Who doesn’t know about Madakari Nayaka and Onake Obavva in Karnataka. And also we know that both brave souls are from Chitradurga.
Chitradurga located in the State lies by the side of the river Vedavati. This place is also the headquarters of the District of Chitradurga lying at a distance of 200 kilometres from Bengaluru and is named after an umbrella-shaped hill found here. This place was known by several names like Chitrakaladurga, Chitradurg and the British named it as Chittaladurga.
Covered by hills, valleys and rivers this is a picture perfect place and the beauty of nature attracts tourist from all over the globe. This town is also known for its stone fortresses.
Chitradurga was ruled by Nayakas. Madakari Nayaka was famous among all the kings here. During his rule there lived Obavva, a brave lady. It was then that Hyder Ali’s army entered the fort through a small opening, and many soldiers among them were killed by Obavva. The same opening is today known as ‘Obavvana Kindi’.
The Chitradurga Fort built during the 17th and 18th century have gone through the hands of several rulers and thereby has undergone transformation. But the fort was expanded during the rule of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Within the fort are temples, masjid, storage for oil and grain and a citadel. Being a place of historical importance, this fort is quite popular among the tourists.
The Hidimbeshwara temple situated within the fort is the oldest among the 20 temples and a ‘must see’ place. The temple is carved out of a rock and has the influence of the Dravidian culture.
Bheemasamudra Dam is constructed across the river Jinigi Halla. The dam derives its name from the name of the village, Bheemasamudra Village, where it is located.
Of the eighteen temples in the Chitradurga fort, the most prominent is the Hidimbeshwara temple. It is associated with an incident in Mahabharata. Famous Kannada novelist Ta. Ra. Subbaraya hailed from Chitradurga. He has written series of novels on Chitradurga. Renowned Director Puttanna Kanagal picturised all time hit movie ‘Nagara Havu’ at Chitradurga Fort.
Bheemasamudra Dam, Bengaluru, Hosapete, Hampi, and Vani Vilas Sagar Dam are the places close by that can be visited during one’s Chitradurga trip. The best time to visit this place is from October to March.
