Also known as Avantika Kshetra, Avani is one of the seven most sacred pilgrimage centers in India. The place got this name from the ‘Ahavaniya Yaaga’ conducted here by Rudra Bhattaraka during the 11th century. Shankara Mutt and marvelous temples built by Nalombas during the 9th and 10th century are the main attractions of this place.
There is a hill associated with the great epic Ramayana. The hill provides a wonderful view of the surroundings. 2000 odd steps lead up the hill. Some of the events of the Ramayana took place here. The events can be identified from the shrines and rocks around the hill. The hermitage of Valmiki was located here. Sita gave birth to her twin sons at this place. The temple at the top is devoted to Sita and Goddess Parvati whom Sita used to worship. At the foot of the hill there is a large temple complex called as Ramalingeshwara temple. There are Rameshwara, Lakshmaneshwara, Bharateshwara, Shatrughneshwara, Sita and Subramanya temples and a temple dedicated to Jambavantha, dedicated devotee of Lord Ram.
