Vedavathi River

For the town and taluk in Bellary District, Karnataka, see Hagari Bommanahalli.

Vanivilas Dam across the river

The Vedavathi is a river in India. It rises from the Bababudanagiri Mountains of Western Ghats and flows through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh . The Vedavathi is also called the Hagari in Bellary District of Karnataka and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Two rivers, the Veda and Avathi, arise in the eastern part of the Sahyadri Hill range in Bababudangiri mountain ranges. , flow east, and join concert near Pura to form the Vedavathi River. From there the River flows through Kadur taluk Of Chikkamagalur District. Then It enters Hosadurga Taluk, Hiriyur Taluk and Challakere Taluk of Chitradurga district respectively.

On the banks of the Vedavathi, there is a famous temple devoted to Shri Anjaneya at Kellodu, Hosadurga Taluk.

The Vani Vilasa Saagara reservoir constructed across river Vedavathi in Hiriyur taluk dates back a century.Vanivilas sagar is also known as Marikanive and this was first dam built by Sir M Vishweswariah and known first natural reservoir built between two hills. There is also a famous temple dedicated to Goddessess Devi called "Kanive Marakka". This Temple is situated exactly beside Dam Wall.

A tributary called the Suvarnamukhi confluences with Vedavathi at Koodalahalli, Hiriyur Taluk. It is considered to be a 'Punya Bhumi' or 'Sacred Land' by the locals. The Vedavathi river then flows from Hiriyur towards Narayanapura, Parashurampaura, Vrindavanahalli, where river flows circularly, hence village called Vrindavana Halli and then to Jajur (moodala jajur) Nagagondanahalli, Janamaddi and then enters Andhra Pradesh i.e. Bhairavani Tippa Dam (BT Project). On the banks of Nagagondanahalli there is a famous math by name Chilumeswamy who was an avadhoot and fair is conducted every year and lakhs of people visit. On the other side of Vedvathi river there is a village Jajur. Main temples located in Jajur Kariyamma, Anjaneya, Shiva, Shri Kodanada Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Anjenya, and Nagarakatte and shri Shankaracharya.

The river then flows down to the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh in Anantapur District, where the river is called the 'Hagari'. The river has a cultural significance, with the people along the belt of the Hagari depending entirely on the river for most of their needs. Bhairivani Tippa Reservoir is built across this river.

From there the river goes through Gundalaplli, Vepurala, Kanekallu and some drylands in Anantapur District. From Andhra Pradesh State, The river enters Bellary district. Then it flows through Bellary and Siruguppa Taluks. In Bellary Taluk, The river flows through Hagari and Moka Villages. Hence It got its name Hagari River, as it flows through Hagari Village.

The Vedavathi River is a tributary to the Tungabhadra River, and finally joins the mighty Tungabhadra River in Siruguppa Taluk of Bellary District along its right bank. The total length of the Vedavathi River is equal to 391 Kms from Its origin to its confluence with TungaBhadra River. Its only seasonal river and flows exclusively only in rainy season. Major parts of the year it is Dry.

The state government has decided to rejuvenate the Vedavathi river in Chikmagalur district, which dries up during summer. In the last 20 years, the river has been flowing in full splendour only during the rainy season. It remains dry in summer due to over exploitation of water resources and unplanned development. The plan includes construction of over 810 water harvesting structures like percolation wells, injection wells and ponds.