SwapnilJirageTravelPost: hindutemples-india.blogspot.com back up 16

Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi – The Temple

The temple is facing towards east and a fine example of Hoysala architecture. Unlike the other ornate Hoysala temples, this temple is without raised platform or jagati. The Mahadwara (main gate way) looks like a large inverted cone like structure on a high ground with a square hall and a spacious porch. Both entrances of this structure are flanked by a pair of beautifully carved elephants. Dhwaja Sthambam can be seen immediately after the Maha Dwara.

The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west. All the shrines have images of Lord Vishnu namely Veeranarayana, Venugopala and Yoga Narasimha. The temple consists of Sanctum, Sukanasi, Navaranga and Mukha Mandapa. The plan of the temple is unique in that two of the shrines face each other and are located on either side of a wide and spacious Navaranga (hall) containing thirty-seven bays.

The temple complex has two closed mandapas, one with thirteen bays and another with nine bays, at the end of which is a central shrine. The temple complex has totally 59 bays. Most of the pillars are lathe-turned bell-shaped, only few of them are ornamented. The Mukha Mandapa has conventional moulding and is provided with kakshasana. The eave is supported by the lathe turned pillars of the Hoysala type placed over the jagati.

The Mukha Mandapa has seating arrangements all across its border. It is ornamented with rosettes and plasters. All the ceiling panels of the temple, except those of the veranda, are well carved. Some of these ceilings are flat while a majority of them are dome-like containing intricate geometrical patterns of various designs. The flat ceilings have the images of Krishna playing on the flute, Kalinga Mardana and Kamsa Vadha in different postures.

The central shrine (western shrine) houses an 8 feet (2.4 m) tall image of Veera Narayana. He is four armed, stands in padmasana and placed on the Garuda pedestal. The image is elegantly carved and elaborately ornamented. The idol is said to be one of the best specimens of Hoysala art. It is said that on a particular day in March every year, sun light directly enters the sanctum of Veera Narayana. The inner walls of this shrine are plain but its roof is well decorated.

The southern shrine houses an 8 feet (2.4 m) tall image of Venugopala. He sits on a garuda pedestal. He is standing in a Tribhangi position, where his right leg is in front of left leg, leaning against a tree, is blissfully playing his flute. He is supporting himself using his thumb to bear the weight, his abdomen is slightly bent to balance himself. He is surrounded by various figures like Shravan Kumaras with folded hands, Gopikas, a cow feeding her calf and Gopalas. He is flanked by his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama standing on either side.

The northern shrine houses a 7 feet (2.1 m) tall image of Yoga Narasimha. He is sitting in a yoga posture holding the Shanka and Chakra. He is flanked by his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi standing on either side. The Prabhavati is carved with the ten avatars of Vishnu. All the images in the sanctum of Narasimha, Venugopala and Viranarayana excel each other in workmanship.

The central shrine is the oldest one in the temple complex. The other shrines are of later construction and have different plans. One shrine is square in shape while the other is star shaped (stellate). Each of the three shrines are crowned with shikaras (superstructure (towers) on top of the shrine).

The tower of the shrine has an apex called the kalasha (decorative water-pot like structure) below which are three tiers of decorated miniature roofs. The superstructure over each of three shrines is connected to a low protrusion tower called Sukanasi (tower over the vestibule, called nose of the main tower). The Sukanasi consist of two tiers of decorated miniature roofs.

The towers have turrets, ornamented kirtimukhas and varied sculptures. The eaves runs around the sanctum where the superstructure meets the wall of the shrine. Miniature decorative towers can be seen below this eave. Second eves can be seen below this decorative towers. Friezes of Hindu deities and their attendants can be seen below the second eaves. A set of five moldings can be seen below the frieze which forms the base of the wall.

Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi, Karnataka

Veera Narayana Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Belavadi Village in Kadur Taluk in Chikkamagaluru District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is considered as one of the largest Hoysala temples. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

Belavadi was called as Ekachakra Nagara during Mahabharata era. It is believed that Bheema, one of the Pandava brother, killed the demon Bakasura, a demon who tortured the people living in the area for a cartload of food every day and protected the people.

