Vidurashwatha – The forgotten ‘Jallianwala Bagh’ Of Karnataka 2025
Have you heard about the Jallianwala Bagh of the South? If not, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Located in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka, Vidurashwatha is a small, beautiful village. This place played a significant role in the freedom movement of India and is also a place of pilgrimage. Tourists visit this place to witness the ancient Peepal tree, believed to have been planted by sage Maitreya, and to pay homage at the site of the 1938 Massacre.
Why Vidurashwatha is Called Jallianwala Bagh?
About 6 km from Gauribidanur, near the Andhra Pradesh border, Vidurashwastha is a small village significant in India’s Freedom Movement. It is known as Jallianwala Bagh of the South, due to its resemblance to the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919.
On April 25, 1938, police opened fire on farmers who gathered at an open ground in Vidurashwatha village to hoist the flag of the Indian National Congress. The open fire resulted in the deaths of more than 33 people. It is also famous for its temple, which is dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
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Vidurashwatha Significance & History
The legend of Vidurashwatha dates back to the Mahabharata. The name Vidurashwatha is derived from an ancient big Ashwatha tree (sacred fig). It is believed that Yamadharma Raja was cursed to be born a human and was thus born Vidura. Vidura became remorseful and asked Krishna for salvation after seeing bloodshed during the war.
On Lord Krishna’s order, Vidura visited many places and came to the hermitage of Maitreya Maharishi. Maharishi asked Vidura to worship a sapling he had obtained during sandhyavandhana in the river. With great devotion, Vidura worshipped the sapling, and Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva gave him darshan. Thus, this place got its name Vidurashwatha or Vidura Ashwatha.
Weather in Vidurashwatha
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Vidurashwatha has a sub-tropical climate: hot summer, mild Monsoon and pleasant winter.
- Summer: With temperatures ranging from 28 to 38 degrees Celsius, Vidurashwatha experiences summers from March to May. Summers can be hot and humid, making them not a good time to explore the village.
- Winters: Winters in Vidurashwastha Karnataka span from November to February and are one of the best times to visit. The pleasant and calm winter weather is ideal for exploring the village and indulging in various activities like temple hopping, shopping, and more.
- Monsoon: With temperatures around 15°C to 28°C, the Monsoons bring moderate to heavy rainfall. June to September is the best time to witness the lush green surroundings.
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How To Reach Vidurashwatha
By Air: One of the fastest ways to reach Vidurashwatha, Karnataka is by air. Take a flight to Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, around 80 km away. From the airport, you can take a cab or taxi to the village.
By Train: The cheapest way to reach Vidurashwatha, Karnataka, is by train. The nearest railway station is Vidurashwatha Railway Station, approximately 20 km away. Then, book a cab or taxi.
By Road: Vidurashwatha is well-connected by roads to nearby towns and cities. Local buses and private vehicles frequently operate between Vidurashwatha, Gauribidanur, and Kolar.
Things To Do in And Around Vidurashwatha
There are ample stunning things to do in and around Vidurashwatha. We have curated a list of the best activities for a memorable experience.
1. Visit The Vidurashwatha Temple
If you are looking for spiritual escape, head to the Vidurashwatha Temple. This temple is one of the well-known temples in Karnataka, dedicated to Santhana Nagendra Swamy. However, Lord Vishnu, Brahma, and Maheshwara are also worshipped in the temple. This temple is renowned for Santana Nagendra Swamy Pooja, Kalasarpadosha Pooja, and Naga Dosha Pooja.
- Location: Vidurashwatha Rd, Halaganahalli, Karnataka
- Best Time To Visit – between March and April, when the festival season begins. Attend the Vidurashwatha Jatra, the main festival of the Vidurashwatha Temple.
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2. Explore the Vidurashwatha Memorial
The Vidurashwatha memorial is dedicated to the victims of the 1938 massacre. It is named Veera Saudha. The Vidurashwatha is also known as the Jallianwala Bagh of the South, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the village’s role in India’s freedom struggle. Take time to explore the memorial, which shows the local history.
- Location: MFCW+FR3, Vidurashwatha, Karnataka
- Timings: Open 24 Hours
3. Nature Walks and Eco-Tourism
The small, beautiful village Vidurashwatha is surrounded by picturesque landscapes featuring scenic hills, agricultural fields, and natural beauty perfect for leisurely walks. Visit during the monsoon season to enjoy the lush greenery and spot the local flora and fauna of the region.
- Things To See: Picturesque landscapes feature scenic hills, agricultural fields, and natural beauty
- Best Time To Visit: November to February (early Morning and late evening)
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4. Attend Local Festivals
Experience the vibrant culture of Vidurashwatha, Karnataka, by attending its local festivals, which showcase traditional performances, music, and cuisine. Festivals like Sankranti and Ugadi offer a unique opportunity to witness the local traditions and customs. If you are visiting Vidurashwatha during March or April, don’t miss the Vidurashwatha Jatra.
- Best Time To Visit: March or April
- Highlights: Must attend Vidurashwatha Jatra
5. Shopping
Take souvenirs from Vidurashwatha, Karnataka with you. This small village has ample shops selling local handicrafts and local items. Local textile, jewellery, leather goods, carpets, ivory, and brass work are the best things to buy in this village. You can also buy religious artifacts, species and herbs.
- Best Places To Shop: Malls in Vidhurashwatha, local shops
- What To Buy: Textile, jewellery, leather goods, carpets, ivory, brass works, religious artifacts, species and herbs.
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Conclusion
Fascinating right? Plan a trip to Karnataka to explore the cultural and religious significance of Vidurashwatha. This small village has plenty of exhilarating activities to indulge in and places to visit. Seek blessings at its temples and shop local textiles and handicrafts.
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FAQs About Vidurashwatha
What is Vidurashwatha famous for?
Vidurashwatha is famous for the massacre of 1938, when police opened fire on an unarmed crowd, who had gathered to raise the Indian National Congress flag, resulting in the deaths of more than 33 people. It is also famous for its temple, which is dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Why is Vidurashwatha also known as Jallianwala Bagh of the South?
Due to its resemblance to the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919, Vidurashwatha is known as the Jallianwala Bagh of the South. On April 25, 1938, police opened fire on farmers who gathered at an open ground in Vidurashwatha village to hoist the flag of the Indian National Congress. The open fire resulted in the deaths of more than 33 people and 100 people wounded. Additionally, Veera Saudha is built on the memory of this freedom movement.
Which river flows close to Vidurashwatha in Karnataka?
The Uttara Pinakini River, which is also known as the Penna River, flows near Vidurashwatha in Karnataka. It is believed that the Ashwatha vriksha (Peepul tree )have been planted by Vidura during Mahabharatha times, at the Rishi Maithreya ashram which once stood here on the banks of river Penneru.
What are places to visit in Vidurashwatha?
Doddamallekere Dam, Uttara Pinakini View Point, Subbarayana Kunte Dam, Balareddihalli Lake, Gurukulanagenahalli Water Falls Dam are the best places to visit in Vidurashwatha.
Which god is worshipped in Vidurashwatha temple?
The Vidurashwatha Temple in Karnataka worships Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple is also dedicated to the Peepal tree, or Aswatha Vriksha, which is believed to represent the three Lords.
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With a passion for travelling, and carving beautiful stories of stunning locations I chose my profession as a content writer. The unique blend of creativity and strategy ensures that each narrative takes readers on a journey to their desired destination. With distinct locations and unique vibes, I strive to deliver captivating content that speaks to the hearts of readers.
