Divine Temple with Serpent Deity - Kengeri Mukthinaga Temple

16 Feet Height Serpent Deity

Location:
Bangalore District
Karnataka State

Distance:
Bangalore to Kengeri Mukthi Naga Temple - 28 Kms

Route:
Bangalore (Majestic) - Rajarajeshwari Nagar - Kengeri - Ramohalli Village - Mukthi Naga Temple

Estimated Travel Time:
Forty Five Minutes by bike

Best Time to Visit:
Any Time during the Year

Stay:
The nearby place to stay is Bangalore

Mukthi Naga Temple Main Entrance

I and my friend Mr. Gowtham started on bike to visit serpent deity in the afternoon after having lunch in my home. We took forty five minutes to reach the temple. Some portion of the temple was still under construction and there is huge parking place for vehicles. It is situated in between farm lands far away from the city traffic and pollution.

Parking Place

Two Hundred Years ago, this place was called as "Junjappana Bayalu". It is believed that a cobra, 25 feet long and more than hundred years old used to live here at that time. Even today, this place is inhabited by many varieties of serpents. The "Mukthi Naga" deity which is about 16 feet height is the biggest idol in the world. This temple is a result of "Sri Subramanya Shastri" dream in which Lord Subramanya appeared and told him to construct temple. 

Elephants welcomes the devotees at the entrance

There is a belief that every prayer of the devotees is answered here. The world's largest monolithic idol of "Lord Subramanya" measuring 21 feet in height and 56 tons in weight is also installed here. This idol is made of "Krishna Shila" rock and this sculpture is carved by Padmashri Shri Ganapathi Stapathi and his sons in a period of two years.

21 Feet Lord Subramanya Idol

The vehicle of Lord Subramanya is Peacock and the idol of same is kept opposite to the Lord Subramanya idol.

Vehicle of Lord Subramanya - Peacock

It is believed that snake god lives in this anthill. As many people poured milk into it and spoiled the anthill, a board is kept near it requesting the devotees not to pour milk into it.

Anthill in which snake god lives

Diagonally opposite to the temple, numerous small deities of snake god are installed and regular pooja is done.

There is a custom followed here where many people tie bangles to the stem of the tree and pray god for the remedies of illness and other problems.

Tree to which bangles are tied by the devotees

At about hundred meters from this temple, there is a another small temple of "Renuka Yellama Devi". The deity of the goddess is beautifully decorated.

Renuka Yellamma Devi Temple

Renuka Yellamma Deity

Renuka Yellamma Devi on cradle

The idols of other gods inside this temple are Sri Mailaraangeshwara Swamy and Sri Gangamalamma Devi.

Sri Mailaraangeshwara Swamy 

Sri Gangamalamma Devi

Various other projects like Maha Mantapa, Chikka Palani, Kalpataru Hospital, Navagraha Temple etc. are taken up at the Mukthi Naga Temple. Donating money here is definitely a great contribution towards spirituality. As we both planned for a movie in the evening, we left this place at 04:30 PM and reached the multiplex in time.   

Jolly Ride in Kanakapura Road

Thottikallu Falls

Pyramid Valley

Art of Living International Center

Places covered in the trip:
1. Thottikallu Falls
2. Pyramid Valley International
3. Art of Living International Center

Distance from Bangalore:
1. Thottikallu Falls - 30 Kms
2. Pyramid Valley International - 40 Kms (Without going to Thottikallu Falls)
3. Art of Living International Center - 21 Kms

Estimated Travel Time: (may vary depending on traffic)
1. Thottikallu Falls - 45 Minutes
2. Pyramid Valley International - One Hour Ten Minutes
3. Art of Living International Center - 25 to 30 Minutes

Route:

1. Banglore - Banashankari Bus Stand - Kanakapura Road - Kaggalipura - Thottikallu Falls

2. Banglore - Banashankari Bus Stand - Kanakapura Road - Kaggalipura - Kebbedoddi Village -        

    Pyramid Valley International

3. Banglore - Banashankari Bus Stand - Kanakapura Road - At 21st Km in Kanakapura Road Art of       Living International Center

Best time to visit:
For Thottikallu Falls, the best time is during rainy season. The other two can be seen any time during the year.

Stay:

Bangalore is the nearest & Best Place to stay. However, accommodation is available in Pyramid Valley International and Art of Living International Center.