History

The Temple was built in 12^th century CE by King Veera Ballala II of Hoysala Dynasty.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/07/veera-narayana-temple-belavadi-temple.html

Festivals

A festival called Bandi Bana commemorating Bheema, one of the Pandavas, slaying Bakasura is celebrated by villagers annually here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Javagal, 12 Kms from Halebidu, 24 Kms from Banavara Railway Station, 28 Kms from Belur, 30 Kms from Chikkamagaluru, 37 Kms from Kadur, 37 Kms from Kadur Junction Railway Station, 43 Kms from Birur, 222 Kms from Bengaluru and 244 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. Belavadi is situated to the south east of Chikkamagaluru on Chikkamagaluru — Javagal Highway via Kalasapura.

Location | Photos

Shiva Temple, Kodal, Madhya Pradesh

Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kodal Village in Tendukheda Tehsil in Damoh District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple was built in 950 CE by Kalachuri Kings. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and built over a low raised platform. The exterior of the platform has series of niches housing Shaiva sculptures in regular intervals. The temple consisted of sanctum and a mandapa. The mandapa has been lost completely. Only, the sanctum remains intact. The sanctum is pancharatha on plan. The sanctum doorway is ornate.

The lintel is adorned with Navagraha figures with Uma Mahesvara on the lalata bimba. The architrave has Saptamatrikas in dancing posture flanked by Virabhadra and Ganesha with Nataraja in the middle. The shikara follows nagara style and the top portion is in damaged condition. The jangha repeats the standard design of two rows of figures.

The recesses of the lower row bear Surasundaris and those of the upper row vyalas. The bhadra niches has images of Nataraja on the south and Andhakantaka on the east while the south kapili niche houses Vinayaga with Vighnesvari. The jangha terminates with a festoon design. Ruins of a large monastery attached to this temple can be seen near the temple.

Festivals

Shravan Sundays and Shivaratri are observed here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 19 Kms from Tendukheda, 51 Kms from Deori, 60 Kms from Bheraghat Railway Station, 74 Kms from Damoh, 75 Kms from Jabalpur, 84 Kms from Jabalpur Airport and 252 Kms from Bhopal. The temple is situated on Tendukheda to Deori route.

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Chitrakot, Chattisgarh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Ghumarmund Para of Chitrakot Village in Lohandiguda Tehsil in Bastar District in the Indian state of Chattisgarh. The temple is situated very close to Chitrakot Waterfalls (dubbed as Indian Niagara). The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built in 11^th century CE by the kings of Chindaka Naga dynasty.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and is in complete ruins. The temple consists of a sanctum enshrining a big Shiva Linga on square yoni. The sanctum is completely lost except it pillars. A cement shed is built over the sanctum to safeguard the Linga from rain and sun light.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 200 metres from Chitrakot Falls, 10 Kms from Lohandiguda, 32 Kms from Bastar, 38 Kms from Jagdalpur, 40 Kms from Jagdalpur Railway Station and 40 Kms from Jagdalpur Airport. The temple is situated on Jagdalpur to Chitrakot falls route.

Location

Kodandarama Temple, Hiremagalur – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with five tiered Rajagopuram. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Navaranga and Mukha Mandapa. The Sanctum and Antrala were of Hoysala style but the Sukanasi over the antrala, Navaranga and Mukha Mandapa were of later addition. The outer walls of the navaranga and mukhamandapa are built with brick and mortar. The Sanctum and Antrala were built on a square basement which consists of six cornices.

The sanctum enshrines idols of Lord Rama with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana on a Hanuman pedestal. Lord Rama and Lakshmana are shown carrying their arrows in their right hands and strung bows in their left hands. Mother Sita can be seen to the right side of Lord Rama, as per the tradition in Hindu marriage ceremonies. His brother Lakshmana can be seen on his left side. The idols appear to be of a later date and not of the Hoysala period.

Besides pilasters and turrets, the outer walls of the Sanctum and Antrala have two rows of sculptures representing various forms of Lord Vishnu like Hayagriva, Narasimha, Lakshminarayana, Venugopala, Kalinga Mardana & Govardhanadhari, Lakshmi, Hanuman, Garuda and Ganapati. There is a beautiful idol of Lord Agni with two heads, seven tongues and three legs on the Gopura near the entrance.

