Bantwal: Sullamale Ballamale Tirtha Snana - Divine and adventurous
Pics: Dayanada Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (DV)
Bantwal, Sep 10: Every year several devotees make their way to Sullamale Ballamale for the divine Tirtha Snana (bath). Unlike other water falls, performing the Sullamale Ballamale Tirtha Snana is a challenging task here due to the terrain.
To take a dip at the Sullamale Ballamale falls, one has to walk several miles to the flat-topped mountains from Shambuga near Surime, Kalladka, situated in the midst of a forest area.
After reaching the cave at Sullamale Ballamale region, one has to enter the cave with care, and then climb down a 10-ft ladder and walk around 30 meters in water inside the cave through a narrow channel.
Due to the absence of natural light, the darkness is intense. Only a few glittering torch lights of the tourists are seen.
The waterfall is found towards the end of the channel. The water is considered divine and is also believed to have medicinal properties.
As soon as devotees reach the falls they chant ‘Hari Nama’ and soon after the bath, they exit through the same route as they entered. This particular Thirtha bath is more of an adventure and a fabulous experience.
According to Indian mythology it is believed that Pandavas, when they were in Ajnanthavasa (living incognito), stayed here. Sullamale Ballamale is the high hill which plays a vital role in all ‘Daiva Padana’ of Tulunadu.
“The experience is quite challenging inside the cave. As I entered the cave I was frightened due to darkness but it was adventurous at the same time,” said Rajesh, a devotee who entered the cave and also had a dip.
This cave is open to visitors for only five days a year. No one can enter it on other days.
Although the weather in this area is said to be extremely cold, there are scores of people from across the district standing in queue here. Female devotees can also enter this cave but it is usually the men who come in huge numbers.