There are lot of places to be seen in Kanakapura Road. Please read "Lazy Weekend Drive to Muthathi" for other places in Kanakapura Road. As my home is in Banashankari, it is nearer for me to reach Kanakapura Road. I along with few of my friends started exploring Kanakapura Road for the second time. After having a heavy breakfast, we left Bangalore at 10:30 AM to Thottikallu Falls.

1. Thottikallu Falls:

We reached Kaggalipura in half an hour as the road was good and traffic was less. In Kaggalipura we took left towards TK Falls (Thottikallu Falls). It took another fifteen minutes from here to reach TK Falls as we have to ask the local people for the route and pass through the mud road at the end. Local people understand if we ask TK Falls rather than asking for Thottikallu Falls. As the road is narrow as we reach the falls, it is better to go in two wheeler.

Entrance to the Falls

There is a small temple without any priest. With lot of expectations we moved towards the falls and got very great disappointment. There was not even a single drop of water flowing in the falls.

Path to the Falls

Partly green vegetation near falls

It is not a very great place to visit. If there is time and there is no other way for time pass, this place can be visited for trekking and experiencing peaceful atmosphere. It is better to carry your own food as there are no food stalls.

Dried TK Falls covered with trees

There was small quantity of water stored at the base of the falls. Playing in this water guarantees dreadful skin diseases. 

Dirty Water stored at the bottom of the falls

Despite of the dried falls, we found joy in the Tamarind Tree. We plucked few ripened tamarind and enjoyed its sweet taste.

Tamarind Tree

Ant Hill in the shade of Tamarind tree

It was almost 12 Noon and in that hot sunny day we further traveled 18 Kms to reach Pyramid Valley International.

2. Pyramid Valley International: (Timings - 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM)

In about thirty minutes we reached Pyramid Valley International. There is good parking area for parking the vehicle with a parking fee of ten rupees. Opposite to the parking space, there is an office and video briefing center. In the video briefing center, the location, services offered, description of the Pyramid Valley International and importance of meditation will be shown as a audiovisual that lasts for twenty minutes.

Guide Map

There are clear directions inside the campus for the places to be seen. There is a guide map and also a board specifying the timings of various events.

Timings of various events

There are good clean roads made inside the campus for movement of the people and vehicles. However, private vehicles are not allowed at all the places.

Maitreya Buddha Pyramid

The presence of "World's largest Meditation Pyramid" is an added feature to this place. It is an international meditation center dedicated in helping individuals, societies and organizations for achieving self realization, spiritual wisdom and  aiding them in unlocking their hidden potential.

This "Maitreya Buddha Pyramid" is 102 feet height with a total capacity of 5000 people. The exterior surface of the pyramid is covered by beautiful murals depicting various elements of the nature. To amplify the pyramid energy, 640 natural Himalayan Crystals have been fitted on to the pyramid. The lower hall of the pyramid has beautiful art works and the photos of pyramid when it was under construction.

In the center of the pyramid there is a spiral King's chamber at a height of 34 feet which is the most energetic spot of the pyramid. It can accommodate about 40 people at once. We did meditation for half an hour and moved for lunch.

There is free meal provided to the visitors for which visitors have to collect coupons near the exit of the pyramid. Also there is a canteen providing clean diet food at economical prices. As photography was not prohibited inside the campus, we took few pics at the places that came to our attention. Apart from this big pyramid, there are many small pyramids constructed inside the campus for meditation.

Buddha in meditation

Wooden bridge from Pyramid to reach Canteen

Gandhi Statue in water pond

We had good meal and stayed for about two hours. It was almost 04:30 PM when we started to Art of Living International Centre which is on the way back to Bangalore.

3. Art of Living International Center:

We took half an hour to reach this place as it is located at a distance of 18 Kms from Pyramid Valley International. The climate was cool as it was nearing sunset. At the entrance of the ashram, we have to enter our name and vehicle number in the register and there is ample parking space. People can have peaceful walk here as nice roads are constructed.

Vishalakshi Mantap

There is a beautiful "Vishalakshi Mantap" in which Sri Ravi Shankar preaches about art of living.  The art work inside the mantap is treat to the eyes. This place spread about for 65 acres with beautiful gardens. Every evening, there will be a satsang where scattered minds unite with music, wisdom and  meditation to experience higher state of consciousness.