There is a shrine for Yoga Narasimha in the temple premises. He is depicted in meditation posture in his shrine. This Idol is about 4 feet tall. The idol has a prabhavati on which the 10 incarnations are sculpted. Shrines of Sugriva, Kalinga Mardana Krishna, Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, Vedanta Desika and Azhwars can be seen in the temple premises. The temple had a pond nearby which is now dry.

Kodandarama Temple, Hiremagalur, Karnataka

Kodandarama Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Hiremagalur, an outskirt of Chikkamagaluru City in Chikkamagaluru District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

Bhargavapuri:

As per legend, the pride of Parasurama was subdued at Hiremagalur by Lord Rama. Parashurama requested Lord Rama to show him the scene of his (Lord Rama's) marriage. Hence, Mother Sita can be seen to the right side of Lord Rama and Lakshmana to his left side, as per the tradition in Hindu marriage ceremonies. As Parasurama (Bhargava) lived here, the place came to be called as Bhargavapuri.

Siddha Pushkarini:

As per legend, it is believed that nine siddhas performed penance near a pond in the village. This pond came to be called as Siddha Pushkarini.

History

The temple is said to have been constructed in three stages. The sanctum and Sukhanasi structures were built during Hoysala era. The navaranga was added in 14^th century CE and Mukha Mandapa was added in 16^th century CE. The projection of the vestibule appears to be added during 17^th century CE.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/07/kodandarama-temple-hiremagalur-temple.html

Festivals

A yatra is held for one day during February–March each year.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 250 metres from Hiremagalur Bus Stop, 1 Km from Chikkamagaluru Railway Station, 4 Kms from Chikkamagaluru, 4 Kms from Chikkamagaluru Bus Stand, 23 Kms from Belur, 39 Kms from Kadur, 240 Kms from Bengaluru and 262 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on the outskirts of Chikkamagaluru City on Chikkamagaluru to Belur route.

Location | Photos

Kamaleshwara Temple, Jalasangvi – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and built on a star-shaped platform. The temple is built in typical Kalyan Chalukya architecture style. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala and an open Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa is a later addition to the temple. Presiding Deity is called as Kamalishwara / Kamaleshwara / Kalleshvara and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Linga. The shikhara over the sanctum is missing as it might have been either destroyed or dilapidated in the course of time.

The exterior walls of the temple have preserved some outstanding sculptures. The outer wall of the sanctum has three niches housing Lord Shiva, Narasimha and Durga. This temple is famous for its outstanding sculptures of Salabhanjika or Madanika. The Salabhanjika is a standard decorative element of Indian sculpture, a graceful stone sculpture representing a young female under a stylized tree in various poses, such as dancing, grooming herself or playing a musical instrument.

The salabhanjikas female features, like breasts and hips, are often exaggerated and are decorated with complex hairdos, different kinds of apparel and an abundance of jewelry. The sculptures of the temple were the source of inspiration for the later Hoysala bracket-figures of Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura. The most prominent sculpture of this temple is a sculpture of a lady, Shasana Sundari (Shilabalika), a mythological woman, depicted as inscribing Sanskrit epigraph in Kannada characters on a slate-like plank.

The figure in dancing position is seen inscribing the epigraph. It has been composed in a vertical space of the wall. The Shasana praises Vikramaditya VI of the Chalukya Dynasty. The writings is deciphered as "Saptadveepodaree Bhutam Bhutalam Sweekarishyati Chalukya Vikramaditya Saptamo Vishnuvardhanaha". The translation is "Vikramaditya of Chalukya Dynasty captured and is ruling the land containing seven islands". It can be noted from the posture of the figure that the body shows a twist beyond the navel as observed in belly twist. The neck is bend as in akashi mudra.

Kamaleshwara Temple, Jalasangvi, Karnataka

Kamaleshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Jalasangvi Village in Humnabad Taluk in Bidar District of Karnataka state, India. The Temple is also called as Kamalishwara Temple and Kalleshvara Temple. This temple, situated on the bank of the tank at the village, is in ruins. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built during the reign of Chalukya King Vikramaditya VI of Kalyani Chalukya dynasty (1076 – 1126 CE). This temple was considered as the source of inspiration for the later works in Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura temples, built by the Hoysalas.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/07/kamaleshwara-temple-jalasangvi-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Humnabad Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Humnabad Railway Station, 12 Kms from Humnabad, 32 Kms from Basavakalyan, 45 Kms from Bidar, 72 Kms from Gulbarga, 169 Kms from Hyderabad and 172 Kms from Hyderabad Airport. The temple is situated on Humnabad to Bidar route.

