Ashoka Siddapura

Ashoka Siddapura is an important archaeological site in Chitradurga district, from where the edicts of Emperor Ashoka have been excavated. Ramagiri, a hillock, mentioned in the Ramayana, is located nearby. It is believed that when Ravana abducted Sita and was travelling back to Lanka, the legendary eagle Jatayu fought with him here. Jatayu lost his life in the battle and later, on completion of the last rituals of Jatayu, Lord Rama installed a Shiva Linga at the spot. A temple, known as Rameshwara, was built here in 926 AD.