PLACES

SAUTADA

Sautada is a village in Patoda mahal with a population of 2,194 as per the 1961 Census. It is known for the water-fall, called after the village name, and the temple of Ramesvar. The river Vincarna rises at a place called Cikhli, and 1.60 km. (a mile) from Sautada village falls down from a height of about 68.59 metres (225 ft.) and then further cuts its course through rugged hills and mountains clad with forests. It is not perennial and dries up in summer. The scene of the water falling down from such a great height is pleasing to the eye. From the mountain cliff down to the level of the river basin a flight of about 600 steps has been built. At the base of the fall there is a pond known as dev kund. It is so-called because it is supposed to have been created by Ram by shooting an arrow. Further away is a big water strip in the form of a doh ([çín) called Sita kund. On a stone slab here, there are the foot-prints of Sita.

Objects

Ramesvar Temple: Amidst such fascinating natural surroundings is situated the temple of Ramesvar built in the Hemadpanti style.

The Ramesvar mandir stands alone at a height of about 15.24 metres (50 ft.) overlooking the river Vincarna, flowing through the valley glades below. The temple has a small courtyard in front. It contains an idol of Krsna, and hence is popularly known as the temple of Gopalkrsna. Outside the temple are scattered broken images of Ganapati, Sani and many other deities. To the left of the entrance there is another temple containing the images of Mahadev and Parvati. It has a Sivling with an image of nandi facing it. To the right is a tulsi vrndavan with another nandi image facing it.

The main temple is at the back and has a mandap which has two doors, one on the west and the other on the north. Facing both the doors are images of nandi, the carrier of Mahadev. The sabhamandap is 1.86 sq. metres (20 ft. square) and is supported by 16 solid pillars bearing some excellent carvings. The gabhara is 3.04x3.04 metres (10' x 10'). Inside on a pedestal, is placed an idol of Ram. At the base there are the images of Sita, Laksman, Bharat and Satrughna. They are all made of white marble. There is a Sivling facing these images. The legend tells a tale to the effect that Ram had sent Hanuman to Kasi to get him an idol of Mahadev but as Hanuman was late and the time of puja had drawn very near, Ram prepared this ling of sand. Subsequently Hanuman brought the ling from Kasi which was placed in the sabhamandap. Here in the background are placed the idols of Visnu with Nagoba and Bahiroba to his left and right respectively. On the third Monday of the month of Sravan a fair attended by over 3,000 persons is held.