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Mattur: Where Sanskrit Rules

By Akshatha Vinayak

We either take up Sanskrit as a first language or third language in schools and colleges in India. Apart from that we only hear it in ancient shloka. It is sad to see that such an old language has lost it's importance in this modern world. However, with significant efforts, Sanskrit is preserved in some way or the other, but it no more exists in the vernacular usage.

Tungabhadra River

Tungabhadra River at Mattur
Photo Courtesy: Chidambara

A village lined up with areca nut plantations and farm fields on the banks of river Tungabhadra has held on to its ancient roots. The Sanskrit language rules the roost, it is the official language in Mattur or Mathur.

Only people who have taken up Sanskrit in their academics will understand its format and difficulty level. Just imagine a place where people use it in their daily life! It might even sound funny to many, but Mattur and Hosahalli villages uphold the traditions of a Brahmin community who prefer to live a Vedic life.

Road Near Mattur

A Road Leading to Mattur

Some 600 years ago, a group of Brahmin scholars migrated from Pudukottai in Tamil Nadu. The community of Brahmins known as Sankethi leads an Agraharam life here. It is not just Mathur but also the twin village Hosahalli that shares a similar lifestyle.

Isn't it exciting to hear an ancient language spoken in any other vernacular language? That doesn't mean people are uneducated. Almost every household has a Software Engineer and students from this village are often said to be the toppers in academics.

Veda Learning Mattur

Students Learning Veda in Mattur

In fact, many students believe that learning Vedic Chants have greatly helped them in improving concentration and memory power.

Why should a traveller visit Mathur?

Mathur or Mattur is a village in Shimoga; the beautiful surroundings on the banks of Tungabhadra River is relaxing.

Sunset in Mattur

Sunset at Mattur
Photo Courtesy: Sbhar

You can also see the Agraham lifestyle which has vanished over the years. Most fascinating part is to hear people speak in a mix of Sankethi, Sanskrit and Kannada languages. A strange language hit your ears in a modern set up.

A strong Vedic lifestyle with a modern touch invite you to Mattur and Hosahalli.

Hosahalli is on the other side of the river; it is famous for the Gamaka art (singing and storytelling). Recently, Mattur even came under the spotlight for some controversies. However, the people of this village lead a peaceful life and firmly believe in their customs.

Offbeat travel to the last existing Sanskrit speaking town will take you back in time. You will feel the strength of this ancient Indian language.

How To Reach

Shimoga is around 8km from Mattur. Shimoga is the nearest city to this village.

It is better to take a private vehicle from Shimoga to reach Mattur. Some private buses also go to Mattur Village from Shimoga.

Click - How to reach Shimoga

Read more about: shimoga karnataka
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