希莫加附近的 Champaka Sarasi 池塘，卡纳塔克邦，印度 Champaka Sarasi pond near Shivamogga, Karnataka, India (© Amith Nag Photography/Getty Images)

静水流深的传说 A tale of still waters

Champaka Sarasi，希莫加，印度

从瀑布到寺庙，位于印度南部卡纳塔克邦的希瓦莫加，拥有众多等待探索的奇观。这座城市历史悠久，在印度史诗《罗摩衍那》和《摩诃婆罗多》中均有提及。这两部史诗以诗歌形式创作，背景设定在印度古代印度教王国。希瓦莫加这个名字本身具有宗教意义，源自梵语“Shiva-Mukha”，意为“湿婆的面容”，湿婆是印度教三大主神之一。这里有许多寺庙，包括供奉湿婆的沙拉瓦蒂寺，以及位于科达查德里山的一座寺庙，登临此地可俯瞰西高止山脉的壮丽景色。

今日图片中展示的Champaka Sarasi，是一座历史悠久的纪念性池塘。它所承载的故事远不止于平静的水面。这座池塘由凯拉迪纳王朝的重要统治者之一的文卡塔帕·纳亚卡建造，以纪念他的爱妻占帕卡。池塘中央还有一座小型石庙，里面供奉着湿婆林伽，这是对湿婆的抽象或非具象描绘。希瓦莫加还以壮丽的瀑布闻名，其中最著名的是印度第二高的垂直瀑布，乔格瀑布。

Champaka Sarasi, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India

From waterfalls to temples, Shivamogga, in the South Indian state of Karnataka, offers experiences waiting to be discovered. Steeped in timeless lore, the city is mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, epics composed as poems and set in the ancient Hindu kingdoms of India. The region's name itself holds a spiritual significance, derived from the Sanskrit words 'Shiva-Mukha,' meaning the 'face of Shiva,' the Hindu god. It is home to several temples, including the Sharavati Temple, dedicated to Shiva, and a temple in the Kodachadri hills that offers vistas of the Western Ghats mountain range.

Adding to this landscape is Champaka Sarasi, the monumental pond featured in today's image. It tells a story far beyond its waters. It was built by Venkatappa Nayaka, a member of the Nayakas of Keladi, an important ruling dynasty of early modern Karnataka. The pond was constructed in memory of the king's beloved wife, Champaka. It also has a small stone temple at its center, housing a Shiva linga, an abstract or non-figurative depiction of Shiva. Shivamogga is also renowned for its waterfalls, including Jog Falls, the second-highest plunge waterfall in India.

标签: 印度