Kannada actor Yash under his Yasho Marga Foundation has taken up an initiative to rejuvenate the historical pond at Anandapuram in Sagar taluk of Shivamogga.
The historical pond Champaka Sarasi was built by maharaja Raja Venkatappa Nayaka in 16 century in the name of his paramour Champaka, according to history. Environmentalist and writer Shivananda Kalave, who is the part of the foundation, conveyed the history behind the pond to the actor which has led to the project.
A team of experts coupled with the actor’s fans inaugurated the work of cleaning the pond to start with. The team has built a garden at the site while rainwater will be harvested. The historical site will be fenced and security posted at the gate, Kalave stated. The pond is not listed in the archaeological department, he stated.
Arun Prasad, a native writer through his book has shed lights on the historic pond and the story of Champaka, who is believed to be from the fisher community. Speaking to Rainland Team Arun said. Many writers have worked hard to collect the history of rulers in the Malnad region. Now that the Yasho Marga has taken up the project.
According to historical accounts Raja Venkatappa Nayaka of Keladi dynasty was in love with Chamapaka, which people did not approve of, Arun stated. Sometime later she committed suicide and in her memory, Venkatappa is believed to have built the beautiful pond which is now on the edge of extinction, Arun Prasad said.
