The Banasura Sagar Dam, located 21 km from Kalpetta, is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It is created by impounding the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River. Construction was started in 1979, with the main objective being to support the Kakkayam Hydro-Electric Project, as well as to meet the irrigation and drinking water requirements of the people of the region.
About Banasura Sagar Dam in Kerla :
Banasura Sagar Dam is situated 15 km north west of Kalpetta. It is the second largest earth dam in Asia and the largest in India. The dam has been constructed on Banasura Lake, situated amidst the Banasura Hills. It is believed that these hills were named after the demon king Banasura, who was the son of king Mahabali.
It is a popular picnic spot which offers boating and other recreational activities. The dam was built using big stones and boulders. This dam site is also considered to be an ideal trekking point. Tourists can visit this dam during the monsoon season, when small islands can be seen in the dam reservoir.
It was constructed under the Indian Banasura Sagar Project that was started with an aim of supporting the Kakkayam Hydro Electric Power Project. This project also aimed at contributing to the drinking water and irrigation requirements of the locals during the hot summer season.
History of Banasura Sagar Dam in Kerla :
Banasura Sagar Dam consisting of a dam and a canal began operating as part of the Indian Banasura Sagar Project. It aims at supporting the Kakkayam Hydro electric power project and also contributes to the irrigation and drinking water requirements of the people during summer, if there is water shortage.
Legend of Banasura Sagar Dam in Kerla :
Bali was a very benevolent king and a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Bali had a hundred sons, of whom Banasura with his thousand arms was the eldest. Banasura was a devotee of Lord Siva, and when Siva performed his famous ‘Tandav’ dance, Banasura used his thousand arms to play the ‘mridanga’ in accompaniment. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva asked Banasura to demand a boon. Banasura asked for Siva to be his protector just like Lord Vishnu was his father’s protector. The boon was granted, and Banasura became invincible. Soon he became cruel and arrogant, so much so, even the gods were afraid of him.
Banasura had a pretty daughter by the name of Usha. Many suitors came asking for her hand, but Banasura refused them all and had her shut in a fortress called ‘Agnigarh’ along with her friends. In her sleep Usha saw a handsome young man and fell in love with him. Chithralekha was a close friend of Usha and a great artist. She drew a picture of the young man based on Usha’s descriptions. When the drawing was completed, they both knew the young man was Anirudh, the grandson of Lord Krishna. Using her magical powers Chithralekha flew to Dwaraka and brought Anirudh to Usha’s side, and they lived together.
In course of time Banasura learned about this and flew into a rage. He bound Anirudh with snakes and had him imprisoned. When Lord Krishna heard about this he came with a mighty army to rescue Anirudh. A great battle ensued. Lord Siva joined the fray, fighting on behalf of Banasura. But even after prolonged fighting Lord Siva was not able to defeat Lord Krishna, and eventually sued for peace, begging Lord Krishna to spare the life of his devotee Banasura. Lord Krishna agreed and granted immortality to Banasura, but cut off all but four of his thousand arms. He brought Anirudh and Usha to Dwaraka amidst much rejoicing and jubilation. Banasura retired into the Himalayas to spend the remainder of his life in the service of Lord Siva.
How to reach :
By road: Buses are available from Kalpetta up to Padinjarathara. Proceed by jeep from there.