Location | Photos

Chandramouleshwara Temple, Arasikere – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and constructed in ekakuta chala (single shrine) style. The Temple consists of sanctum, sukanasi, navaranga and mukha mandapa with two lateral entrances at north and south in between navaranga and mukha mandapa. The navaranga is a closed mandapa (hall) without any windows and is square in plan. The ceiling of the navaranga is divided into nine bays by the four lathe turned pillars that support the ceiling.

Sub shrines of Veerabhadra, Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu, and Ashtadikpalakas can be seen in the navaranga. The mukha mandapa is an open mandapa and with its 16-pointed star plan is most unusual design built by Hoysala architects. It is a deviation from the staggered square design, a standard in Hoysala constructions.

The mukha mandapa is connected to the navaranga by a small rectangular inner porch. The stellate mukha mandapa has a central circular raised dais surrounded by stellate jagati with thirteen circular lathe turned pillars placed at the periphery of the circulars dais, supporting a massive circular dome like ceiling which is exquisitely carved with trifoliate leaf decorations in concentric circles ending in a huge pending.

The interesting aspect of mukha mandapa is the depiction of the fore part of elephants inserted into the jagati inside as if supported the mukha mandapa on their shoulders. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Kalameshvara / Kattameshvara / Chandramoulishvara, in the form of Linga. The shikara (superstructure) over the sanctum is intact but the finial (a decorative water pot like structure called Kalasha) is a recent replacement.

The vestibule connects the shrine to the closed mantapa has its own tower called Sukanasi. An image of Nandi can be seen on top of the sukanasi. It might be recent addition as this place is normally occupied by the Hoysala royal emblem, the legendary warrior Sala fighting a lion. The central ceiling in the closed mantapa and the vestibule are decorated elaborately.

The outer wall of the vestibule shares the same decoration as the outer wall of the shrine but is inconspicuous because it forms a short continuation between the wall of the shrine and closed mandapa. The outer wall of the shrine is stellate, but the star points are not identical, rather they form three different kinds of star points, making the design complicated and unusual.

The lower half of the outer wall of the shrine and the outer wall of the closed mantapa share the same architectural articulation. The sculptures of Dwarapalakas in the navaranga and the wall panel images numbering a hundred and twenty on pilasters between the aediculas carved on the outer walls are noteworthy. There is another hall on the right side of the temple with 24 lathe pillars. The hall has three shrines dedicated to Veereshwar, Bakeshwar, and Chamundeshwar.

Chandramouleshwara Temple, Arasikere, Karnataka

Chandramouleshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Arasikere Town in Arasikere Taluk in Hassan District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is considered as one of the unusual Hoysala temples in Karnataka. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built in 1220 CE during the reign of King Veera Ballala II of Hoysala Dynasty. Arasikere means Queens tank in Kannada (Arasi means queen or princess and Kere means tank).

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/07/chandramouleshwara-temple-arasikere-temple.html

Festivals

Shivaratri and Kartik Amavasya are the major festivals celebrated in this temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Arasikere Bus Stand, 1 Km from Arasikere Junction Railway Station, 15 Kms from Banavara, 27 Kms from Tiptur, 39 Kms from Kadur, 45 Kms from Hassan, 138 Kms from Mysuru, 196 Kms from Bengaluru and 217 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The Temple is situated on Kadur to Tiptur route (NH – 73).

Location | Photos

Siddhesvara Temple, Haveri – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west instead of facing east like all Chalukyan temples. The Temple is similar in plan and architectural style to the other Chalukyan temples like the Mukteshvara Temple at Chavudayyadanapura, the Someshvara Temple at Haralahalli and the Siddharameshvara Temple at Niralgi. The temple consists of sanctum, vestibule, closed mandapa and open mandapa.

The temple is situated little below the ground level making it necessary to descend into the open mantapa (hall). The open hall has three entrances on the western, southern and northern sides. The architrave above the vestibule entrance has images of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, with Shiva in the centre. Ganapati and Kartikeya flank Brahma and Vishnu.

