Basrur

History:

Basrur, once called Vasupura, is a historic port town on the banks of the Varahi River on the Kanara Coast in Karnataka, India. For much of the sixteenth century and the first half of the seventeenth century, it was the rice port par excellence on that coast. Although the town is no longer an important trading centre, it remains a spiritual site for a number of religions.

Basrur is famous for its old temples, the main one being the '“Shree Mahatobar Mahalingeshwara Temple”'. The annual ratha festival (ratha or teru means wagon in Kannada) is believed to be one of highest and is held every April on the day of Chitra Porrnima - Hanuman Jayanti in the Hindu Calendar. The town is a spiritual centre for GSB community. Sri Mahalasa Narayani temple, a holy destination for the GSB community is situated in this historical town. The centuries old temple was visited by the Swamijis of all Maths including Kashi Matt Samsthana and Gokarna Parthagali Matt. The presiding deity Sri Mahalasa Narayani is worshipped. The legend is that the spirit for the Mahalasa temple was derived from its Moolasthana, i.e. Sri Mahalasa at Mardoli in Goa.

While observing lots of temples, old mosque, sculpture (old monuments), plenty of stone writings (Shila Shashana), many ponds (approx. 7), and especially a group of unknown caste and rumoured to be “prostitutes”; believed that they used to entertain kings in those days, tells many things about history of the place.


Transportation:

This place is less than 2 km from Kundapura Railway Station. The public transport is almost completely by Private owned Bus Transport System.

How Basrur lost its significance:

Around twenty five years back Basrur was well known for its education centres, cultural programmes, political leaders. This was a centre for many surrounding villages to buy/trade their daily household items. During the 'black and white' era of Indian cinema, Basrur had a movie theater! Now Basrur lost its importance and developments in every aspects because there is no proper infrastructure for changed circumstances. Basic requirements like roads and drainage systems, drinking water facility for hilly areas are not available. Even after the introduction of Mandala Panchayat (Panchayat Raj) the situation still continues to be the same. Government Hospitals are not preferred by the villagers due to its bad maintenance conditions and lack of facilities. For more than 25-30 years only 1 nationalized bank has been operating in this region.

It's a big place in area, other connected sub-villages (koodu-grama) of Basrur are Hattikudru, Anagalli, Margoli, Merdy, Japthi, Kalanje, Othinane, Kolkere, Ulloor, Kandavara and Balkur. Bus transportation connects (crosses) only to outer upper side of Basrur. People staying in Kelapete including Mandikere, Vilaskere, Saibarakere, Mogaveerakeri, Bale-hithlu, Angalli Road & Hattikudru, need to walk long distances to get the bus transportation. There are no Party Halls for marriages and other cultural programmes, hence people need to depend on Kundapura for every reason.

A bridge connecting to Hattikudru to Basrur's Mandi-Bagilu and Anagalli to Kundapura will make big difference to improve the conditions of Basrur. Hattikudru people are still depending on water transport even during heavily flooded monsoon.

Because of a dam built to Varahi River at Hosangadi, the water level declined in Basrur region and ultimately the largest fishing community (Moghaveera and Konkan Kharvi) who depend on fishing at Varahi River were in great problem for their livelihood.

When does Basrur re-gain its importance? Only famous deities of this place know this...