Kabini is an ancient land. The area has been developed in the most modern way but still feels untouched. There are tales of mythology, history, legends, and pristine wilderness. On the banks of river Kabini, in Balle Shibira, an ancient historical temple dedicated to Goddess Mastamma known as Mastigudi temple is situated. Mastamma is the name of Goddess Parvati and it means the “The Great Wife” and can be understood as Maha Sati Amma. Gudi means temple. The Kabini Dam and a reservoir were built in 1974 as a part of the irrigation project. As a result the lake which was formed submerged the village of Mastigudi. The Dam is situated in the old Mysore- Malabar road. Staying at Red Earth Resort in Kabini, you can plan a visit to the historical place.
The lake is named Mastigudi lake and it covers an area of 60 sq. km. The Mastigudi temple remains submerged for the most part of the year, only when water from the reservoir is released during summer for irrigation, the submerged village and the idols rise above the water. Although the temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mastamma, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Mastamma together. Carved on the face of a large rock, the idols are stunningly beautiful in their simplicity. The temple structure has been completely destroyed and only the idols remain.
The temple is believed to have powerful spiritual powers. In the olden days, people passing through the forests would seek blessings and pray for their safe journey. Every year, when the temple emerges after the water drains, all the Naturalists and Safari drivers from multiple resorts in Kabini along with members of the Forest Department, perform a special Puja to seek the blessing and protection of the Goddess Mastigudi and Lord Ganesha for an incident-free and safe safari season, regardless of their religious affiliations.
The famous Kannada film, starring Dr. Rajkumar, “Gandhada Gudi”, was filmed in Kabini forest. The prominent actor would visit this temple every day during the shoot and seek the Goddess’ blessings. While filming the climax of the movie, the antagonist (Vishnuvardhan) accidentally shot Rajkumar, wounding him. Local people believe that Rajkumar escaped with his life because of the Goddess’ blessings! Maybe, miracles do happen! “Gandhada Gudi”, the movie released in 1973 was the first to highlight issues of Wildlife Conservation in India. The story is all about an honest forest officer who protects his range from poachers. In 2016, two actors lost their lives on the sets of a movie titled ‘Masti Gudi’, in an unfortunate incident of a stunt gone wrong. Locals believed if they had taken the blessings of the Goddess Mastigudi, the unfortunate tragedy would have been averted.
The forest and all the creatures of the forest are believed to be looked after by the Goddess Mastamma. Kabini is a place where many sages are believed to be born. Many mythical characters are believed to have found refuge. Staying in Red Earth Resort in Kabini you get an opportunity to explore the jungle and its calmness. Witness the tribal synergy with a hint of a colonial touch of legacy. Kabini has witnessed a lot, the modernization, the rise and fall of an ancient temple, large scale deforestation, being used as a hunting ground to a reserved forest now. Kabini is home to a rich diversity of animals, including gaurs, elephants, leopards, tigers, bison, spotted deer, sambhars, monkeys, crocodiles, and about 250 species of birds. Not to forget the elusive black panther. The history of this forest and the culture surrounding it are equally rich. Kabini has a lot of stories to tell. Take a coracle ride in our Red Earth Resort in Kabini and witness all on your own.
