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{{Short description|City in Karnataka, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{more citations needed|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Sirsi
| other_name =
| settlement_type = City
| image_skyline = Sirsi Skyline.jpg
| image_size = 320px
| image_caption = Clockwise from Top Right- Bheemana Gudda Peak, Yana Rock Mountain, Madhukeshwara Temple Banavasi, Unchalli Falls, Marikamba Fair-Largest fair in Karnataka, Agnhashini river, Shasralinga, Devimane Ghat view point.
<hr>
{{maplink |display=|frame=yes|type=point
|id=Q959109|plain=n|title= ಸಿರ್ಸಿ|description=Sirsi|coord=|marker=Park|zoom=13|text=Sirsi City|icon=no|frame-width=300|frame-height=300|frame-align=center}} <hr>
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| pushpin_label_position = right
| coordinates = {{coord|14.6195|N|74.8354|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_type2 = [[Köppen climate classification]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type4 = Region
| subdivision_type5 = Nearest Airport
| subdivision_type6 =
| subdivision_name1 = [[Karnataka]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Tropical monsoon climate]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[Uttara Kannada]]
| subdivision_name4 = [[Malenadu]], [[Western Ghats]], [[Kanara]]
| subdivision_name5 = [[Hubballi Airport]],

[[Dabolim Airport|Goa International Airport]]
| subdivision_name6 =
| established_title =
| established_title1 =
| government_type =
| governing_body = City Municipal Council
| leader_name =
| leader_title1 = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]]
| leader_name1 = Bhimanna Naik
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 =
| area_urban_km2 = 13.2
| area_rural_km2 = 1316
| area_rank =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 611
| population_total = 62,882
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_title2 = Regional
| timezone1 = [[India Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 581401, 581402
| area_code = +91-8384
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| registration_plate = KA 31
| blank1_name_sec1 = Literacy
| blank1_info_sec1 = 94.82%
| blank_name_sec2 =
| website = {{URL|www.sirsicity.mrc.gov.in}}
| leader_title2 = [[Member of Parliament (India)|MP]]
| leader_name2 = [[Anant Kumar Hegde]]
| grid_position = MK74
| demographics1_info1 = [[Kannada]]
| demographics1_info2 = [[Havigannada]]
| official_name =
| population_demonyms = ''Sirsians''
}}

'''Sirsi''' is a city in [[Uttara Kannada|Uttara Kannada district]] of [[Karnataka]] state in India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sirsicity.mrc.gov.in/ |title=Home |website=sirsicity.mrc.gov.in |access-date=8 August 2022 |archive-date=24 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224163142/http://www.sirsicity.mrc.gov.in/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was also known as Kalyana Pattana during the [[Sodhe|Sonda Dynasty]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/10/stories/2009031050660300.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090314053547/http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/10/stories/2009031050660300.htm |url-status= dead |archive-date= 14 March 2009 |work= [[The Hindu]] |date= 10 March 2009 |title=Kalyanapattana}}</ref> It is a tourist destination with [[evergreen forest]] and [[waterfall]]s and is also a commercial centre. The main businesses around the city are mostly subsistence and agriculture-based. [[Areca nut]] or [[betel nut]], locally known as ''Adike'' (also known as ''supari''), is the primary crop grown in the nearby villages, making it one of the major trading centres for areca nut. The region is also known for spices such as [[cardamom]], [[black pepper|pepper]], [[betel leaves]], and [[vanilla]]. The major food crop is paddy.

==Geography==
[[File:MarikambaTemple1as.jpg|320px|thumb|left|Marikamba Temple in Sirsi]]
[[File:Aquifer Map of Sirsi Taluk.pdf|thumb|left|Map of Sirsi Taluk]]
Sirsi is located at {{Coord|14.62|N|74.85|E}} (Grid Square MK74).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/19/Sirsi.html |title= Maps, Weather, and Airports for Sirsi, India |work= fallingrain.com |access-date= 13 August 2015 |archive-date= 11 July 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150711131109/http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/19/Sirsi.html |url-status= live }}</ref> It has an elevation ranging between 1860 feet to 2600 feet above sea level, and is situated in the heart of the [[Western Ghats]]. Sirsi is about {{convert|399|km}} from [[Bangalore]]. The nearest airport is located in [[Hubballi]], about {{cvt|104|km}} and [[Belagavi Airport]], about {{cvt|190|km}} from Sirsi.
River [[River Aghanashini|Aghanashini]] begins at a place near Sirsi called "shankara honda" and flows towards the Arabian Sea in the west. The river also creates many waterfalls along its path.

