Even stones have a Heart!!

Beneath your tough exterior 

You have a heart of gold

 Beneath your tough exterior 

You shelter the cycle of life & death 

Beneath your tough exterior 

Passes the elixir of life-water 

Beneath your tough exterior 

You are an epitome of tolerance  

Deva-rayana-Durga translated to English, would mean the “Fort of God” is a tiny temple town in the southern district of Tumakuru in the Karnataka state. A rocky terrain dotted with temples and historical importance, this place attracts limited visitors. Just seventy kilometres from the hustle and bustle of Bangalore, it is a hiker and biker’s charm. Unlike other tourist spots in and around the city, which has borne the brunt of over-tourism menace, Devarayanadurga has largely escaped it.

 One fine day, a decade ago at the spur of the moment a colleague of mine and I headed there. Both of us being photography enthusiasts. We were always on the look-out for new spots, off the beaten track. With some homemade sandwiches, a few bottles of water and our cameras, we sped off, leaving the city far behind. The further away we went, the more tranquil it became. The ride through the small hamlets off the highway and between the agricultural lands is worth appreciating. 

Devarayanadurga is on a hillock. The hairpin bends to the top start at the outer fringes of the village below and go all the way to the top. As you pass each bend, the angle of difficulty changes, but also gives you an exhilarating view of the villages below and the city of Bangalore, far away. At the end of the ride to the top, you can quench your thirst with the freshest of tender coconuts. Quenching our thirsts and lugging our bags, we start the climb to the top. On our way past the ancient temple and the holy tank in its precincts, filled with rainwater, we enjoyed the breathtaking views. The cold wind on top was quite refreshing and took away all the tiredness. 

On our way to the top, I happen to glance up to my right and noticed this tree. It was growing straight out of the rock and seemed somebody had pasted it on the rock with glue. There was not even a crevice insight. It was magical. What a co-existence this was. 

Even stone’s have life and a heart!!