Since I visit Sagar (Shimoga) almost every month I plan to cover as much as place as possible. The main reason being Keladi Nayaka's, though having little knowledge about them I like their way of architecture and each temple is having its own history behind it. So here comes Ikkeri.
Ikkeri is around 3-4 kms from Sagar with lots of bus and auto's plying in between (auto would cost anything between Rs 50-100 depending on you). Ikkeri is on the same road which leads to Varadamula and Sigandor. Also it’s a good idea to walk from Sagar to Ikkeri if one likes roads completely covered plants and flowers on both the edges of road or if there is good company. Keladi Nayaka's had built 3 main temples during their rule. Out of 3 I only remember 2 Keladi and Ikkeri. At Ikkeri a beautiful temple for Lord Shiva is built. Lord is known as Agoreshwara and is in human form. Alongside the main temple a small temple for goddess Parwathi is found. This specialty of this temple was that the statue of Lord Shiva in Human form was built in single black stone which measured around 24 feet. The pujari of the temple mentioned that it was destroyed by the Moghul after they conquered. For such huge Lord Shiva his vehicle Nandi is also huge. Reason behind such huge Nandi is that, the temple from main entrance till the statue had approx of 8 doors and the placement of nandi in elevated position is that he could see his lord always. Not to miss there – Ask the pujari/purohit to tell you the story of the temple, he is all enthu to tell the story about the rulers and temple. As you enter to the temple the moment you see nandi take a left turn towards the edge of the wall, there on the corner 2 lizards facing each other and a line is drawn in between. It’s believed that these 2 lizards kept coming closer to each other and once these 2 lizards meet - it's the end of earth and hence the line is drawn in between so that they do not meet each other.
The temple and its premises are well maintained and there are couple of local folks who can take you around to explain you in details about the importance, history of the temple. Just outside the temple is a small pond with lots of Lotus and also has a small place to sit and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Only one photograph attached as I want to finish writing about maximum possible places in next few days. And again if you want more details or photographs let me know via email or comment.
