The place is also supposed to be endowed by five extraordinary qualities. The hill, also known as Vidyagiri, is among five special hills known as ‘panchagiri’.
#Vidyagiri is spread over an area of 400 acres and the place had its brightest
period under the rule of #Bhyregowda. Forts, canals, tanks, wells, ponds, temples
and choultries, built by Bhyregowda, dotted this town at one point in time.
Oduva betta - seeds of literacy
Bhyregowda proved to be a revolutionary ruler, in that he sowed the seeds of
literacy for everyone in an age when education was a difficult proposition. With
scholars coming here from far and wide for studies, Vidyagiri came to be known
as ‘Oduva betta’ or study hill. In the local Telugu-mixed rustic lingo it is known
as ‘Duvulakonda’. Vidyagiri, in a way, was a rural university of sorts.
Historians say that the past glory of #Gudibande should now be revived using the
latest Natural water springs were developed in the past to ensure that there
was no drinking water problem in the region. Also, there were different sections
for different subjects.
misterious metallurgy
A cave named Thimmajammana gavi in the vicinity still remains a mystery. It is
said that the cave had a metallurgy department. There is also a rare Shakti
Ganapati idol in the cave.
The apex of the Vidyagiri hill has a ground big enough to be called a stadium, so
that students could involve themselves in sports activities.
Legend has it that Lord Rama had spent some time here on his way to the forest,
along with Sita and Lakshmana. He is said to have studied in the ‘gurukulas’
here.
Back to hub of learning?
But as time passed, no trace was left of the mini university that this place once
was. The government land in the vicinity has been gobbled up by land sharks.
The Education department can make use of the government land available here
to set Morarji Residential School, Chennamma Residential School, sports fields
and other facilities, say the locals. Elders here feel that the glory of Gudibande
should be restored and developed as a hub of learning.
Comments