Lord Shiva at the feet of Kalika Devi

Ever seen any statue of  Lord Shiva where he is being crushed by Kali?

We also hadn't seen any such idol or depiction till we travelled to a remote island in the middle of Kali River near Karwar in Karnataka.

How to Visit?

This picture story takes you to Kalika Devi Temple on an island. Only way to reach the island is by a boat. Boat rides are available from Nandangadda Boat Point 12 kms north-east of Karwar town. See the picture of Navy Veterans wading through knee deep water. We also share a map below.

The other option is to take a longer boat ride from Deobagh Beach side. For the guests staying at Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Deobagh Beach, a boat ride is included in the package. We, few Navy Veterans took the ride in a swanky motor boat. See the map and the video below.

Sharing below a short 12-sec video clip of our boat ride.

Significance

Kali island has a temple and a statue of an angry Kalika Devi crushing Lord Shiva under her feet! Unbelievable, isn't it?

Legend has it that Lord Shiva lies at the feet of Goddess Kali to pacify her uncontrollable rage after the battle with the demon Raktabija. Seeing her destructive rampage threatening the universe, Shiva laid himself in her path. When she stepped on his chest, Kali instantly realized she was standing on her husband, bringing her fury to a halt. See a series of pictures below.

Boat Ride

The boat ride is subject to the weather conditions. We were lucky to get an exclusive ride. It was heartening to see the life jackets for all passengers in good working condition. We had to navigate under Kali Bridge on NH-66 with a long span. The visit to the island has to be timed with the tide timings. The water level on the stony pathway to the island changes with the tide. See the pictures below.

Kali Matha Island

It is a small island. We had to anchor on a shallow patch and then wade through knee deep water. The island also has a 240-metres boardwalk to observe the mangroves. However due to damages, it was closed. Pictures below.

Kalika Devi Temple

It is a small temple with two wells for drinking water. Our guide from the Resort accompanied us to the island. A pujari and his dog stay on the island. The temple has large following.

Deobagh Beach

It is a beautiful beach. As stated earlier, we had stayed at the Jungle Lodges property on the beach. We will bring you an exclusive story on the beach, the resort and the views all around.

Stories of Other Island Locations

Ghumakkad has visited many islands in India and overseas. Sharing below the links to few of the stories of 'island attractions'. Click the link to browse the picture story.

Bhavani Island An Ideal Getaway - Another island named after Goddess Durga. The story shows the tree houses and water sports on the island in River Krishna near Vijayawada.

Laknavaram Lake Resort - Picture story with videos shows you the lake resort accessible through a suspension bridge. Guest rooms are on stilts in water!

Ruins of Ross Island - Picture story of an island just two kms east of Port Blair. The ruins speak to you. The island has since been renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep.

War Memorial on an Island - Picture story of Anjadip War Memorial which commemorates the battle of Anjadip, 1961.

We end with Ralph W Sockman's quote on islands which says, "The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder." 

Islands have their own attraction. Whether it is a river island or an island at sea, the thrill starts with the boat ride. Do take an island holiday in India. So many locations some of which we have shared above.

In the ongoing vacation season, happy travelling.

Thanks for browsing. Do leave a comment and stay connected.

   - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Secunderabad and Karwar/ 18th May 2026

#KaliRiver #KalikaDeviTemple #Karwar #LordShivaAtTheFeetOfKali #Destruction #Rage #Durga #MaaKali #BoatRide #KaliBridge #NavyVeterans #Reunion #DeobaghBeach #JungleLodges #GhumakkadHarsh #ghumakkadhb #Islands #IslandOfKnowledge

Kanha Shanti Vanam World's Largest Meditation Centre

Which is world's largest meditation centre? 

Is it the Swarved Mahamandir in Varanasi, which can accommodate 20,000 people at one time?

No, it is not.

Then which is the largest?

It is called Kanha Shanti Vanam.

And, how many people can meditate there at one time?

It can accommodate one lakh i.e. 100,000 people at any one time.

Oh, that is huge! Where is is located?

It is on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

Hyderabad? Didn't know that. Can Ghumakkad take us on a tour of the Centre?

Sure, stay connected.

Ghumakkad along with few other armed forces veterans and spouses had visited Kanha Shanti Vanam (KSV) recently. It is located 65 kms south-west of Secunderabad Cantt. It is an hour and 45 minutes drive one way. KSV is located off Bangalore Highway (NH-44) near Chegur village. See the map below.

The 1400-acre  land where KSV is now located was barren and dry. By planting 5 lakh saplings and transplanting 1000 trees, KSV is now a green heaven. It houses the meditation centre, library, extensive garden, housing for staff and visitors and ample parking. KSV has utilised locally available building material. The whole campus has been designed and developed to ensure environmental preservation. Let our pictures and videos do the talking.

Here is a short video by Vaishali as we approach the meditation halls.

We all attended one meditation session in the Central Hall. Get a feel of its size in a short video below:

The audience in the hall was well disciplined. No noise or undue disturbance. Before the meditation session commences, instructions for the audience are flashed on large video screens. Sharing below one of the instructions.

People consider it an auspicious privilege to get married in the hall and be blessed by Shri Kamlesh D Patel also know as Daaji. The couples in wedding attire, line up on the stage. They walk up to Daaji, exchange the wedding garlands and rings in front of him. Daaji then blesses each couple. See the picture below.

Where do 100,000 people remove their shoes and how do they remember where to collect it from? Very elaborately designed shoe racks with proper numbering ensure smooth storage and collection of shoes by the visitors. Pictures below:

KSV Garden is another outstanding feature of the campus. It has a nursery as well which sells plants.

A short video shot by Aditee Bhakay shows the well-manicured plants and garden in KSV.

Enjoy the ride with the veterans around the KSV Garden in the video below shot by Vaishali

KSV also sells herbal and other formulations for the well being of the visitors. Sharing one of the signages.

Photo-Op location: KSV has constructed a cemented railway coach amidst the greenery of the campus. It provides a perfect photo-op for the visitors.

Here is the group of veterans and spouses who had visited KSV. Ghumakkad is behind the lens.

Those who have seen the KSV from a flight at night, would connect with the following picture courtesy KSV website.

The visit to KSV was an eye-opener. Most of us did not know that such a massive meditation centre exists in Hyderabad! Do visit KSV during your next travel to Hyderabad. And Hyderabadis- get going! Do share a picture or two of your visit to KSV.

Thanks are due to Gen Naozar Patel for organising the visit and sharing few pictures. Special thanks to Aditee and Vaishali for sharing their pictures and videos.

We end with a quote about meditation by Gautam Buddha who said 'Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance'.

Thanks for browsing. Stay connected and do leave a comment. Few words will do. It keeps us going.

    - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Secunderabad/ 12th May 2026

#KanhaShantiVanam #HeartfulnessInstitute #ShriRamChandraMission #MeditationCentre #WorldsLargestMeditationCentre #Hyderabad #Daaji #ghumakkadharsh #ghumakkadhb #TelanganaTourism