Legends breathe in the air of India, and belief is the ornament that every Indian wears with immense pride. At the very core, it is the beliefs that identify our sole existence. One such belief is the belief Of Shivanasamudra, the one that brings thousands of people to this fall every year. It is the undeniable belief in Lord Shiva – Lord Shivanasamudra. Located on the Kaveri River, Shivanasamudra is a cluster of waterfalls which can be divided broadly into two falls – Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Falls spread over two districts of Karnataka – Chamanranjanagara and Mandya. If you plan to visit the area around Chamarajanagar district, keep Shivanasamudra Falls, Karnataka, on your itinerary. Read on to learn more about Shivanasamudra Falls.
History Of Shivanasamudra Falls
Along with the magnificent view of the cascading falls, Shivanasamudra Falls stands on the Kaveri River and has been India’s first Hydro Project in service till now. Commissioned and set up by the Diwan of Mysore Sir Sheshadri Iyer and Chief Engineer Sir Visvesvaraya in 1902, the Hydroelectric project built in the British style is under the authority of Karnataka Power Corporation and to visit the same one must get permission from Karnataka Power Commission. River Kaveri divides to form the island of Shivanasamudra, with ethereal waterfalls on either side – Gaganachukki to the left and Bharachukki to the right. The land of Shivanasamudra stands for antiquity, and with antiquity, it stands for the unwavering faith of the people who bring life to this natural wonder.
The legend says that the island of Lord Shiva was created by the pious River Kaveri back in Krutha Yuga. At that time, this chaste land was consecrated by Devendra; River Kaveri adorned the pious land with waters that encircled the sacred place like a garland. Upon this, a demon obstructed the flow of the waters by a huge boulder. However, Lord Shiva came to the rescue. He destroyed the boulder, causing River Kaveri to flow like a sea, and that destruction led to the formulation of a natural marvel which the world today calls Shivanasamudra Falls in Karnataka.
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The Twin Falls – Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Falls
Spread along the two districts of Karnataka is the island of Shivanasamudra, which divides the Kaveri River into two streams with segmented waterfalls. These adjacent falls are also known as Twin Falls.
1. Gaganachukki Falls
Image Credit: Raghavan G for Wikimedia Commons
Gaganachukki Falls in Mallavi, Mandya, stands at a height of 90 meters, cascading through the rock and cliffs and creating a sight that remains in the hearts of onlookers for quite a time. With its height, the water falls from the vertical top with a thunderous roar and flows into the Kaveri River. With a height of 98 meters and a width of 300 meters, along with the magnificent main waterfall, forms its smaller counterparts. The counterparts that add to the beauty of Gaganachukki Falls, as the white waters of the falls flow through every nook and corner of the cliff, are the waters that complement the grandeur of the western Gaganachukki Falls. The grandeur and beauty of Gaganachukki Falls are best viewed from the Shivanasamudra Watch Tower and Darga Hazrath Mardane Gaib, a place often visited by people for its religious auspiciousness.
Charges: None
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
2. Bharachukki Falls
Image Credit: Bgajanan for Wikimedia Commons
To the southwest of Gaganachukki Falls of Shivanasamudra lies the huge Bharachukki Falls in Kollegal, Chamarajanagar. With a perfectly designed arena to watch the glory of the wide Bharachukki Falls, one is bound to enjoy these chaste waterfalls of Shivanasamudra. It is one thing to watch the perennial beauty of the waterfall. However, it is solely another to experience their chaste rejuvenation. That is what the authorities provide: a walk under the serene waters when the flow is controlled, and there is no risk of any sort.
Charges: None
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
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3. Jalapath Utsav
To celebrate the glory of the waterfalls that adorn the sacred island of Shivanasamudra in Karnataka, Jalapath Utsav is organized at the twin waterfalls, when the waterfalls glow with splendour and art and culture of Karnataka blooms unabashedly. Along with the cultural events that focus on the cultural richness of the place, various other activities like folk concerts, kite festivals, laser shows, flower shows, musical events, and dance events thrive in the magical home of the magnificent waterfalls. The best way to peek into the place’s culture is to savour its taste, and Jalapath Utsav, with its Food Mela, strives to provide the visitors just that – The Cultural Taste Of Karnataka. Jalapath Utsav is organized in the waterfalls annually in mid-August so that thousands of visitors can know the place and what it truly is.
