Yana Rocks - Unique Landforms of Asia

The village of Yana in the forest of Kumta, India, is famous for the amazing karst rock formations popularly referred to as the Yana Rocks. Yana is situated within the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats, approximately 37 miles from the Karwa port and 19 miles from Kumta. The two unique rock formations known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara are a major tourist attraction to the village of Yana and are easily accessible from the nearby road and a small trek through the forest. The two huge rocks are composed of black crystalline karst limestone and are 390 feet and 300 feet in height, respectively. Apart from the two karst stones, Yana is also a pilgrimage center with cave temples below the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara.

Description Of The Rocks

Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara are two huge and unique solid black, crystalline rocks located in Yana, India. Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is the bigger of the two rocks, measuring 390 feet in height while Mohini Shikhara measures 300 feet. The karst rock formations are not found anywhere else except in Yana. Shikhara is a word that is used to refer to the hills. So the two rock formations are often referred to as Yana hills, even though they are more of rocks than hills. The Yana hills are homes to epic limestone formation trail that are suitable for getaways. The two rocks form the perfect backdrop of Yana and tower over the surrounding vegetation. The rocks are surrounded by evergreen scenic forest.

The Legend On The Rocks

Yana Rocks are associated with a mythology which is believed by most of the people in India and often narrated to the tourists visiting the area. The story has it that a demon king known as Bhasmasura was favored by Lord Shiva that whatever he placed his hands on would burn and turn into ashes (Bhasma). In order to confirm his powers, the demon king wanted to place his hands on the head of Lord Shiva. The Shiva evaded him and sought help from Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu transformed into a maiden Mohini and enticed Bhasmasura with her charm and beauty. The demon king fell for her and would do anything to please her. She challenged her to a dance, a challenge he willingly accepted. During the dance, she placed her hands on her head and without realizing Bhasmasura copied her and burnt to ashes. The fire from the burn was so intense that the nearby rocks turned black. Thus, the two rocks are named after this event. The bigger rock is the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara, also known as Shiva’s hill and the other is the Mohini Shikhara, also known as Mohini’s hill.

What To Do At The Yana Hills?

Tourists visiting the Yana rocks have a lot to do and explore. Hiking and sight-seeing are the two major activities in the area. One can enjoy the sight of the huge rocks towering majestically over the surrounding vegetation. Visitors can also access the Yana caves that are approximately 3 meters deep and contain Shiv Ling which is present in the Gangodbhava Temple. At the foot of Shiva’s hill is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is a popular pilgrimage center.