Bethamangala


Bethamangala is a small town in the kolar gold field taluk of Kolar district in the state of Karnataka, India. The town is centred around a large man-made lake created by damming the Palar river. The lake supplies drinking water to the nearby mining city of Kolar Gold Fields. The Bethamangala water works was established in 1903-4 and is a popular tourist site.

History

The river Palar flows from the Nandi Hills and a dam on it creates the Bethamangala lake and further downstream another dam creates the Ramasagara. Inscriptions indicate that the embankment of Bethamangala breached in 950 AD and again in 1155 AD.
Bethamangala is home to the several temples including the Vijayendra temple, which dates back to the period of the Gangas, and has been renovated by the Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar rulers. Lord Venkateshwara Temple in Bangaru Tirupati, Kotilingeshwara Temple, Recently Renovated Lord Venkateshwara Temple in Mahadevapura Village are located close to the town.

Notable people