A perforated stone worked window can be seen on either side of the doorway. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Siddhesvara in the form of Linga. The mantapa (hall) in the temple contains sculptures of Uma Maheshwara, Vishnu & his consort Lakshmi, the Sun God Surya, Naga-Nagini, Ganapati, and Kartikeya etc.

In Uma Mahesvara sculpture, Lord Shiva is depicted with four arms, holding the Damaru (drum), akshamala (chain of beads) and Trishul (trident) in three arms. His lower left arm rests on Uma, who is seated on Shiva's lap, embracing him with her right arm while gazing into his face. The sculpture of Uma is well decorated with garlands, large earrings and curly hair.

The Naga and Nagini, with their tails intertwined, appear on the side of the door to the vestibule along with an image of Parvati. A niche depicts a curious male figure with six hands, the two lower hands each hold a Linga and the middle left hand holds a chakra (wheel). Some ceiling panels contain images of the Saptamatrikas while a square column contains images of the Ashta Dikpalas (eight guardians) along with the Hindu Trinity and Surya.

The Saptamatrikas are also carved into the wall of a step well outside. The Saptamatrika sculptures on friezes has the female deities, generally each with a child on the lap to denote motherhood and are identified by the vahana (vehicle) of their male counterpart, found under them. The Sapta Matrikas are flanked by Lord Veerabhadra and Ganesha.

The exterior walls of the temple are decorated with aediculas, miniature decorative towers on pilasters and niches. These niches enshrines loose sculptures of Surya canopied by a seven hooded snake and the Mahishasura Mardhini. Several old Kannada inscriptions can be found in the temple. Most of the inscriptions records the grants and gifts given to the temple.

These inscriptions are dated in the years I 228 CE, I 260 CE, 1269 CE and 1301 CE. But an inscription slab outside the temple records a grant made in 1108 CE and another inscription can be found on a beam in the temple dated to the second regnal year of Veera Ballala I (1087 CE). There is another inscription in the village dated in I067 CE, recording the grant of the village of Haveri to four hundred Brahmanas but it does not mention the temple.

Though, it is currently used as a Shiva temple, the temple was constructed as a Vaishnava temple initially, but later got converted to Jain temple and finally converted to Shiva temple when it came under the possession of Shiva devotees. The changes can be corroborated by the presence of many loose sculptures in the temple premises and the defaced sculptures on the temple walls.

Siddhesvara Temple, Haveri, Karnataka

Siddhesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Haveri Town in Haveri Taluk in Haveri District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Temple is also called as Purada Siddheshwara Temple. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built in 11^th century CE by Hoysala King Veera Ballala I, a feudatory of Western Chalukyan King Vikramaditya VI. The temple was initially constructed as a Vaishnava temple, but later got converted to Jain temple as reigning Hoysala King Veera Ballala I was an ardent Jain. The Jains defaced and removed the Vaishnava images from the temple. Finally, the temple came under the possession of Shaivites and remains a Shiva temple to this date.

Haveri was originally called as Nalapuri and was one of the oldest Agraharas (place of learning) in modern Karnataka. An inscription dated 1067 CE in the town mentions the grant of the village to 400 Brahmins. Haveri derives its name from two Kannada words Haavu and Keri (means place of snakes). It is said that Haveri had housed 1000 mathas (religious mutts) in ancient times. Hukkeri Math is considered as one of the famous mathas in the region.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/07/siddhesvara-temple-haveri-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Haveri Railway Station, 1.5 Kms from Haveri Bus Stand, 25 Kms from Bankapura, 39 Kms from Hangal, 73 Kms from Sirsi, 79 Kms from Hubli, 83 Kms from Hubli Airport and 334 Kms from Bengaluru. The temple is situated on Hubli to Bengaluru route (NH – 48).

Location | Photos

Shambu Lingeswara Temple, Kundgol, Karnataka

Shambu Lingeswara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Kundgol Town in Kundgol Taluk in Dharwad District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built by Kadambas and later completely rebuilt by Chalukyas in 11^th century CE. The Temple suffered destruction during Muslim invasion. The temple undergone renovation during 19th century CE.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east and constructed in ekakutachala style. The temple consists of sanctum, vestibule and navaranga. The navaranga has three entrances on the eastern, southern and northern side. The navaranga is supported by 64 lathe-turned and polished pillars. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Shambu Linga.

