The serene hills of Mandaragiri

A view from the Mandaragiri hill. Photos by Renuka Krishnaraja 

The Guru Mandir. Photo by Renuka Krishnaraja 

The ancient shrine on the peak of Mandaragiri. Photos by Renuka Krishnaraja 

Right from the start, the landscape of Tumakuru, with its expanse of rocky hills and serene environment, has attracted and inspired people.

The Mandaragiri hill, essentially a giant monolithic rock locally referred to as the Basadi Betta, is one such spot. A jain pilgrimage centre, the peak houses ancient shrines or basadis.

At the foot of the hill, amidst a lawn, there is a statue of Chandranatha Tirthankara.

Close to it to the right, there is the Guru Mandir, built in the shape of a pinchi — a peacock feather fan carried by the Jain munis to keep insects and other creatures at bay.

Dedicated to a Digambara Jain ascetic, the dome of the edifice has a distinctive peacock feather motif in bright green and blue, with a tinge of orange.

On the inside, the dome encloses a huge circular hall — with a simple idol of the saint in the middle and depiction of his life events on the wall — that is ideal for meditation.

A series of over 400 steps are hewn out on the gradual incline of the hillock, to aid those climbing.

At the top, four small age-old shrines are lined in an enclosed courtyard. Devoted to the Jain tirthankaras, the oldest one dates back to the twelfth century.

Currently, the entire complex is under renovation.

Strolling around the area, one can also observe some interesting artwork on the boulders in the vicinity.

While one side of the cliff shows us a vista of the city, the other side opens up to the placid Maidala lake, surrounded by hills. With vast stretches of fields punctuated by ridges, the view here is vividly picturesque.

There is the sight of the sun plunging beneath the cliffs at dusk that makes for a memorable sight.

All in all, the scenic Mandaragiri hill, with an inherently sacred feel about it, makes for a relaxing day trip.