==Climate==
The climate in Sirsi is classified as Am (Tropical Monsoon Climate) and Af (Tropical Rainforest Climate) in fewer parts. Sirsi experiences pleasant weather all over the year. The annual average temperature in Sirsi is {{cvt|23.9|C|F}}. This town experiences about 25 days of hot days in a year. The hottest days are usually recorded in the months of March and April, which is the summer season in this region. The climate in Sirsi is strongly influenced by the monsoons, and the climate is tropical, moderated by proximity to the sea. During monsoons, the region receives one of the heaviest rainfall in Uttara Kannada district. As a result, the region also has a large variety of wildlife. The vegetation in the region is mainly moist deciduous, and valuable timber wood is commonly found in the forests of this region. Owing to the rich flora and fauna, deforestation and poaching have been causes for concern in recent years. Sirsi receives about 2500mm to 3500mm of rainfall annually. The climate of Sirsi is moderate and pleasant throughout the year with high humidity and day temperature usually stays warm. Annually, Sirsi's day temperature averages about 25 days of hot days with temperature more than {{cvt|35|C|F}} and 124 days of warm days ranging {{cvt|30|C|F}} to {{cvt|35|C|F}} and remains below {{cvt|30|C|F}} rest of the year (about 215 days).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/sirsi_india_1256047|title=Simulated historical climate & weather data for Sirsi|access-date=16 August 2020|archive-date=4 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804051146/https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/sirsi_india_1256047|url-status=live}}</ref> Maximum day temperature is lowest in July or August with an average of {{cvt|24.03|C|F}} and highest in March with an average of {{cvt|35.35|C|F}} with winter temperatures dropping below {{cvt|12|C|F}} rarely.

{{climate chart
|Sirsi, India
|15.48 |29.35|0.4
|16.43 |31.52|1.4
|19.46 |35.35|15
|21.90 |33.14 |43.5
|23.17 |32.32 |64
|21.70 |25.07 |539.5
|21.27 |24.03 |940
|21.18 |25.03 |842.3
|21.024 |27.2 |382.75
|20.81 |29.13 |131.83
|17.85 |29.01 |43.23
|15.83 |27.839 |2.43
|maxprecip= 940
|float=right
|clear=right
|source= [https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/sirsi_india_1256047] }}