The Bana Linga is pale brown in colour while the yoni part is black stone. The sanctum is flanked by the images of Parvathi and Vinayaga. An old Kannada inscription can be seen on the walls of the sanctum. The exterior walls of the navaranga is decorated with miniature towers and sculptures of various gods and goddesses of Hindu pantheon.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Kundgol Bus Stand, 750 metres from Kundgol Railway Station, 22 Kms from Hubli, 28 Kms from Hubli Airport, 31 Kms from Lakshmeshwar, 43 Kms from Dharwad and 56 Kms from Gadag. The Temple is situated on Hubli to Lakshmeshwar route. There are KSRTC buses from Hubli and Dharwad and nearest towns to Kundagol.

Location

Harihareshwara Temple, Harihar – The Temple

The temple is facing towards east with a mahadvara on the east. The mahadvara was originally constructed with five storeys. However, all its storeys are gone at present. There are entrance gateways on the north and south side of the temple complex. There are two deepa sthambas (lamp post) inside the temple. Each has Nandi and Garuda in sitting posture facing towards the sanctum. The temple consists of sanctum, vestibule, navaranga with three entrances and mukha mandapa.

The mukha mandapa is an open pillared mandapa and square in plan. It has five entrances, two each on north & south and one on the east. The roof of this mandapa is supported by 56 lathe turned pillars. Its central ceiling once had an image of Harihara surrounded by ashta dikpalas, but all are missing now. The ceiling of the mandapa is adorned with geometric patterns and floral patterns. The parapet wall runs around the mukha mandapa and has seating arrangement on the back side of the parapet wall.

The half pillars resting on the parapet wall supports the outer ends of the roof. The exterior of the parapet wall is well decorated than the exterior walls of the sanctum. It has decorative friezes, from bottom to top, creeper scroll with flying figures, elephants with horses with riders and in between camels, gods placed between pilasters topped with nagara shikhara, dancers and musicians separated with pilasters with rearing lions are corners and finally a narrow creeper scroll frieze at the top.

The last decorative band, of dancers and musician, is in form of a slanting backrest bench like arrangement. The navaranga has entrance porches on the northern and southern side. The doorjambs of the navaranga is profusely decorated. Gajalakshmi can be seen on the lintel of the doorway. The five turrets crown the carving of Gajalakshmi. The roof of the navaranga is supported by four pillars.

The central ceiling has the carvings of ashta dikpalas, however its central image of Harihara is now placed in a nearby shrine of Sanna Harihareshwara to the north-west of the main shrine. There are two niches without any idol in the western wall of the navaranga. There is a small shrine for Kalabhairava can be seen to the north of the northern porch. The original image of this shrine is missing.

The doorway of the antrala is provided with dvarapalas on either side, accompanied with Shiva on right and Keshava on left. It has perforated screens on either side. The doorway of the sanctum is simple and devoid of any decoration. The lintel is also left unfinished. The sanctum enshrines a 6 foot tall image of Harihara, a fusion of the Hindu Gods Vishnu and Shiva.

This idol is believed to be a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). The left side represent Vishnu with Chakra & Sanka and right side represent Shiva with Trisul. He wears a combined jata and krita makuta. The feet and anklet of the image are hidden behind a pedestal and are perhaps damaged. The head and body above the knees belonged to the original image. It shows signs of erosion due to the water.

It is said that the image was thrown into water during Muslim attacks. It was finally restored during the Maratha rule when it was mounted on an old pedestal hiding the body below the knees as the original parts were not found. The original tower over the shrine (Vimana) is missing and has been replaced in modern times with one of brick and mortar.

The external walls of the sanctum have niches on north and south-west, however these niches are empty at present. There is a shrine for Goddess Lakshmi to the north side of the main shrine. This shrine consists of sanctum and mukha mandapa. The mandapa is square in plan. The parapet wall runs around the mukha mandapa and has seating arrangement on the back side of the parapet wall.

The half pillars resting on the parapet wall supports the outer ends of the roof. The central ceiling is supported by four pillars. The sanctum enshrines an image of Mahishasura Mardini currently. The original image of Lakshmi has been lost. There is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvathi inside the temple complex. There are several inscriptions dated to 12^th and 13^th century CE and hero stones in this temple.

