The Lokapavani is one of the five rivers that runs through the Mandya district. This is a perennial river and one of the tributaries of the Cauvery river. It originates in Honakare and flows through the arighatta hills before converging with the Cauvery about 3kms away from Srirangapatna.
This sangam point marks not only the convergence of these two rivers but is also the point where two other tributaries of the Cauvery merge with the river.
The sangam of these rivers is considered a holy spot and many people travel here to take a dip in the waters. A temple is also located on the banks of this river at the sangam.
The Lokapavani Overview
The Lokapavani river passes through 150 villages and has two anicuts. One is in Bolenahalli and another is at Uyyanahalli. These anicuts are used to divert water for agricultural use in the Mandya district.
In 2013, the river made headlines when it dried up for the first time. While a lack of rain was attributed as the main cause, farmers also blamed it on excessive water lifting through pumps.
The Gumbaz
At a distance of around 1km from the sangam is the Gumbaz; a tomb an Mosqdue built by Tipu Sultan as a tribute to Hyder Ali. The gumbaz stands on an island and houses the cenotaphs of Tipu Sultan, his parents, Hyder Ali and Fakr-Un-Nisa.
It stands on an elevated platform and has been designed to reflect the typical Persian style of architecture. The Gumbaz is surrounded by a large rectangular garden.
It features black, granite pillars with open verandahs and intricately carved door jambs and lattice windows. Though these may look as if they were carved from wood, they are made out of black granite. The walls are painted with stripes typically associated with Tipu Sultan.