{{Weather box
|metric first = Y
|single line = Y
|Jan high C = 29.35
|Feb high C = 31.52
|Mar high C = 34.15
|Apr high C = 33.14
|May high C = 32.32
|Jun high C = 25.07
|Jul high C = 24.03
|Aug high C = 25.03
|Sep high C = 27.29
|Oct high C = 29.13
|Nov high C = 29.01
|Dec high C = 27.83
|year high C =
|Jan low C = 15.48
|Feb low C = 16.43
|Mar low C = 19.56
|Apr low C = 21.90
|May low C = 23.17
|Jun low C = 21.70
|Jul low C = 20.90
|Aug low C = 20.70
|Sep low C = 20.70
|Oct low C = 20.10
|Nov low C = 17.85
|Dec low C = 15.83
|rain colour = green
| Jan record high C = 34.4
| Feb record high C = 36.4
| Mar record high C = 38.3
| Apr record high C = 39.4
| May record high C = 39.1
| Jun record high C = 33.8
| Jul record high C = 31.0
| Aug record high C = 30.3
| Sep record high C = 32.0
| Oct record high C = 33.2
| Nov record high C = 32.3
| Dec record high C = 32.8
| year record high C = 39.4
| Jan record low C = 5.4
| Feb record low C = 7.8
| Mar record low C = 11.2
| Apr record low C = 12.4
| May record low C = 16.2
| Jun record low C = 18.4
| Jul record low C = 18.1
| Aug record low C = 17.2
| Sep record low C = 15.9
| Oct record low C = 13.7
| Nov record low C = 8.4
| Dec record low C = 9.3
| year record low C = 5.4
|Jan rain mm = 0.4
|Feb rain mm = 1.4
|Mar rain mm = 15
|Apr rain mm = 43.5
|May rain mm = 64.0
|Jun rain mm = 539.58
|Jul rain mm = 940
|Aug rain mm = 842.33
|Sep rain mm = 382.75
|Oct rain mm = 131.83
|Nov rain mm = 43.23
|Dec rain mm = 2.43
|Jan rain days = 0.4
|Feb rain days = 0.5
|Mar rain days = 1.5
|Apr rain days = 5.9
|May rain days = 9.5
|Jun rain days = 21.5
|Jul rain days = 24.5
|Aug rain days = 24
|Sep rain days = 17.2
|Oct rain days = 14.5
|Nov rain days = 5.7
|Dec rain days = 1.5
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 81.8
| Feb humidity = 83.7
| Mar humidity = 87.38
| Apr humidity = 93.2
| May humidity = 89.1
| Jun humidity = 90.7
| Jul humidity = 93.3
| Aug humidity = 95.8
| Sep humidity = 94.1
| Oct humidity = 91.3
| Nov humidity = 86.0
| Dec humidity = 83.5
|year humidity =
|location = Sirsi, KA, India (2001–2013)|source = Karnataka Forest Department "Climatological Information for Sirsi, India <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/English/NotificationDetails.aspx?u15HOwzBSysQ7XxGKj8V8A== |title=Karnataka Forest Department |access-date=2 August 2020 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803115819/https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/English/NotificationDetails.aspx?u15HOwzBSysQ7XxGKj8V8A== |url-status=dead }}</ref>",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/sirsi_india_1256047|title=Simulated historical climate & weather data for Sirsi|access-date=16 August 2020|archive-date=4 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804051146/https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/sirsi_india_1256047|url-status=live}}</ref>}
}}<ref name="climate-data">{{cite web|url=https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/karnataka/sirsi-24141/|website=en.climate-data.org|title=en.climate-data.org/asia/india/karnataka/sirsi-24141/|access-date=16 November 2022|archive-date=5 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905180721/https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/karnataka/sirsi-24141/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Climate in Sirsi Taluk==
[[Sampakhanda]], [[Kakkali]], [[Devimane Ghat]], Bandla, Hebre are nearby and under Sirsi Taluk. [[Sampakhanda]] is the coldest place where the temperature would drop below {{cvt|20|C}} often during winter season and often drops below {{cvt|25|C}} even in summer season, and it had been recorded coldest not only in [[Uttara Kannada]] district but also as the coldest place among [[Karnataka]] especially during summer season.

==Demographics==
{{Bar box
|title=Religion in Sirsi
|titlebar=#Fcd11
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|orange|70.71}}
{{bar percent|Islam|green|24.18}}
{{bar percent|Christianity|blue|4.93}}
{{bar percent|[[Jainism]]|pink|0.13}}
{{bar percent|Others†|black|0.02}}
|caption=Distribution of religions
}}

[[2011 Census of India|As of 2011]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999 |archive-date= 16 June 2004 |title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional) |access-date=1 November 2008 |publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> the population of Sirsi within town limits was 62,335. Males constituted 51% of the population and females 49%. Sirsi had an average literacy rate of 92.82%, which was much higher than the national average of 74.05%. Male literacy was 95.26%, and female literacy 90.43%. About 12% of the population was under 6 years of age. In Sirsi City Municipal Council, the female sex ratio was 1014, whereas the state average in Karnataka was 973.

==Access==

===By Road===
Sirsi is linked to other parts of the state many state highways. A couple of National Highways are sanctioned by the Ministry of Transport, Government of India passing through Sirsi namely Yellapur-Sirsi-Talguppa and Kumta-Sirsi-Haveri which will be developed and maintained by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Sirsi is linked to neighboring district headquarters of [[Dharwad]], [[Mangalore]], [[Udupi]], [[Haveri]], [[Belgaum]] and [[Shimoga]]. The state corporation has a network of buses to all major cities and towns in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa. VRL, SRS, Seabird, Shreekumar Travels, Durgamba Travels, Sri Durgamba Travels and Sugama Transport are the major private bus operators. Premium Volvo and Corona bus services are also available.

