Monuments built in the name of love has always had a special place in the book of time. It leaves an everlasting impression of the historical fondness which was once shared by the characters from the past. There are several masterpieces constructed around the world that are the testament of their owner’s undying love.
Like the Taj Mahal built in Agra by Emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mehal, India has many such places which has been a witness to epic love stories. Bringing the focus back to Karnataka, Champaka Sarasi, in Malandur, Shivamogga, is one such historical landmark.
History says that the Queen of Keladi who was facing public accusations was heartbroken and had committed suicide here. In her memory, the King of Keladi, Venkatappa had built the Champaka Sarasi pond with stone.
The King had married the beautiful young girl named Champaka who was from a lower caste at the Anandapura fort. She was accused of wrongdoings by the citizens of the state and when the King also had come to believe that, she was heartbroken and committed suicide by drinking diamond powder mixed with milk. Later when the King came to realise that he misunderstood his queen due to the citizens, he erected the monument to express his everlasting love for Champaka.
There have been many inscriptions which have spoken about the pool and its various characteristics. The pond is also said to have been named after the Champaca flower garden which was found near the pond. Here the word Champaka stands for Champaca or Champa flower, sarasi means pond.
At the entrance, there are two elephant sculptures. It is said that one of the elephants is male and another one is female. A bloomed lotus flower which had buds, is carved to the back of the male elephant and a female elephant. During those times, the flower lotus was considered as a mark of love. The pond is replenished with water and there stands a small temple kind of structure consisting of Lord Shiva and Nandi idols at the centre of it.
The remains of an ancient Lingayat Matha too can be found here in the surrounding areas. There are also certain historical texts which claim that Champaka Sarasi is not the name of Queen but it is the name of Matha situated here. An inscription of 1592 AD clearly mentions that the King senior Venkatappa Nayak donated a village to the Chamapaka Sarasi Matha.
Image courtesy @karnatakafocusofficial from Facebook
