Yana rocks!

 

Yana rocks

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.