There are 3 mountain roads otherwise known as Ghat section are available to access Sirsi,
1. [[Devimane Ghat]] Road from Kumta via Katgal, Devimane, Amminali,
Total Number of [[Hairpin turn]] : 15<br />
2. [[Vaddi, Karnataka|Vaddi Ghat Road]] from Ankola via Achave, Yana Rock Mountain, Devanahalli,
Total Number of [[Hairpin turn]] : 21<br />
3. Doddamane Ghat Road from Kumta via Mavingundi, Siddapura, Kansoor,
Total Number of [[Hairpin turn]] : 15

Some roads might be dangerous to access during monsoon seasons because of slippery conditions. But these are scenic routes during June, July, August, September, October months because of monsoon.

[[File:Aghanashini Valley.jpg|thumb|Aghanashini Valley, Sirsi-Kumata Road, Devimane Ghat]]

===By Train===
The nearest railhead is at [[Talguppa]] and [[Kumta]]. [[Talguppa]] is {{cvt|54|km}} from Sirsi. [[Kumta]] is {{cvt|62|km}} from Sirsi. [[Haveri]] Railway Station is about {{cvt|76|km}} from Sirsi and it has rail network to some major cities like [[Hubli]], [[Davangere]], [[Bangalore]], [[Mumbai]], [[Pune]], [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]], [[Madurai]], [[Tirunelveli]]. Talguppa railway connects [[Bengaluru]] city via [[Sagar, Karnataka]]. Kumta railway connects [[Kochi]] and [[Mumbai]] via [[Mangaluru]] and [[Karwar]], respectively. The major railhead is Hubli, which is the Zonal Headquarters of [[South Western Railway zone]].

===By Air===
The nearest airport is in [[Hubli]], and the other is [[Belagavi]], which are about 2.5 hrs and 5 hours drive from Sirsi respectively. [[Belagavi]] is connected to [[Bangalore]], while [[Hubli]] is connected to Bangalore (direct – four flights daily), [[Mangalore]] (1 stop same equipment), [[Chennai]] (Direct), Jabalpur (1 stop same equipment) and [[Mumbai]] (direct – twice daily) by air. The nearest International Airport is [[Dabolim Airport]], [[Goa]].

{{Geographic location
| Centre = Sirsi
| North = [[Yellapur]]
| Northeast = [[Mundgod]], [[Hubli]]
| East = [[Banavasi]]
| Southeast = [[Sagara, Karnataka|Sagara]], [[Shimoga]], [[Bangalore]]
| South = [[Siddapura, Uttara Kannada|Siddapur]], [[Mangalore]]
| Southwest = [[Kumta]]
| West = [[Ankola]]
| Northwest = [[Karwar]]
}}

==Art and culture==
{{Main|Yakshagana}}

[[File:Kereetadavesha.jpg|thumb|[[Yakshagana]] artist with Kirita depicts King]]
[[File:Bedara Vesha.jpg|thumb|[[Bedara Vesha]] artist]]

[[Yakshagana]] is a classical dance drama common to the state of Karnataka mainly in the districts of [[Uttara Kannada]], [[Shivamogga]], [[Udupi]], [[Dakshina Kannada]] and Kasaragod district of Kerala. There are several Yakshagana artists in and around Sirsi and it is being regularly played in Sirsi. Traditionally, Yakshaganas used to start late in the night and run entire night. Bhagavatha along with background musicians who play Chande and Maddale forms himmela. The actors who wear colorful costumes and enact various roles in the story forms Mummela. Yakshagana is sometimes simply called as ''Aataā'' in both Konkani and Kannada (meaning play).<ref name="enduring">{{cite news |url= http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/06/10/stories/2004061000340300.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040830023954/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/06/10/stories/2004061000340300.htm |url-status= dead |archive-date= 30 August 2004 |title= Enduring art |access-date= 6 September 2007 |location= Chennai, India |work= [[The Hindu]] |date=10 June 2004}}</ref> ''Yaksha-gana'' literally means the song (''gana'') of a [[Yaksha]]. Yakshas were an exotic tribe mentioned in the [[Sanskrit]] literature of ancient India.<ref name=eb>{{cite encyclopedia |url= http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9077732/yaksha |title=yaksha |encyclopedia= Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date= 6 September 2007}}</ref>

