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Shivamogga parisaradalli suryopasane-Sun worship in Shimoga Region

Author: Dr. Channaka Pavate

Place: Hirekerur, Soraba, Balur, Belagutti, Tilavalli, Mugulagere, Santheshivara, Bankapura, Haveri, Kalkeri, Aaduru, Nirasingi,Nidaguti, Ranibennur

Dr. Channaka explains : Sun worship is a very old tradition in India. There are reference to solar cult and worship in folklore & classical literature, and also in epigraphs, sculpture and religious scriptures. The inscriptions found at Nagavanda Baher, Mugur, Belagutti, Tilavalli, Santeshivara, Kaujageri, Narendra etc., are the typical examples. Devotees enter fire on the occasion of solar eclipse to attain salvation-a common belief held in those days by the religious minded people of solar cult. Besides there are Kirana sthambas, erected in front of the temple by the devotees. This reflects the popularity of this cult in ancient and medieval Karnataka.