Sannati

In 1986, when the roof of the Kali temple in Chandralamba temple complex collapsed, it destroyed the idol. However it revealed four Ashokan edicts on the floor and foundation stone of the temple. These edicts were written in a Prakrit language and Brahmi script and one of them was used as foundation of the pedestal for the Kali idol. During subsequent excavations by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the State Archaeology Department, tablets, sculptures, and other terracotta items were found, and most importantly numerous limestone panels of sculptures of the ruined 'Maha Stupa' or Adholoka Maha Chaitya (the Great Stupa of the Netherworld) were found. Archaeologists believe that Ranamandal was a fortified area, spread over , out of which only 2 acres had been excavated by 2009. Clay pendants, black polished pottery, Satavahana and pre-Satavahana coins, ornaments made of copper, ivory and iron, a township with paved pathways, houses, and limestone flooring have been found. Many excavated items were later shifted to Gulbarga Museum. In 2010, ASI along with Sannati Development Authority deputed Manipal Institute of Technology to prepare a blueprint for restoration and reconstruction of the stupas with his Queen, at Sannati (Kanaganahalli Stupa), 1st-3rd century CE. inscribed on the relief identify king Ashoka as the subject matter. ==Mythological references==

Sannati is the place where the Paduka of Goddess Chandralamba Parameshwari - Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi - was brought. The Goddess came up to the banks of River Bhima at Hongunti, to save her devotee Chandravadani, wife of a rishi, held captive by the local king Setu Raya. Hingulambika temple is situated at Hongunti near Shabad town. The Goddess sent her Paduka from which emerged 5 bumblebees, which killed the evil king Setu Raya by drowning him in the Bhima River. Sannati Chandrala Parmeshwari and Hongunti Hingulambika are family deity of many Brahmin and Hindus families of Karnataka, Maharashtra, AP etc. Sannati is also the place where Rishi Markandeya meditated and composed parts of Markandeya Upanishad. A small temple has been renovated at the place where he is believed to have sat in meditation. It is said that Rishi Markandeya predates the arrival of Paduka of Chandrala Parmeshwari. ==Visitors' attractions==

Other places worth visiting nearby are: Yergol, where Tikacharya elaborated (key book) on the works of Madwacharya, Malkhed- Brundavan of Sri Jayatheertharu (Tikachryaru); Hongunti; Konchur Hanuman Temple; Balavadagi yallamma (Renuka) temple; Halakatti Veerabhadreshwara temple; Martur – the place where Vignaneshwar edited and condensed Yagnavyalka Smriti, which was named Mitakshara, now known as Hindu Law. ==Kanaganahalli==

Kanaganahalli is 3 km from Sannati, which is also on the banks of the river Bhima. As this is an important Buddhist site, Govt of Karnataka and ASI are planning to develop it as an international Buddhist center. It is the place where an ancient Buddhist Mahastupa site was found. ==Chandrala Parameshwari Temple==

Additionally, Sannati is home to the renowned Shri Lakshmi Chandrala Parameshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi as Chandralamba Parameshwari who is worshipped there in the form of Chandrala Parameshwari. The Hindu text Dasharathiya Tantra states in a conversation with goddess Parvati that “O daughter of mountains, Mahalakshmi is to be known in Kolhapura; that Mahalakshmi, the beloved of Hari, is also established in the peetha of Sannati kshetra" implying that the goddess of Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur also resides in Sannati. ==See also==