Champaka Sarasi pond near Shivamogga, Karnataka, India

A tale of still waters. Champaka Sarasi, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India

From waterfalls to temples, Shivamogga, in the South Indian state of Karnataka, offers experiences waiting to be discovered. Steeped in timeless lore, the city is mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, epics composed as poems and set in the ancient Hindu kingdoms of India. The region's name itself holds a spiritual significance, derived from the Sanskrit words 'Shiva-Mukha,' meaning the 'face of Shiva,' the Hindu god. It is home to several temples, including the Sharavati Temple, dedicated to Shiva, and a temple in the Kodachadri hills that offers vistas of the Western Ghats mountain range.

Adding to this landscape is Champaka Sarasi, a monumental pond, featured in today's image. It tells a story far beyond its waters. It was built by Venkatappa Nayaka, a member of the Nayakas of Keladi, an important ruling dynasty of early modern Karnataka. The pond was constructed in memory of the king's beloved wife, Champaka. It also has a small stone temple at its centre, housing a Shiva linga, an abstract or non-figurative depiction of Shiva. Shivamogga is also renowned for its waterfalls, including Jog Falls, the second-highest plunge waterfall in India.