Guru Madiwaleshwara Gudi, Garag

A thought of bicycle ride to Garagada Guru Madiwaleshwara Mata had formed. Somehow the it was decided to just after Amavasya night.

December 24, 2022 I left home around 3-30 AM. I had ridden upto Garag cross on Dharwad-Belagavi highway. It would be the first time I'm venturing on Garag road. On this road are Tata group's two factories, an ancillary unit, Karnataka State Forest Academy, Forest Department Nursery and a nonfunctional distillery. On reaching Garag, I take one of the lanes leading to the Mata. The village was still sleepy, just a few dogs guarding their lanes. It was 4-50 when I reached the Mata. A group of 3 or 4 people were singing bhajan, probably it was an all night bhajan. This is the temple which houses Guru Madiwaleshwara's Samadhi.

Sri Guru Madiwaleshwara was a XIX Century saint, a contemporary of Shishunala Sharief. He is very well known and popular in north Karnataka. Garag Jatre is attended by devotees from Maharashtra. Guru Madiwaleshwara's parents are unknown, he was found in a banana plantation as an infant. He was adopted by Kittur Desai since the family had no children. He was an enlightened Atma even as a very young kid. Later when a son was born into Kittur Desai family, Madiwaleshwara was neglected and eventually insulted. Madiwaleshwara curses Kittur Desai family and leaves Kittur. He comes to Hangarki Desai who receives him with respect and donates land besides the stream here. Madiwaleshwara establishes a Mata here. The Mata building is just opposite this temple.

The old building of the Mata has been demolished for renovation purpose. I was a little disappointed to see the changes, but then changes take place.

The return journey started at 5-00 AM. On the way back, at Airtech junction, I changed the route towards Kelageri. I took a circuitous route back home and made it a 50+ km ride.

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