At Sangamanatha's Shrine in Kudalasangama

 

At Sangamanatha's Shrine in Kudalasangama

This is a time when we, as a society, are displaying our pettiness by turning the great luminaries who made invaluable contributions to society into mere caste leaders and indulging in mutual squabbling. Even in such a time, beyond all the exhibitions of our small-mindedness, it's perhaps more a testament to their power than our good fortune that many great souls have remained ethical, transcending these caste barriers due to their words and deeds. Among such divine souls is Basavanna, who has had a significant influence on the socio-political thought of Karnataka and is recognised as the 'Cultural Leader of Karnataka'.

Recently, I visited Kudalasangama, the place where it is said he 'attained aikya' (union) instead of saying he 'committed suicide by plunging into the river'—either because the latter sounds a bit harsh or to avoid disrespecting him. Located in the Hungund Taluk of the present-day Bagalkote district, this is the confluence of the Malaprabha and Krishna rivers. This spot, where the smaller river Malaprabha joins the larger Krishna, forms a massive water reservoir and is very beautiful to behold. Before coming here, I had paid my respects at the gadduges (tombs) of Basavanna's wife Neelambike, along with the pivotal sharanas (devotees) of the Basava era, Hadapada Appanna and Madiwala Machideva. These tombs, said to be the place where all three gave up their mortal coil, are built inside the Krishna river water at Tangadagi.

While Tangadagi is on the north bank of the Krishna, Kudalasangama is on the south bank. The Kudalasanganatha Temple here, which is Basavanna's Ishtadeva (personal deity) and the signature for his Vachanas (sayings), is quite attractive. After the darshan (viewing) of Sanganatha, I went to the Basavanna's Aikya Mantapa, which is constructed deep in the river water right in front of the temple at the confluence spot, and is identified as the exact location where Basavanna attained aikya. I climbed down 120 steps to reach the Aikya Mantapa in the water's depths, paid my respects, and climbed up the same number of steps. Looking around, the place was delightful, with water everywhere—as if echoing the saying, "Wherever you look, there you are."

It's a good step that the Kudalasangama Development Authority has been constituted and has undertaken many development projects here. Along with the many tasks they've already completed, they should focus on one more aspect. The road to Kudalasangama from the Vijayapura-Chitradurga National Highway side is quite good. However, the road coming here from the aikya spot in Tangadagi is very bad and is practically inaccessible during the rainy season. Pressure should be put on the concerned authorities to improve that road as well. If it properly connects to the state highway between Muddebihal and Hungund, it would be of great convenience to travellers.

Although there was a gallery at Kudalasangama featuring illustrations, sculptures, etc., about the lives and achievements of Basavanna and the other sharanas, I couldn't see all of it due to time constraints. I also did not visit the International Basava Centre located there. However, I am not one of those pilgrims who visits such important places just once. I keep going back often. Since this was my first visit here, seeing this much was satisfying for now. There will always be more visits in the future...

14-12-2025