Muddenahalli - Sir M Vishveshwaraya's Birth Place, Museum and Samadhi

Muddenahalli is a small village in Chikkaballapur taluk, around 100 Kms from Bangalore. It is the birthplace of Sir M Vishveshwaraya, one of India’s most accomplished engineers.

So who was Sir M Vishveshwaraya?

Sir Mokshagundam Vishveshwaraya also referred as Sir MV was regarded in India as one of the foremost Civil Engineers who served as the 19^th Diwan of Mysore. Hi Birthday 15^th September every year is celebrated as Engineer’s day. He was awarded the Bharata Ratna by Government Of India. Vishveshwaraya Technological University (to which most engineering colleges in Karnataka are affiliated) was named in his honor. He designed and patented a system of automatic water floodgates. He was the chief engineer of the KRS Dam at Mysore.

 

As a mark of respect to this great engineer, Vishveshwaraya National Memorial Trust has converted his birthplace at Muddenahalli into a museum along with his Samadhi. So you will find his well-preserved birthplace, museum and his Samadhi in the same place.

 

It was a regular Sunday outing to Nandi hills for a long drive. But when we started climbing the hill, we saw vehicles taking a U-turn and returning. Upon inquiring we got to know that parking is full on hill-top and there was no clarity on wait time. So we decided to visit Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple which is on the other side of Nandi Hills. While walking from Parking lot to the temple, we noticed this signboard about Sir M Vishveshwaraya's birthplace and memorial. So since it was our second visit to Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple, we quickly paid visit to this temple and headed straight to Muddenahalli – Sir M V’s birthplace.

From this temple, its hardly 3.5 Kms and we reached Muddenahalli in hardly 5 minutes of time. You will easily know that you have entered this great personality’s birthplace since at the entrance of this village you will find a bust of Sir M V.

There are clear directions to his memorial and in case of any doubts you can ask anybody and they will direct you to this place.

There is a designated parking lot for vehicles and no parking fee. 

Timings - 10 am to 5 pm. No entrance fee.

You will find his birthplace and museum first.

Sir M V Birthplace and Memorial

Photography is not allowed inside the building. But you can click pictures from outside.

Samadhi

Then we saw a path leading to his Samadhi. Walk from his home to Samadhi is very scenic and peaceful. 

This place is a perfect place to pay homage to the great engineer.

Restroom facilities are available right behind the museum. Its pay and use, clean and well maintained.

 

While we were heading back at the parking lot we saw these murals with interesting quotes on the walls of a Digital Library.

I know most of the Bengalureans plan their visit to Nandi hills on weekends for a long drive to get a break from the hustle bustle of city life. But you can surely make time and plan to visit this place as a mark of respect for this great engineer.