Charges: None
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Things To Do Around Shivanasamudra Falls
There are several activities and things to do around Shivanasamudra Falls that are sure to make your trip memorable. Some of the most popular things to do around Shivanasamudra Falls are mentioned below:
1. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple or Madhyaranga Temple
Image Credit: Arunram for Wikimedia Commons
The pious land of Shivanasamudra holds the legend of Lord Shiva Himself and the playful and youthful form of Shri Krishna. The island of River Kaveri truly culminates in the sanctity of Lord Shiva and the teachings of Shri Krishna, the culmination of Hara and Hari. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a temple in the island town of Shivanasamudra dedicated to God Ranganath, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Built-in Dravidian Style, the place’s beauty and sanctity awe visitors. Though many temples are dedicated to Lord Ranganath in South India, this temple is one of the three major temples built on different islands of the Kaveri River. Often referred to as Mohana Ranga or Jaganmohana Ranga, the deity worshipped in this pious place represents the youthful form of Lord Vishnu.
Charges: None
Timings: 6:00 am to 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
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2. Someshwara Temple
Image Credit: VasuVR for Wikimedia Commons
Nestled between the ethereal sights of Barachukki Falls and Gaganachukki Falls in Shivanasamudra is the abode of Shri Someshwara, a form of Lord Shiva. Built by Cholas and sustained and modified by the Hoysala and Vijayanagara Kings, this temple was constructed in Dravidian style and holds great religious importance for the people of Karnataka. With an eloquent gate that leads to the premises where Shri Someshwara sits in the main shrine with the shrine of Shri Prasanna Meenakshi, consort of Shri Someshwara. The deity is in the form of Shivalinga, with perfectly sculpted Nandi facing Shiva’s abode. In the mandapa, the marvellously carved fish is on its ceiling. The legend that attracts people towards the chastity of the temple is that if one stands under the carved figure of the fish facing Shivalinga and wishes for something, the wish ought to come true. Above all, sculptures and inscriptions from the 13th century AD still adorn the place and leave its visitors in awe of its beauty.
Charges: None
Timings: All Day
3. Wellesley Bridge
Image Credit: Cheater for Wikimedia Commons
Narrating the tale of the colonial era, Wellesley Bridge can be spotted on your way to the falls. Though tarnished from the sands of time, this bridge still stands as a remembrance of the time when the British ruled the country. Wellesley Bridge was constructed to connect the island town of Shivanasamudra to mainland Mysore. Built in the 19th century AD this bridge was named after Arthur Wellesley, however it was later renamed as Lushington Bridge in 1835 after the Governor of Mysore. This 400-meter-long bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the Mysore Residency, carrying an important aspect of history. Partially destroyed by the rains in 2018, the structure oozes the essence of British architecture and is currently being renovated. Abd below the tainted exquisite beauty flows the river Kaveri with its unabashed glory.
Charges: None
Timings: All Day
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Culminating religion with ethereal views of the falls of Gaganachukki and Bharachukki is the sole essence of Shivanasamudra Falls Karnataka, which truly makes it the Land of Lord Shiva. In season, the ethereal views are matched with the untainted culture of Karnataka, and various festivities are arranged for the visitors. Not only does the place offer serenity but also religious sanctity, with sacred temples situated at the banks of the Kaveri River. Explore this cultural richness backed up with the emotions of the people of Shivanasamudra in the backdrop of the exquisite falls by booking your trip to Karnataka.
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Cover Image Credit: Deepak TL for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Shivanasamudra Falls Karnataka
What is the best time to visit the Shivanasamudra Falls?
The best time to visit the falls is during September to January when the weather and intensity of the falls is at its best. Considering the weather and flow of the river, September to January is the best time to visit the falls.
What is the speciality of Shivanasamudra Falls?
India’s first Hydroelectric project was built in Shivanasamudra Falls. Also Shivanasamudra falls are a cluster of falls spread over the island of Shivanasamudra.
What does the name Shivanasamudra mean?
Shivanasamudra translates into Sea of Lord Shiva, which points to the rich history of the place.
Can one go under the falls?
In Gaganachukki falls, people are allowed to watch the falls at a safe distance and are not allowed to climb down the steps.
When was the Jalapath Utsav organized in Shivanasamudra?
Jalapath Utsav is organized every year in either Bharachukki or Gaganachukki falls to honor these falls of Shivanasamudra.
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