BENGALURU: A 500-year-old sacred grove of mango trees that was raised during the Sri Krishnadevaraya period in the world heritage site of Hampi, Ballari district in Karnataka, has been discovered. The grove situated amid the famous Hampi ruins has lost three trees while a few more on the banks of Tungabhadra River are in the process of falling.
Behind the world-famous Virupaksha Temple of 7th century, lies this sacred grove comprising 21 massive and rare varieties of old mango trees. According to horticulture experts, the trees may have been planted between 300 and 500 years ago.
As per old records, this mango grove was exclusively raised for monkeys to contain their menace. Therefore, it was called as ‘Kothimanya’ (exclusive habitat of monkeys).
Even the fruits borne by these trees are a bit less sweet while each tree even today
has an yield of one tonne per year. Further, each tree is 80-100 feet tall with 13-15 feet trunk size and a girth of 12-13 feet.
Retired Professor Devarakonda Reddy of Hampi University, who came to know about the existence of such a sacred grove in an age-old record, informed A N Yellappa Reddy, Chairman, Bangalore Environment Trust, Horticulture Department.
Speaking to The Sunday Standard, Yellappa Reddy said, “I have written to the state government to notify the entire area and declare it as a sacred heritage site.”