If one wants to have a quiet week-end away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then one has to visit "Yedeyur", the temple town. It is about 100 kms from Bangalore. Thousands of devotees of Sri Siddalingeshwara,believed to have been an incarnation of Lord Shiva come here during March-April every year. It is during this time that the ratha (chariot) festival is held. It is said that nobody in this village eats before the chariot is moved.
It is believed in every religion that God takes the human form to reform, rejuvenate and uplift mankind when there is moral and spiritual decadence. One such incarnation of Lord Shiva was Sri Siddalingeshwara. He was born during the 15th century in Hardanahalli, Chamarajnagar taluk of Mysore district. His parents Mallikarjuna and Gnanamba, who were childless for a very long time, prayed to their guru-ghosala Channabasaveswara for a child. Siddalingeshwara was born after these prayers.
He used to perform many miracles even as a child. He preached Veerashaiva philosophy To personify the creed of God, he travelled by foot throughout the country. He proved that one can cure the poor and the sick by miracles. He preached the necessity for bhakti and emphasised the importance of a devotee.
After an extensive tour, he came to Kiggare, about 12 km before Yedeyur, where he meditated for 12 years. It is reported that though he was covered with white ants during this period, he was intact when he came out of his meditation. An old woman used to feed him in yede (offering) when he came to Yedeyur. Hence the name Yedeyur. In 1470 AD, at the age of 82, he had his `Jeewansamadhi' built in this place. Even today his devotees believe that a pure devotee can see him sitting there in a yogic posture.
In Kiggare, there is a beautiful temple built to perpetuate his memory. It is said that Channaveerappa Wodeyar Danivasa built the temple. Near the tomb of Siddalingeshwara, there is a Sivalinga symbolising the divinity of the Jagadguru. The temple is a magnificent building constructed in Dravidian style. The river Nagina which flows near the temple adds up to the serenity of the surroundings.
So, if you want to have a short trip away from the over crowded concrete jungle, then you ought to visit `Yedeyur'as it not only gives you spiritual satisfaction but also help you to relax and get the pep back into your life.
Source: The Times of India
