Actor Yash’s NGO Yashomarga restores ancient water tank in Shivamogga

Shivamogga, June 7: A historic Kalyani belonging to the Keladi dynasty in Anandapuram, Sagar taluk just got rejuvinated back to life, all thanks to actor Yash who sponsored this project. A Kalyani, also called as pushkarni, is an ancient Hindu stepped bathing well.

The actor’s NGO Yashomarga, took up this project and completed renovation of Champaka Sarasu, which was inaugurated on Sunday, marking World Environment Day.

This Mahantina Mutt or Champaka Sarasu was actually built by Maharaja Raja Venkatappa Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty, which flourished between the 14th and 15th centuries. As many as 5,000 lakes and ponds in the town were built by the Keladi rulers.

Champaka Sarasu is also one of the ponds in Malanduru. The pond was actually in ruins, when Yashomarga took up work to restore it. At least 20 workers worked on the restoration of this Kalyani of 76.8 m width and 77.8 m length. The Nandi idol in the temple, located inside the pond and has also been renovated. The difference between before and after the tranformation made by the NGO is clearly visible in the picture above.

Environmentalist Shivananda Kalave, who also works as an advisor to Yashomarga, personally has looked into the restoration of the Kalyani. He thanked the actor for funding the project. Kalave said, while looking for village tanks for rejuvenation under Yashomarga, he found this place which was covered in shrubs. He saw liquor bottles thrown everywhere. Then, he approached Yash and explained its history to him. He accepted his suggestion and took up its renovation.

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According to legend and folklore prevailing here, Venkatappa fell in love with Champaka, who is from the fishermen’s community. His subjects disapproved of this. This led to Champaka committing suicide. In her memory, Venkatappa built the Champaka Sarasu. But according to some experts, the pond was named thus as it was surrounded by Champak trees.