Harihareshwara Temple, Harihar, Karnataka

Harihareshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the combined form of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva located in Harihar Town in Harihar Taluk of Davangere District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is situated on the banks of the of Tungabhadra river. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. Harihara is also known as Dakshina Kashi and Industrial Hub of central Karnataka. The hills of Harihareshwar, Pushpadri, Harishinachal and Bramhadri surround this place.

Legends

As per legend, once a demon named Guhasura lived in the region. He performed severe penance invoking Lord Brahma. He successfully pleased Lord Brahma with his penance and obtained a boon that neither Lord Vishnu nor Lord Shiva could destroy him single-handedly which made him almost invincible. He started harassing the celestial beings, sages and the humans.

Lord Brahma requested Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu to end his cruelties. As per the request of Lord Brahma and his boon, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu took a combined form namely Harihara (Half Vishnu & Half Shiva), came down to earth and killed the demon. The demon requested Lord Harihara before his death that the place to be named after him.

Hence, the place came to be called as Guharanya Kshetra. The descent of the incarnation on earth is said to have happened at nearby Kudalur, at the confluence of the rivers Tungabhadra and Haridra. There are some impressions on the rock which local people point out as the footprints of Lord Harihara.

History

The Temple was built in 1224 CE by Polava Deva, a commander and minister of the King Vira Narasimha II of Hoysala Dynasty. Soma, a commander of King Narasimha III of Hoysala Dynasty renovated and added some structures in 1268 CE. The temple was renovated extensively during the Vijayanagara period. The temple suffered destruction during Muslim rule. The roof of the temple was utilized to build a mosque. Tipu Sultan plundered the temple and damaged most of its sculptures. He also converted a portion of the temple into a mosque. Harihara is also known as Guharanya Kshetra or Dakshina Kashi.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/07/harihareshwara-temple-harihar-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Harihar Bus Stand, 1.5 Kms from Harihar Railway Station, 15 Kms from Davanagere, 25 Kms from Ranebennur, 136 Kms from Hubli Airport and 281 Kms from Bengaluru. Harihar is situated between Davanagere and Ranebennur on the National Highway 48 (Pune- Bangalore). Harihar is well connected with most of the major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Bellary and Chennai through regular trains.

Location | Photos

Rameshwara Temple, Kuppagadde, Karnataka

Rameshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kuppagadde Village near Soraba Town in Soraba Taluk in Shivamogga District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built in 1189 CE by Rama, a Brahmin of Mane family during Hoysala rule. It was consecrated by the illustrious Kalamukha saint Vamashakti of the Kodiya Matha of Balligavi.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The Temple consists of sanctum, vestibule, ardha mandapa and open sabha mandapa. The sabha mandapa is supported by 24 pillars. The sabha mandapa has entrances at north, south and east. Nandi can be found in the sabha mandapa facing the sanctum. The parapet walls are decorated with miniature towers. The doorways of sanctum and vestibule have perforated screens on either side.

The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Ramesvara, in the form of Linga. The shikara (superstructure) over the sanctum follows Kadamba style of architecture. Sculptures of Venugopala, Mahishamardini, Ganesha and Saptamatrikas can be seen in the temple. The exterior walls of the sanctum and ardha mandapa are devoid of decorations except the empty niches.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Soraba Bus Stand, 16 Kms from Soraba, 17 Kms from Banavasi, 43 Kms from Sagar, 44 Kms from Sagar Railway Station, 44 Kms from Sirsi, 76 Kms from Ranebennur, 95 Kms from Shivamogga, 116 Kms from Hubli Airport and 371 Kms from Bengaluru. The Temple is situated at about 5 Kms from Thavanandi off the Soraba to Banavasi route.

Location

Lakshmi Devi Temple, Doddagaddavalli – The Temple

The Lakshmi Devi Temple is one of the earliest known temples built in the Hoysala style. The temple does not stand on a jagati (platform), a feature which is common in later Hoysala temples. The temple is enclosed with in a 7-foot-tall stone wall with a pillared dvara mandapa on the southern side. The dvara mandapa is supported by circular lathe turned pillars. The temple is a unique Chatushkuta construction (four shrines and towers).