{{Main|Bedara Vesha}}

In Sirsi, Holi is celebrated with a unique [[Carnival]]. Folk dance called "[[Bedara Vesha]]" is performed during the nights beginning five days before the actual festival day. The festival is celebrated every alternate year in the town which attracts a large crowd on all the five days from different parts of the India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/10/stories/2009031050660300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314053547/http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/10/stories/2009031050660300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 March 2009 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=10 March 2009 |title=Bedara Vesha}}</ref>

{{Main|Dollu Kunitha}}

[[Dollu Kunitha]] is also another folk dance of Sirsi performed during [[Bedara Vesha]] and Marikamba Fair.

==Sirsi Supari==

Arecanut is extensively grown in this region. The arecanut grown in Sirsi has unique features like a round and flattened coin shape, particular texture, size, cross-sectional views, taste, etc. Its average dry weight is 7.5 g and average thickness is 16 mm. This unique arecanut has secured a GI tag.'<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/arecanut-gets-its-first-gi-tag-for-sirsi-supari/article26503635.ece| title = Arecanut gets its first GI tag for 'Sirsi Supari' - The Hindu| newspaper = The Hindu| date = 12 March 2019| last1 = Kamila| first1 = Raviprasad| access-date = 13 March 2019| archive-date = 8 November 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000014/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/arecanut-gets-its-first-gi-tag-for-sirsi-supari/article26503635.ece| url-status = live}}</ref>

==Budget information==
The annual budget of the CMC Sirsi for the year 2021–22 is Rs.128.28 crores, out of which Rs.781.20 lakhs was proposed for capital expenses, Rs.462.45 lakhs towards proposed revenue payment, Rs.232.09 lakhs towards extra ordinary payment, and for development of SC&ST was Rs.9.86 lakhs.<ref>Source: [www.sirsicity.gov.in]</ref>

==Savoury and sweet dishes of Sirsi==
* '''Todadevu''' is a thin [[Dosa (food)|dosa]] made from fresh [[sugarcane]] juice. Most local desserts of Sirsi contain [[jaggery]] and not sugar as a sweetener.
* '''Kadubu''': The main ingredients are [[jackfruit]] pulp and [[jaggery]]. The batter is mixed with additional ingredients, put into a container and steamed. The dessert is a local delicacy and is served hot with [[ghee]].
* '''Karakali''' is a spicy [[chutney]] prepared from [[colocasia]] leaves.
*'''Kesari''' is a sweet prepared from small-grain aromatic rice called ''Sannakki'', saffron and ghee. It is generally made for wedding ceremonies.
*'''Shunti Kaddi''' is a sweet prepared from ginger paste and jaggery. It is most commonly served during the Sirsi Jathre.
*'''Bendu Battasu''' is a sweet which is available during the Sirsi Jathre.
* '''Chakke Poldya''' is a spicy dish made from jackfruit.

==Religious places==

[[File:Fair@night.jpg|thumb|Marikamba Fair Night View]]

===Marikamba Temple===
Sirsi's [[Marikamba Temple, Sirsi|Marikamba temple]] was built in 1688 and renovated at periodic intervals. The 'Marikamba Jaathre', commemorating the goddess Marikamba, is held by the temple authorities every alternate year. Nearly 100,000 Hindu devotees from all parts of the country attend the fair, making it one of the biggest festivals in South India.

===[[Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple]]===
Banavasi is the oldest town in the [[Karnataka]] state.<ref>{{cite web| last =Kamat| first =Jyotsna |date= 6 August 2006| url=http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/archaeology/banavasi.htm |title=Ancient City of Banavasi
|access-date=17 August 2006 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060820140705/http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/archaeology/banavasi.htm| archive-date= 20 August 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref> It has grown around the Madhukeshwara Temple dedicated to [[Shiva]], built in the 5<sup>th</sup> century. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bangalorebest.com/discoverbangalore/sightseeing/banvasi.asp |title=Banavasi- 'Kadambothsav' |website=BangaloreBest |access-date=17 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204041050/http://www.bangalorebest.com/discoverbangalore/sightseeing/banvasi.asp |archive-date=4 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> the supreme God in [[Shaivism]], a major branch of [[Hinduism]].
[[File:Madhukeshwara Temple.JPG|thumb|Madhukeshwara temple, Banavasi]]

Banavasi contains some of the oldest architectural monuments in southern [[India]].

