A mangrove is a shrub or tree that grows in coastal saline
or brackish water.
Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and are adapted to live in
harsh coastal conditions. They contain a complex salt filtration system and a
complex root system to cope with saltwater immersion and wave action.
A 2022 study on losses and gains of tidal wetlands estimates
a 3,700 km2 (1,400 sq mi) net decrease in global mangroves which is worrying
hence a Mangrove boardwalk in Karnataka to educate the general public is
heartening. There is interest in mangrove restoration for several reasons.
Mangroves support sustainable coastal and marine ecosystems. They protect
nearby areas from tsunamis and extreme weather events. Mangrove forests are
also effective at carbon sequestration and storage and mitigate climate change.
As the effects of climate change become more severe, mangrove ecosystems are
expected to help local ecosystems adapt and be more resilient to changes like
extreme weather and sea level rise.
Unfortunately, mangroves are being destroyed for ‘infrastructure
development’. Paved roads and Bullet train tracks will replace the life saving
mangroves. It is time we give our ‘infrastructure development‘ a rethink.
The Mangrove boardwalk near Honnavar is interesting but I wish
there were more informative boards placed along the walk to educate the layman.
It seems to be more of a site for pre wedding shoots now!
Yana rocks
or Yana caves as it is popularly known has become a tourist destination in
Karnataka.
Yana is
famous for two massive rock outcrops known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara
(peak) and the Mohini Shikhara (peak). The huge rocks are composed of solid
black, crystalline karst limestone. Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is 120 metres (390
ft) in height, while the Mohini Shikhara, which is smaller, is 90 metres (300
ft) in height. They are part of the Sahyadri hill range in the Western Ghats in
South India
Yana is also
well known as a pilgrimage center because of the cave temple below the
Bhairaveshwara Shikhara where a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Linga has been
formed. Water drips from the roof over the Linga, adding to the sanctity of the
place.
During
Shivaratri, a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of Lord Shiva, a Ratha
festival is held here, along with other festivities.
Legend
has it that the Demon King Bhasmasura obtained a boon from Lord Shiva by
performing an austere penance. The boon granted was that whenever Bhasmasura
placed his hand over any one's head, he would burn them up and turn them into
ashes (bhasma). It is further narrated that, in order to test his powers,
Bhasmasura wanted to place his hands on his patron Lord Shiva's head. He chased
Shiva, which unnerved Shiva and prompted him to move from his heavenly abode to
earth to seek the help of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu transformed himself to help
Shiva, adopting the form of a beautiful damsel named Mohini who enticed
Bhasmasura with her beauty. Bhasmsura was quite infatuated by Mohini, and
agreed to a challenge she issued for a dance competition.
During
the dance competition, Mohini cleverly performed a dance bhang
("pose") with her hand over her head. Without realizing the gravity
of this act, the demon king also placed his hand over his head and perished by
the fire of his own hands, he was converted into ashes. It is believed that the
fire that emanated during this act was so intense that the limestone formations
in the Yana area were blackened. The loose black soil or ash seen around the
two large rock formations in the area are cited as proof of the legend by
devotees who see them as due to the fire and ashes produced by Bhasmasura’s
death. The two hillocks are also named for this event: the tall peak being
Bhairaveshwara Shikhara ("Shiva's hill"), and the smaller peak, a few
steps down below, being Mohini Shikhara ("Mohini's hill") where an
idol of goddess Parvathi is installed. Ref: Wikipedia
We drove 136
kms to Yana from Hubli via Yellapur, Gullapur and Sunksal as it culminates
closest to the rocks, eliminating any long treks while the other route via
Sirsi culminates at a point from where one has to trek/climb for about an hour
to reach the rocks. There is a pay and park facility with a flat charge of
Rs.40/- per car.
The last
around 5 kms to reach the top was not paved and more of a path than a road
which caked the car with a thick layer of dust.
The Forest
Department has built beautiful tree hollowed public toilets for the benefit of
tourists.
