Introduction – Bedkani is a small village in Siddapur taluk in Uttara Kannada district. It is mentioned Bedkuni in inscription near the Hanuman/Maruti temple of 1437 CE.
Monuments – The only interesting structure is the veergal shed located outside the village. It has remains of a fort and its moat (kani). There are many modern temples dedicated to Shani, Hanuman, Shiva, Rama etc. The Shani temple appears to be locally popular as the annual yatra is held during April and it is one of the biggest in the taluk.
Viragal Shed – In past times, many viragals (hero-stones) were scattered around the town, ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) collected all of them and placed those at one place. ASI Annual report of year 2003-04 mentions that a shelter is provided to the hero stones (Viragals), at Bedkani, District Uttra Kannada. A dwarf compound wall in laterite stone masonry is constructed to enclose the protected area and security grill has been fixed over it.
Viragals were found at the following places:
- One viragal in front of Maruti temple
- One viragal near Shiva temple
- Four viragals in front of a dilapidated basti built in 13th century with Tirthankara image.
- One viragal under a tree near the above basti
- An old nishidhi stone is installed on a modern tomb near the basti.
- One viragal near a school at a place called Sidibana
Inscriptions:
- Viragal found in front of a basti – dated 1279 CE of Kavadeva’s period, records the death of Sindada Bommeya when Veera Singanna attacked Sirasi.
- Viragal found near Shiva temple – refers to one Singleya attacking Sirasi in characters of about 13th century CE.
- Viragal found in front of Maruti temple – dated 1437 CE, records that one Masanigaudi, wife of Ramegowda committed sahagamana.
- Viragal found under a tree – refers to one Bommeyyanayaka.
- Viragal found near a school – of the 13th century, refers to the death of one Kamanayaka.
How to Reach – Bedkani is a small village in Siddapur taluk in Uttara Kannada district. It is 6.5 km far from Siddapur, located on Kumta-Siddapur road.
References:
- Kamat, Suryanath (1985). Uttara Kannada District Gazetteer. Government Press. Bangalore.