===Shri Swarnavalli Maha Samsthana===
Shree Matha is situated amidst evergreen forests near Shalmala river in Sirsi Taluk of Uttara Kannada district. Its history can be traced back to the period of Adi Shankaracharya who professed Advaita philosophy and established Mathas to propagate it. It is a famous religious center and includes 16 seemas in the Upperghat and several places in the Lowerghat and many more disciples across India. [[Havyaka Brahmins]], Ramakshatriyas, Sheeligas, Siddhis, Marathis, Goulis, Bhandaris and Kunbis and many more are the traditional disciples of this matha.[https://swarnavalli.in/history/aboutmatha.php]

[[Sodhe]] or ''Sonda'' or ''Swadi'' flourished during the Vijayanagara Empire and is a considered to be a sacred place by both Hindus and [[Jains]]. Sonda is known for Shri Vadiraja Matha, Shri Swarnavalli Matha and is about {{cvt|15|km}} from Sirsi.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.marikamba.org/home.htm
| title = Goddess Shri Marikamba
| access-date = 8 April 2007
| publisher = marikamba.org
| archive-date = 3 March 2016
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191144/http://www.marikamba.org/home.htm
| url-status = dead
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.durga-puja.org/marikamba-temple.html
| title = Marikamba Temple of Sirsi, Karnataka
| access-date = 8 April 2007
| publisher = durga-puja.org
| archive-date = 12 August 2007
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070812015726/http://www.durga-puja.org/marikamba-temple.html
| url-status = live
}}</ref>

=== Manjuguni Venkataramana Temple ===
''Manjuguni'' is one of the popular pilgrim centers located in the Uttara Kannada (North Kanara) district of Karnataka state. This place is located at a distance of 26 km from Sirsi. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Venkataramana and Goddess Padmavathi. Devotees believe that, ''Manjuguni'' is called as "Tirupati of karnataka". The temple is situated in western ghat belt, popularly known as Sahyadri hills. During winter, this place is covered by thick fog (in Kannada: Manju) and hence it is called by the name 'Manjuguni'. The temple of Lord Venkatramana is a huge complex built in Vijayanagara Style.

According to "Sri Venkatesha Mahatmya" the founder of this temple is 'Tirumala Yogi', a saint.

===Jain Matha===
A Jain Matha exists there, and it has been headed by [[Bhattaraka]] Swasti Sri Bhattakalanka.<ref>{{cite web |author= N Shubhakara Jain |url= http://shubhakarajain.blogspot.com/2011/11/world-jain-mutt-directory-it-is-best.html |title= shubhakara Jain |publisher= Shubhakarajain.blogspot.com |date= 20 November 2011 |access-date= 26 May 2012 |archive-date= 14 August 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140814162940/http://shubhakarajain.blogspot.com/2011/11/world-jain-mutt-directory-it-is-best.html |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jainheritagecentres.com/News/2010/07-Jul/14_News_Updates_001.htm |title=News Updates |publisher=Jainheritagecentres.com |date=14 July 2010 |access-date=26 May 2012 |archive-date=23 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823123244/http://www.jainheritagecentres.com/news/2010/07-Jul/14_News_Updates_001.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.herenow4u.net/index.php?id=73694 |title=Glossary | Terms | Eastern Terms | Bhattaraka |publisher=Herenow4u.net |date=16 January 2012 |access-date=26 May 2012 |archive-date=29 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529153406/http://herenow4u.net/index.php?id=73694 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Sonda Jain Matha is also known as the Swadi Jain Matha.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jainheritagecentres.com/News/Humcha_Bhattratakha_Pattabhisheka_Mahotsava_Invitation.htm |title=News Updates > Jain Event Invitation |publisher=Www.Jainheritagecentres.Com |access-date=13 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426073732/http://www.jainheritagecentres.com/News/Humcha_Bhattratakha_Pattabhisheka_Mahotsava_Invitation.htm |archive-date=26 April 2015 }}</ref>

