PLACES

BARDAPUR

Bardapur, with a population of 3,599 in 1961 is a village in Ambejogai tahsil having a math of a noted Lingayat saint and a temple dedicated to Mahadev. The temple of Mahadev was built some 300 years ago and is surrounded by protective walls. It has a spacious sabhamandap supported on four solid pillars which form gorgeous arches in between. In the centre of the sabhamandap and facing the ling inside, is fixed a stone image of a tortoise. The shrine containing the ling is 1.40 sq. metres (15' square.) The symbol of ling here is a double one. A sikhar with figure-filled niches adorns the temple. It has a 1.219 metres (4 ft.) high gold plated spire, which can be seen from any of the farthest points of the village. A fair attended by a large congregation is held on Caitra Suddha 11.

Objects

Mahaling Svami Samadhi: The samadhi is housed in a math belonging to the Lingayat community. It was established about 700 years ago by the Svami of Dicpalli—a town in the former State of Hyderabad. The main structure which contains the samadhi of Svami Mahaling is very antique. It is said that the Njzam was so much impressed by the prowess of one of the Lingayat saints residing in the math that he granted inams to it. A fair attended by 1,500 to 2,000 persons is held on Asvin Vadya and lasts for three days.