S Nandagopal/TNN

• A Natural Stream Flows Down Rocks Anointing Black Stone Idol Of Lord Ganesh

Moodbidri, Oct 8: Amidst the upwardly mobile and mechanical lifestyle in the cities, people are on constant lookout for a peaceful place. Spending a weekend away from home and city is a boon for a person who wants to get refreshed and recharged for the next week.
 
Inviting a nature lover here is a small yet ancient temple amidst forest ranges, milky white water falls, rocky hillocks and layers of paddy fields and pure breeze.

A waterfalls near Sri Vittala Somanatheshwara Temple at Daregudde.

The Vittala Sri Somanatheshwara temple in Kellaputtige village near Daregudde of Moodabidri taluk in the western ghats is a temple with a difference. The presiding deity is Lord Somanatheshwara. The stream, originating from the Ghats, flows down through the rocks naturally anointing the black stone idol of Lord Ganapathy. According to the ‘Stalapurana’ of the place, the temple dates back to thousand years.

Trekking through the natural setting of shrubs and huge trees will lead you to an exquisite location with milky waters gushing down the rocks from about 15 feet height. The cave besides the water fall is sure to make one curious about its origin amidst the forest.
 According to mythology, the Pancha Pandavas, during their Vanaprasta, had traversed through this place and spent a few days here. Huge stones are supposed to have been used by them as grinding stone, chulha and other requisites in a kitchen. There is also a huge rock in the shape of a sleeping elephant and aptly called the Ane Kallu.

The devotion and mythology apart, the place is an ideal spot for a family picnic.

Pack up your snacks and eateries (fresh water is in abundance) and set off to Kellaputhige. While driving through the National Highway 13 along the Moodabidri-Karkala stretch, take a deviation at Belvai and in about 6 kms, you will reach this virgin destination.