=== Churches ===
St. Anthony's church is in Sirsi and is situated in the center of the town, and is the main church for the minority Christian population in the region. Another church is St. John Bosco Church situated on Hubli Road. Another church is Infant Jesus Church in Agasebagil. St.Paul's Mar Thoma Church is situated near the Zoo Circle. {{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}

== Prominent places in and around the Taluk of Sirsi ==
*'''[[Banavasi]]''', the capital of an ancient kingdom in Karnataka (state) ruled by the [[Kadamba Dynasty]] is 24 km away from the Sirsi town center. Banavasi is considered as the "first" capital of Karnataka state, with the current capital being [[Bangalore]]. Although most of the ancient grandeur of the dynasty in Banavasi has been lost, an ancient temple for Madhukeshwara (Lord Shiva) is still largely intact, and has been declared a monument of historical importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
*'''[[Sahasralinga]]''' ([[Sanskrit]] for a thousand Shiva ([[deity]]) lingas) is another place of significance, where Shiva's sculptures carved out of stones thousands of years ago can be found in the middle of a flowing river. The river is surrounded by lush green forest; the place is about 10 km from the town center. The place is quite secluded, except during "[[Maha Shivaratri]]" celebrations, when it receives a huge number of pilgrims from the surrounding areas.
* '''[[Sonda, Karnataka|Sonda]]''', known for its Sri [[Vadiraja]] [[Matha]], and Swarnavalli Mutt are about {{cvt|15|km}} away from Sirsi.
*'''[[Unchalli Falls]]''', (also known as Keppa Joga, referring to the other waterfall nearby, Jog falls) is situated about {{cvt|30|km}} from Sirsi, and is one of the biggest tourist attractions near Sirsi.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}} The waterfall is a {{convert|116|meter|ft|adj=mid| drop}}.
*'''[[Yana, India|Yana]]''', known for the unusual [[rock formation]]. It is located {{convert|40|km|mi}} from Sirsi.

=== Other destinations ===

[[File:Burude Falls.jpg|thumb|Burude Falls]]

* [[Shivaganga Falls]]
* [[Burude Falls]]
* [[Benne Hole Falls]]
* [[Pancha Linga]]
* [[Ganesh Paalu]]
* [[Mattighatta Falls]]
* [[Waate Halla Falls]]
* [[Kumbri Gudda]]
* [[Dhoranagiri]]
* [[Musukina Bavi]]
* [[Manjaguni Devasthana]]
* [[Jog falls|Jog Falls]]
* [[Tapovan]] – a sacred place of Shri Vadiraja swami
* [[Banagere Falls]]
* [[Nishane Gudda]]
* [[Unchalli Falls]]
* [[Vibhuthi falls|Vibhuthi Falls]]
* [[Sathodi Falls]]
* [[Sahasralinga]]
* [[Magod Falls]]
* [[Bhimana Gudda]]
* [[Goli Siddivinayaka Temple]]
* [[Kashikalyana gudda]] Tuduguni
* [[Jenkal Gudda]]
* [[Chandragutti]] (Good for trekking)

==Notable people from Sirsi==
* [[Mayurasharma]]- Founder of [[Kadamba dynasty]]
* [[Adikavi Pampa]]- First Poet of Kannada
* [[Nandan Nilekani]]- an Indian entrepreneur
* [[Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri]]- Indian politician who is the 17th and current Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, 6 term MLA of sirsi.
* [[Anant Kumar Hegde]]- Indian politician who was the former Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the incumbent Member of Parliament for Uttara Kannada constituency.
* [[G. Devaraya Naik]]- He was elected as the MP to the Indian Parliament from Uttara Kannada (Canara) Constituency four times in 1980, 1984, 1989, and 1991.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|India}}
{{Commons category|Sirsi, Karnataka}}
* [http://www.sirsicity.mrc.gov.in http://www.sirsicity.mrc.gov.in] Website of the government of Sirsi

{{Uttara Kannada}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Uttara Kannada district]]
[[Category:Populated places in the Western Ghats]]
[[Category:Tourism in Karnataka]]

Sirsi, Karnataka - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article