GK Ananthram and GA Jayalakshmi
Prior to creating Omthara Kala Kuteera Shri. G.K. Ananthram was a publisher and editor at IBH Prakashana (India Book House). He published and edited over 5,000 Kannada and English books on a variety of subjects spanning art, astrology, culture, history, literature, mythology, poetry, science and technology. He envisioned and spearheaded the creation of two unique and well-known literary works – ‘Amar Chitra Katha’ and ‘Kannada Nadu Matthu Kannadigara Parampare’.
The first ten titles of the extremely popular Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) children’s comic books on Indian ithihasas, history and culture was created in the Kannada language by Shri G.K. Ananthram. This was later picked up by the Bombay headquarters of IBH and ACK came out in English as well. Today there are hundereds of ACK titles which have educated and uplifted the thoughts of hundreds of millions of readers in India and abroad.
Kannada Nadu Matthu Kannadigara Parampaae also has hundreds of titles in Kannada, showcasing the stories of Karnataka and its historical figures. Appearing in the form of small paperbacks, these stories are written in an easily digestable form.
After having dedicated a lifetime as a publisher, at the age of 60, Shri. GK. Ananthram, along with the unstinting and tireless support of his wife Smt. G.A. Jayalakshmi, has channeled his creative energies and a lifetime of accumulated knowledge towards immortalizing India’s rich and variegated culture in the form of two breathtaking monuments – Omkareshwara Temple and Omthara Kala Kuteera.
Dedicating over two decades of their lives to the vision of Omkareshwara Temple and Omthara Kala Kuteera, Shri G.K. Ananthram and Smt. G.A. Jayalakshmi have envisioned, planned, architected, designed and constructed these monuments for people to enjoy for decades and centuries to come. The work of hundreds of talented and award winning artisans and craftsmen from all over India is reflected in the construction, paintings, sculptures and stucco work of these monuments. The love and dedication put into these creations comes to life in every nook and corner. “God is truly in the details” of the Omkareshwara Temple and Omthara Kala Kuteera.
The Omkareshwara Temple (www.Omkareshwara.com) in Mudigere village, Dudda Hobli, Hassan District is one such endeavor. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In it Lord Shiva’s son, Lord Muruga, is doing Mantropadesha, to Lord Shiva Himself. Constructed in Orissa temple style, the Omkareshwara Temple complex has separate temples for Lord Ganesha, Goddess Annapoornaeshwari, Goddess Mahalakshmi, for each of the seven Sapthamathrikas, and for each of the nine Navagrahas.
Another such monumental endeavor of Shri. G.K. Ananthram and Smt. G.A. Jayalakshmi, is Omthara Kala Kuteera (www.OmtharaKalaKuteera.com). It is located close to Bangalore, near Nelamangala, in Basavenahalli Village, Solur Hobli, Magadi Taluk. While the location and surroundings are definitely spiritual, Omthara Kala Kuteera is not just any temple. It is a place where ancient Indian culture is brought to life through sculptures and paintings. It is a spiritual resort. It is a place that may be used and enjoyed by people for personal as well as business needs. Through exquisite sculptures and paintings, Omthara Kala Kuteera brings Indian epics such as Ramayana, Bhagavatha, Srinivasa Kalyana, Dashavathara etc. to life. Omthara Kala Kuteera offers an environment that soothes the soul and energizes the mind. A visit to Omthara Kala Kuteera has been described variously by guests as “Heaven on Earth”, “Temple like none other”, “Place of Divinity”, “Uplifts my Soul”, and “Source of Peace and Happiness”.
Article in Outlook Magazine
