with the participation of folklore researchers, community leaders and traditional families connected to the site. The gathering focused on charting a roadmap to present the rock formation as a recognised heritage landmark at national and international levels.

Senior folklore researcher YN Shetty said the rock series represents a rare and symbolic remnant of the region’s ancient socio-religious landscape. He stressed the need for systematic grassroots-level studies to gather verified historical, archaeological and folklore-based evidence connected to the site.

Participants agreed that proper documentation, expert studies and cultural mapping would be essential before submitting proposals for higher heritage recognition.

Link to ancient Tulu Nadu worship practices

Researchers and villagers maintain that Ninnikallu Pade is closely tied to early worship practices and fort-centred spiritual traditions of Tulu Nadu. Oral histories and local belief systems identify the area as being associated with the erstwhile rule of Kunda Heggade and related lineages.

According to Shetty, historical accounts and local narratives indicate that a palace connected to the Kunda Heggade kingdom once existed in the village region. Within the rock formation zone stands an idol of Kote Bhairava, a guardian deity traditionally believed to protect forts and fortified settlements.

The presence of the deity within the rock cluster strengthens the argument that the area functioned as both a defensive and spiritual centre in earlier times. Folklore experts say such site-linked deity worship is a recurring feature in several old Tulu Nadu settlements.

Rock formation and physical features

The Ninnikallu Pade rock series is considered geologically and visually distinctive. The natural stone structures rise roughly 30 to 40 feet in height and extend across about 6.3 acres. The layered and clustered rock masses create a striking landscape that already attracts visitors and local tourists.

At one prominent point within the formation stands a massive rock surface where the Kote Bhairava deity is worshipped. Villagers say rituals and offerings are still performed there by devotees who consider the place sacred.

Community members believe the blend of geology, folklore, ritual practice and oral history gives the site both natural and intangible heritage value — a combination that strengthens its case for broader recognition.

Past struggle prevented land acquisition

Speakers at the meeting recalled that around 15 years ago, the area had been notified for an industrial project, and there were proposals that would have led to the destruction or levelling of the rock formation. The announcement triggered widespread opposition from villagers and cultural activists.

Sustained and united protests by local residents forced authorities to withdraw the acquisition decision at that time. While the immediate threat was removed, no structured conservation or heritage development plan followed, leaving the site vulnerable to neglect and unregulated visitor activity.

Villagers now say the earlier struggle saved the rocks physically, but the present effort is aimed at securing their cultural future through formal recognition and planned development.

Civic committee to lead next phase

As part of the new resolution, villagers have decided to form a civic committee that will coordinate the next phase of action. This body is expected to work with researchers, historians, environmental experts and cultural organisations to prepare study reports and conservation proposals.

The committee will also look into regulated tourism possibilities, site maintenance, awareness campaigns and educational outreach. Initial steps will include field surveys, oral history recording and archival research.

Recent campaigns to protect other historic sites in the region also influenced the decision to take up Ninnikallu Pade as a focused heritage project, organisers said.

Cultural responsibility, say community leaders

Ashok Raja of the Yermal Beedu family said that preserving and developing Ninnikallu as an ancient worship centre is a shared cultural responsibility. He noted that such sites are not merely tourist spots but spiritual and civilisational markers of Tuluva identity.

Community leaders emphasised that development plans would prioritise preservation over commercialisation, ensuring that the sanctity and ecological character of the rock formation are not disturbed.

With organised community backing, research support and institutional collaboration, villagers hope Ninnikallu Pade will gain recognition as a major cultural and natural heritage landmark representing the deep-rooted traditions of Tulu Nadu.