Revana Siddeshwara Betta is one of the well known Shiva temples in India. It is situated above 3066 feet above sea level and very near Ramanagara town. It is a very popular place for rock climbing and trekking. The Rama temple is beside a small pond on the top. The place is rich in history right from the Gangas to Kempegowda and Tipu Sultan. The view from the top of the Hill is really amazing.
There are totally 3 temples on the hill, midway is Bheemeshwari (named after the pandava Bheema) and Renukamba temple at the base.
History of Revana Siddeshwara Betta
It was that time when bhakti (devotion) towards Lord Shiva had dwindled on earth, and also numerous sects had sprouted with no strong focus on bhakti. Lord Shiva himself noticed this lapse among people and he called Renuka the chief of gana’s.
Shiva ordered Renuka to take incarnation on earth, with the sole intention of spreading bhakti. At first Renuka did not like this idea, but upon persuasion by Shiva, he agreed. Lord Shiva bestowed his Gangaadhareshwara and Chandrashekhara amshas onto Renuka. Thus, with the blessings of Lord Shiva, Renuka emerged from the Somashekhara linga near Hyderabad’s Kolli saakshi kshetra, and became known as Revana Siddeshwara.
According to Indian mythology the lord preached “Patsala lingaanga saamarasya tatwat” to Agastya Maharshi. He also visited Sri Lanka as per Vibhishana’s advice to King Ravana, he installed three crore of shivalingas. In this way he even convinced several kings and emperors across Indian States to spread shivabhakti.
Revana Siddeshwara, during his Mission Shivabhakti campaign, once lived on a mountain at Averahalli near Ramanagara in Karnataka. That place is even now known as a holy shivakshetra [Shiva place]. Finally when he was in kolli saakshi kshetra again, as per lord Shiva’s wish, he became lingaikya and reached Kailasa, the abode of lord Shiva. The place where he did anushthaana in Avarehalli is known as Revanasiddeshwara Betta (hill).
The hill is one of the well visited Shiva temples in India. For thousands of bhaktas the temple situated on the hills is a popular, serene, divine destination of Lord Shiva.
Best time to visit: Jan to Dec
How Raech Revana Siddeshwara Betta
By Air
Kempegowda International airport is closer to the betta.
By Rail
Trains are available from Major cities such as Mysore and Bangalore. Once you deboard, you can reach Revana Siddeshwara Betta by road.
By Road
The place is 60km from Bangalore, on Mysore Road, And is closer to Ramanagara town (13 Kms). The place is easily accessible by road via private vehicles.