Kaiwara, located in Karnataka, is a serene village with a rich mythological history associated with the Mahabharata epic. It is believed to be the site where Bheema, one of the Pandava brothers, defeated the demon Bakasura. The village houses the Shri Bheemalingeshwara Swami Temple, adorned with five consecrated Shivlings believed to have been installed by the Pandavas during their exile. Kaiwara is around 18 km from Sidlaghatta and 34 km from Chikkaballapur.
According to the legend, during their exile, the Pandavas
encountered a village living in fear of Bakasura, a demon notorious for
devouring a cartload of food and a person daily. Bheema, known for his immense
strength, took it upon himself to confront Bakasura. Carrying a cart filled
with rice, milk, vegetables, fruits, and sweets, Bheema entered the forest to
find the demon.
In a surprising turn of events, Bheema couldn't locate
Bakasura initially. Growing hungry, he began eating the provisions he brought
for the demon. By the time Bakasura appeared, most of the food was gone,
leading to a fierce battle between the two. Ultimately, Bheema emerged
victorious, ending the reign of terror in the village.
Local residents claim that the blood stains on the nearby
Bheemana gudda (hill) serve as a testament to the historic battle. The village,
once known as Ekachakrapura, preserves this folklore through generations.
Apart from its mythological significance, Kaiwara is
renowned for the 19th-century saint Narayanappa, known as Kaivara Thatayya in
Kannada and Telugu. The village hosts an ashram dedicated to Thatayya, and
pilgrims and tourists are drawn to the cave where he meditated and attained
spiritual enlightenment.
The spiritual landscape of Kaiwara includes the Thathayya
Cave, the Amara Narayanaswamy temple, and the Vaikunta temple situated beside
the cave. The hillock, believed to be the site where Bheema vanquished
Bakasura, adds to the spiritual allure of Kaiwara. The village stands as a
harmonious blend of mythology and spirituality, inviting visitors to explore
its cultural and religious heritage.