Visit to Jagannatha Dasa Temple @ Manvi

Reference: ATB: Raichur: 17112021:03

Place of Visit: Jagannatha Dasa Temple, Manvi, Raichur District, Karnataka, India

Period: November 2021

About Jagannatha Dasa

The birth name of Jagannatha Dasa was Srinivasa. Even as a child, he radiated brilliance. He grew up to be a great scholar, very well versed in the Dvaita philosophy of Madhwacharya. He always disliked other dasas as he thought they misinterpreted the Dwaita Siddhanta. During his lifetime, Vijaya Dasa was among the most known for his interpretation of Dwaita philosophy in Kannada, and had won the hearts of many for his simplicity and pious nature.

The Turning Point

Once, Srinivasa was invited for a feast by Vijaya Dasa himself, where he was to be honoured. Srinivasa declined, claiming stomach pain. He then developed a real pain in the stomach for a very long time, until he realised his mistake, met Vijaya Dasa, and requested him to pardon him for the arrogance shown. It is said that immediately after this, his stomach pain vanished.

Later, Vijaya Dasa directed him to Gopala Dasa, who would be his Guru. Srinivasa went to Sri Gopaala Daasaru and spent some time with him.

Miraculous Rebirth

Sri Gopaala Daasaru and Srinivasa later visited Tirupathi. Due to ill-health, earlier stomach pain, and the strain of travel, Srinivasa expired on Bhadrapada Shukla Navami. Then, Sri Vijaya Daasaru appeared in an astral form before Sri Gopala Daasaru and directed him to donate 40 years of his own lifespan to Srinivasa and revive him. Sri Gopala Daasaru immediately complied, and by the grace of the Lord, Srinivasa came back to life.

The Haridaasa and His Legacy

Deeply affected by the events of his recent past, Srinivasa decided to become a Haridaasa. Sri Gopala Daasaru gave him Haridaasa Deekshe and directed him to Pandarapur for his ankitha. There, Srinivasa found a stone bearing the words "Jagannatha Vittala." From that day, he began composing devotional works with that ankitha and became renowned as Jagannatha Vitthal Daasaru.

He lived for 40 years after his miraculous rebirth. His life was full of incidents that reveal he was an Aporaksha Gyani and a great Bhaktha, with whom the Lord performed many leelas. His most important composition is 'Harikathamrutasara' — written in the Bhamini Satpadi meter, an epitome of Madhva theology in 32 sandhis (chapters). On the same Bhadrapada Shukla Navami, exactly 40 years after his rebirth, he reached the Lord's lotus feet.

About the Temple

The Jagannatha Temple in Manvi is a very sacred place, especially for Madhwa Brahmins. This is where Sri Jagannatha Dasaru was active in composing many of his greatest kirthanas during his lifetime.

Also visited nearby was Chikkalaparvi, near Manvi — the place where Vijaya Dasaru (1682–1755), the adhyatma guru of Jagannatha Dasaru, lived.

Posted by Dr. Ajit Sabnis — 26 November 2021

Visit to My Old School

Reference: ATB: Raichur: 17112021:02

Place of Visit: Government Middle School, Manvi, Raichur District, Karnataka, India

Period: November 2021

A Nostalgic Rediscovery

I recently addressed a batch of Government School teachers at Manvi, Raichur District, as part of NEP 2020 training. The school was about 70 years old. Though most of it had been renovated, one lone standing stone pillar in the central courtyard — looking like a clock tower without a clock — caught my attention and touched the files of my forgotten memory.

By the time the session was completed, I was convinced that this was the same school I had studied in during 1968–69, about 50+ years back, when I was in 6th grade. When this was disclosed to the Headmistress and teachers, there was no bound to their joy — though many of the faculty present at that moment were probably not even born in 1967.

A Surprise Felicitation

Suddenly the roles changed — from resource person, I became their Chief Guest, and a small felicitation followed in the Headmistress's chamber. Those were truly joyous moments of my life.

As my father was in the PWD, his post was transferable and we had to change our schools frequently. Until my 10th standard, my entire schooling was in such rural, Government, Kannada medium schools. A few snapshots of those cherished moments are shared here.

Posted by Dr. Ajit Sabnis — 23 November 2021

Raichur Fort Visit

Reference: ATB: Raichur: 14112021:01

Place of Visit: Raichur Fort, Raichur, Karnataka, South India

Period: November 2021

About Raichur

I had to visit Raichur and nearby places on work related to the training of teachers. I used this opportunity to explore a few of my dream destinations after completing my work.

Raichur, now a district city in Karnataka, is situated about 425 km from Bangalore — an eight-hour drive by car — between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers. On the way from Bangalore, we pass through Mantralaya, a sacred and religious town of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. With a population of about 2.5 lakhs, Raichur occupies an enviable place in Indian history.

Historical Background

The Raichur region has been ruled by several dynasties at different times in Indian history:

• The Mauryas
• The Kakatiyas
• The Rashtrakutas
• The Vijayanagar Kings
• Sultans of Bahamani
• Adilshahis
• The Nizams

The Fort

Due to heavy rains, the only historical place I could visit in Raichur was the Raichur Fort. This fort was built in 1294 AD by the Kakatiyas and subsequently witnessed several rulers of different dynasties. Every ruler added a new safety feature, making it almost invincible. Even today, stone inscriptions in Arabic, Persian, and old Kannada can be found here.

Travel Tips

• Weather in November is quite pleasant.
• There are a few decent hotels available.
• Taxis and autos are available to get around the city.
• Food is no problem — do not miss the typical local delicacy: Jolada (Jawar) Rotti with mouthwatering side dishes.

Posted by Dr. Ajit Sabnis — 22 November 2021

My Travel Blog

Just a Brief…

The very purpose of this blog is to record the experiences of my solo travels in India and outside India. While doing this, I aspire to keep before the readers the glory of India — its diversity, its hidden treasures in the remote corners of untouched India, and the ravaged landscapes of our ancient towns and cities.

I wish to keep this blog simple, with an adequate number of images and very brief descriptions — more can certainly be drawn by enthusiasts from reliable sources.

I shall be numbering my blogs based on the number of places I visit.

— Ajit Sabnis

Posted by Dr. Ajit Sabnis — 22 November 2021