Gajendragad- Gadag District

Gajendragad or Gajendragarh is a town in Ron Taluk Gadag District, North Karnataka, in the state of Karnataka, India.

Introduction

Gajendragad, Gad means Fort, local people generally call as Gada. It is about 40 km from Gadag and is one of the big town in the Gadag District. Kannada movies shot here, for example Veera Madakari.

Gajendragad is a pilgrimage destination, due to its Kalakaleshwara temple. It is famous for the following

Beautiful very long Hill strip,
Historical Fort,
Kalakaleshwara temple,
Market for Javali / Dress Materials for marriage and festivals
Handloom, Gajendragad Kubusa Kana.

History

History of Gajendragad

Gajendragad is surrounded by the Historical places associated with Badami Chalukyas and Western Chalukya and the places are Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Mahakuta, Banashankari, Sudi, Mahadeva Temple at Itagi and Kudalasangama. Rastrakuta Monuments at Kuknur. Gajendragad Fort was built and renewed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Ghorpade

Founder of the Ghorpade family was Shri Valabhasinh Cholaraj Ghorpade, the second son of Raja Cholaraj Ghorpade of Mudhol.

The Royal families of Kapsi and Gajendragad owe their origin to Vallabhasinha and the Chiefs of Sondur are descended from the third son of Cholraj.

Treaty of Gajendragad

After the 2nd Mysore War, Tippu Sultan had to engage in an armed conflict (during 1786-87) with the Marathas and the Nizam. The war concluded with the treaty of Gajendragad. And Tippu proved superior. Tippu Sultan pleaded in vain with the Marathas and the Nizam that they should all ally against the British.

The fort and Taluka of Gajendragad which was taken by Fate Alikhan was retaken by Government. Half the province was surrendered to the Nawab (Nizam A. D. 1786-87) according to Treaty of Gajendragad. Remaining was made over to Dawalatrao Ghorpade (Rs, 50,001 was taken from him).

Tourism

The pilgrim Kalakaleshwara temple, proper is a huge mountain with the temple carved into it. This is a weekend destination which could be wound up in a day’s time. One can see many windmills lined on the hill opposite the hill on which the temple is located. Besides a beautiful view awaits you after the visit to the temple from the hill.

Kalakaleshwara temple

A little known pilgrim of North Karnataka. Gajendragad is a small town lying amidst hills, in one of which is encapsulated Kalakaleshwara temple of Lord Shiva (known as Dakshina Kashi), who is worshipped in the form of Kalakaleswara. There are some large steps that lead you up to the temple. It is a traditional temple with Udhbhava Lingu. There we can find God Virabhadra temple also in the same premises. But one would definitely be amazed at the story in which the significance of the destination lies. Just outside the temple exit is a small square water reservoir called AtharaGange. It is an evergreen water resource that constantly falls along the roots of Peepal tree into the pond all throughout the year. It is said to be flowing even in the peaks of summer season and has an unknown root.

Mythology

More amazing is the story attached to this destination that has taken a few lives too. These were the daring people who wanted to try and learn more about a miracle that happens on the previous night of Ugadi, New Year of Kannadigas. The pandit/pujari of the temple prepares a solution of limestone, and keeps it ready for application along with a brush, inside the temple. The next morning, the jobs done. But the temple is painted on its own and this happens without fail every year. A hookah that is also kept along with it seems to be used when seen the next morning.

Legend has it and so do elderly people that there used to be a bell equivalent to the size of soaked kidney beans that fit into 22 gunny bags. In the 1970s, it so happened that the bell vanished all of a sudden towards the heavens, ringing and sounds of the bell echoing and resonating in into the blue skies. And then there was an epidemic of plague that spread across the place, which people blame was due the bells act of vanishing.

Windmills and poachers drive wolves away

Windmills set up to generate wind energy, are posing a threat to the very existence of rare hyenas and wolves at Gajendragad.Earlier Gajendragad was recognised as a safe haven for highly endangered species like the Indian grey wolf and striped hyenas, but then came wind farming and windmills with huge noisy fans and human traffic to maintain these machines. It drove away these species from their habitat.

Photo Gallery:

Nature in front of Kalkaleshwara Temple, Gajendragad