Alonging wish of visiting Ganagapura ( ಗಾಣಗಾಪುರ ) finally came true in last year during Datta Purnima ( full moon day happens in November/December ) . I have been to Ganagapura many times with my parents during my childhood but I could not find any visuals of this place in my memories. I was always fascinated by the stories of the saint Dattatreya that Dad used to tell and his epic “Gurucharitra ” was one of the holiest books in my family. As I imagined it was very crowded but it was not as loud as the traffic of Bangalore. There were very serious pilgrims who seemed to have lost in devotion in the many places of Ganagapura. One of such places that really visually excited me was the Bhasma gudda ( the holy ash hill) . A narrow lane, with very old disabled people begging on one side and old Jogathis ( Devadasi women ) on the other side , led to us to this crowded ash hill. My eyes were looking for ash when I overheard some voices saying “eegilri bhasma ” ( no ashes left ) . When I saw a very small temple surrounded by huge crowd fighting screaming to get the darshan , I also saw devotees mostly from very rural areas , consisting of young girls, boys , men and women in trans rolling on the black soil around the temple. Many were applying the black soil, probably the mixture of soil and the ash , all over their body. A group of old women singing the songs of Saint Dattatreya while their husbands collected the ashes in plastic covers. On the other side people were relaxing, sleeping as if nothing is going on while some groups were having lunch after doing some pooja . I spent an hour before moving on to the next popular spot of Ganagapura which is called Sangama ( confluence of Bheema and Amaraja rivers.
“Jaanoni athava Agnyanata, Paapa ghadale asankhyata. Bhasma Lavita punita, Punyatma hoya Jaana.”Meaning: Knowingly or unknowingly, Sins have happened numerously. Once you put Bhasma ( ash) on your body or forehead, you will become punyatma and get relief from all sins you have made”
The Bhasma hill is on the way to Sangam in Ganagapura. It is said that Lord Parashurama ( sixth incarnation of Hindu god Vishnu) performed a penance here and the ash is very powerful. The ash which is not left only in form of mud can protect from evil eyes. People who visit Ganagapura wont miss visiting this place and carrying some ash from this place. Pregnant women believe applying the bhasma( holy ash) on their abdomen area will make their baby healthy and powerful.
Few photographs below to show what was happening at bhasma Gudda but one should experience the environment here only after visiting this place!
Amazing i reached here on gurupadyami was trying to know the scriptures reasons and experienced the speciality.
I acknowledge your efforts thank you
thank you Manjunatha