Gorur Dam

Soumyaroop Mukherjee

Gorur Dam

Gorur Dam was constructed on the Hemavati River in 1979. Situated in Karnataka's Gorur district, near Hassan, the dam's reservoir has been supplying water for drinking and agricultural needs to residents of Hassan district since its construction. The Hemavati Dam is quite large, with a catchment area of 2,810 sq. km, and stands 58.5 metres tall and 4,692 metres long. The dam has a total storage capacity of 1,050.63 mcm and features six sizable radial spillway gates in the reservoir.

Gorur Dam in Hassan District; Source: Tripadvisor

The Gorur Dam was constructed in 1979 across the Hemavati River. It is organized as a masonry dam with a focal spillway through six spiral doors. The dam is 44.5 m high, 4692 m long, and has an area of 9162 hectometers. This large reservoir has a live storage capacity of 35.7 TMC.

The Gorur Dam is significant because it provides irrigation and drinking water not only for major portions of the Hassan and Mandya districts but also for regions as far away as the Tumkur district, which falls under the Krishna River Basin. The Krishna River is one of the most important water sources for southern states of India.

The river Hemavati is noteworthy because it is associated with the South Indian musical style of Carnatic music, which features the Hemavati raga. In the Muthuswami Dikshitar School of Carnatic Music, this raga is also referred to as Simharavam and Deshi Simharavam. It is particularly popular among nadaswaram vidwans, who are experts in any one form of Carnatic music. Many people claim that this raga was inspired by both Carnatic music and North Indian Hindustani classical music, especially by instrumentalists. Several popular Tamil songs in the past year have been composed in this raga, which is well-known. The Western classical Ukrainian Dorian scale often fits this raga.

The dam is significant because it provides irrigation and drinking water not only to substantial areas of the Hassan and Mandya districts, but also to territories as far away as Tumkur district. Tumkur is part of the Krishna River Basin, which is one of India's most vital water sources.

So, in short, Gorur Dam has become the epitome of a beautiful synchronization between raga, river, and mythology.

The Hemavati River is joined by the Yagachi River, its principal tributary in the Hassan district before it flows into the Mandya region and ultimately enters the Kaveri River near Krishnarajasagara. It has a length of approximately 245 km and a drainage area of about 5,410 km.

Technology also has its downsides, as reflected in this particular case. After the construction of the dam was completed, the nearby Sethihalli Rosary church, which is an ASI-protected monument, was deluged and remains flooded for six months per year.

The dam was named after Garuda, a Hindu demigod and celestial creature who is frequently mentioned in the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jaina faiths. Garuda is always associated with Vaishnavism and is primarily depicted as the mount or vahana of the Hindu god Vishnu. Garuda, the mythological half-brother of the devas, daityas, danavas, and yakshas, is the source of the river's name, Hemavati, which holds special significance. The renowned sage Kashyapa and his wife Vinata are the parents of Garuda. He is commonly shown in iconography as a zoomorphic figure, which is a huge bird with spread wings. Occasionally, Garuda is depicted as an anthropomorphic figure. He is often described as a protector and saviour who swiftly travels everywhere to save birds from danger. Garuda is frequently described as swift and agile and is known as a serpent-eater or enemy of serpents. He is also described as Tarkshya/Vainateya.

Garuda is mentioned in various Hindu literature, including the Puranas and the Vedas. He is characterized as the king of birds and a kite-like creature. He is also listed as the younger brother of Aruna, the charioteer of the Sun deity, Aditya.

The fact that Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, wears a snake around his neck, and that Garuda, the snake-eating bird, is the vehicle of Vishnu, suggests that there was once a competition between Shaivism and Vaishnavism to determine which God was the most powerful. Many people chant the Garuda maha-mantra to ward off snakes.

The symbol of Garuda is used as an army symbol or for auspiciousness in financial matters by three countries: India, Thailand, and Indonesia. The national emblem of Indonesia is the Garuda Pancasila, indicating the far-reaching influence of Indian mythology.

In fact, the Indian army also has a Garuda commando force in their battalion.