Art Work inside the Vishalakshi Mantap

Nandi outside the Vishalakshi Mantap

Ayurveda Wellness center

This is a good place to relax and stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city by learning Yoga and Meditation from experts. The "Panchakarma Ayurvedic center" constructed in Kerala style provides cleansing and rejuvenating program for mind and body. This is famous for special massages, advising on diets and  many ayurvedic treatments. There is even a Ayurveda wellness center and pharmacy for the benefit of the visitors. 

There are several residential blocks for the program participants with different  types of accommodation to suit budget and convenience. However, the accommodation is only for the program participants. There are certain places in the ashram which were under development. This is a best place for a family or group of friends for spending a day in peaceful manner away from the concrete jungle.

Work under Construction

With the feast to the eyes from Pyramid Valley and Art of Living Ashram we started back to home. We had good dinner in a hotel in Kanakapura Road and completed the day.

Lazy weekend drive to Muthathi

Muthathi - Cauvery River

Location:
Muthathi
Mandya District

Distance:
Bangalore to Muthathi - 100 Kms

Route:
Bangalore - Harohalli - Kanakapura - Sathanur - Muthathi

Estimated Travel Time:
Two Hours Fifteen Minutes

Best Time to Visit:
August to January

Stay:

There is a jungle lodge in Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp at a distance of 5 kms from Muthathi to stay. However, it is little bit expensive.

None of my roommates were ready for a trip on Sunday.So, I almost dropped my plans of having a trip. Suddenly, I got a call from an old friend Mr. Nageshwar asking for a trip.  Though it was late to start I picked him up from his house and immediately started to Muthathi on bike. In about an hour and fifteen minutes we reached Kanakapura and had chat along with few snacks and tea. it took about twenty five minutes for us to reach Sathanur. There was lot of dust as the road widening work was under process. 

We have to go into the forest to reach Muthathi from Sathanur. At the entrance of the forest, there is a watchman with a register. We have to enter our name, Vehicle number and mobile number in the register before proceeding into the Forest. There is no entrance fee here.

Entrance to the Forest

Though the road has many pit holes the ride in the forest will be magnificent with spectacular views of the valleys and the road is constructed close to the valleys. The climate was very hot in the afternoon and many trees in the forest were dried up. It looks like lot of rains are required to revive the forest.

We travelled 18 Kms further from Sathanur in the forest to reach Muthathi. The ride in the forest in a narrow road just next to the huge deep valleys is an unforgettable experience. There are lot of hair pin turns inside the forest on the way and we have to be careful at these points.  

Statistics of people died in Muthathi

Board displaying whirlpools

Many people have died in the waters of Muthathi and the number of people died in the respective years is displayed at the entrance. It is believed that the people died here because of whirlpools & crocodiles. So be careful not to go deep into the water.

There is ample parking space for parking your vehicles at free of cost. Lot of people come here, cook their own food and leave. It is believed that it is good deed in life to cook food, offer to the god and have it as prasadam. The food is cooked by the visitors using firewood.

Parking space 

After cooking the food, the wastes are left here without disposing properly by the visitors. This is making the place dirty and unhygienic and the same needs to be taken care immediately.

Area where food was cooked before

Stone eroded by water flow

Muthathi is situated on the banks of Cauveri river surrounded by dense forest which comprises of Cauveri Wildlife Sanctuary. Various shapes of stones can be seen which are formed by the continuous flow of water.

It was very easy for us to play as the water level is low and we played in the water for about one hour and moved to Anjaneya Swamy Temple.

My friend Mr. Nageshwar

Anjaneya Temple

This place also has connection with Ramayana. It is believed that goddess Sitha lost her nose studd in the water while taking bath and the same was found by Anjaneya. By this anjaneya gets the name of "muthetharaya" from then. A temple dedicated to Anjaneya is also constructed here. Before the temple there are various stalls which sell flowers, coconuts, snacks etc.,

Entrance Arch to the temple

There is a custom in this temple that, the visitors get a holy thread ("thayethu" in the local language) tied to the hand which is believed to be very powerful and protects the people from demons and devils. lot of people who had fear were tied with the holy thread by the priest in the temple.

For trekking in the forest, permission from the Forest department should be obtained. There is a small park and Forest Office near the Anjaneya Temple.

After spending enough time, we moved back to Sathanur and were very thirsty. There was a small shop on the main road selling coconuts and we had very sweet coconuts at cost of twenty rupees per coconut. With the energy from the sweet coconuts we landed in the home without taking a break.