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ಶ್ರವಣಬೆಳಗೊಳದ ತ್ಯಾಗದ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮದೇವರ ಕಂಬ – Tyagada Brahma Pillar of Shravanabelagola

Author:  Dr. B. V. Shirur

Place:  Shravanabelagola, Hasana

The Tyagada Brahma Pillar at Shravanabelagola has one of the 573 inscriptions of the place, and it is a cylindrical pillar with Brahma’s image a top and floral designs around. At the Central square part there was an inscription of Chavundaraya on all four sides giving details of his pedigree and achievements. But the writings on its three faces were erased for writing a new inscription during 1200 A. D by one Heggade Kanna. The remaining part of the Chavundaraya’s inscription speaks of his military exploits under Ganga Jagadekaveera (Rachamalla). The effaced portion might have contained details of donations or renunciation (tyaga) made by Chavundaraya. This custom of erecting pillars to record donations is referred to by poet Pampa in Pampa Bharatha. This Tyagada Kamba with Brahma atop must have come to be known at as- ‘Tyagada Brahma Stambha’. Author opines that the popular belief that Chavundaraya used to sit here and distribute donations is a myth.