The main shrine (western shrine) is facing towards east. It enshrines a 3-foot-tall image of the goddess Lakshmi with an attendant on either side. She is standing in samabhanga posture with four arms. She holds a conch in the upper right hand, a chakra (discuss) in the upper left, a rosary in the lower right and a mace in the lower left. The image is similar to the Kolhapur image in its style and features. Gajalakshmi can be seen on the lintel of the sanctum door.

The eastern shrine enshrines Bhoothanatha Linga in its sanctum. Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya can be seen along with the Linga. Nataraja can be seen on the lintel of the sanctum door. The northern shrine enshrines an image of Goddess Kali in its sanctum. She is found seated on the dead body of a demon. She is eight-armed holding khadga, trishula, gada & arrow on the right and bowl, damaru, bow & noose on the left. The idol has been desecrated by miscreants.

There is a sculpture in the northern wall of her shrine similar to the idol housed in the sanctum. There are two huge nude Bethala sculptures (Bhuta & Preta) in skeletal form as dvarapalas on either side of the entrance of her shrine. Naga Kanya and Visha Kanya can be seen on either side of the sanctum door. Sapta Matrikas can be seen on the lintel of the sanctum door. The southern shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The idol enshrined in the sanctum is missing now.

Yoga Narasimha can be seen on the lintel of the sanctum door. The original shikaras (superstructures) over the sanctum of all the shrines are intact. The shikara over the shrine of Lakshmi follows dravidian style and the shikara over the other shrines follows Kadamba Nagara style. The shikaras over the shrines of Kali, Vishnu and Shiva are undecorated and follows stepped pyramidal with a pile of dented horizontal mouldings with the kalasa on top.

The shikara over the shrine of Lakshmi is well decorated. It is dvitala vimana crowned by square sikhara and stone finial. Each shrines have a vestibule connecting the sanctum to the central mandapa (Navaranga). Each vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The sukanasi is a tier lower than the main tower over the shrine. The Hoysala crest (the sculpture of a legendary warrior Sala fighting a lion) is mounted on top of the sukanasi of each shrine.

Three shrines connects directly to the ranga mandapa with nine bays. The fourth shrine is connected to the ranga mandapa via an oblong extension consisting of two bays. The extension has two lateral entrances into the temple. The ranga mandapa is square in plan. The ceiling of the main hall is supported by eighteen lathe-turned pillars. There is a sculpture of Nataraja in a circular panel at the center of the ceiling of the ranga mandapa.

The depiction of ashtadikpalakas (guardian deities of eight directions) can be seen on the eight cardinal directions of the ceiling of the ranga mandapa. There is only one eaves running around the temple where the main towers meet the wall of the shrine. The basement of the shrines have five moldings. Usually, the panels of Hoysala sculptures depicting the gods and goddesses can be seen between the eaves and basement, but it is missing in this temple.

Instead, the exterior is decorated with miniature towers on pilasters (called Aedicula). There is a separate shrine for Lord Bhairava near the southern entrance of the temple. The shrine consists sanctum and vestibule. The sanctum is crowned with its stepped pyramidal shikara and vestibule is crowned with sukanasi with a Hoysala crest on it. There are four minor shrines at the four corners of the temple attached to the compound wall.

Each of these shrines consists of sanctum and vestibule. Each of these shrines are crowned with its stepped pyramidal shikara and vestibules are crowned with sukanasi with a Hoysala crest on it. The temple has nine shrines overall, which is unusual for a Hoysala temple. There is a large pond adjacent to the Lakshmi Devi temple. There are granite steps leading to this pond.

Lakshmi Devi Temple, Doddagaddavalli, Karnataka

Lakshmi Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi located in Doddagaddavalli Village in Belur Taluk in Hassan District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Temple is situated on the banks of a large pond in the village. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built in 1114 CE by Sahaja Devi, wife of Kullahana Rahuta, during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana (1106-1142 CE) of Hoysala Dynasty. Kullahana Rahuta was a merchant and held the position of a high officer in the royal court of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana. The couples were inspired by the Kolhapur Lakshmi Temple in present day Maharashtra and built a temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in Doddagaddavalli.

The village was mentioned as Doddagaddumballe in inscriptions. The village was even renamed as Abhinava Kolhapura, connecting it with Kolhapur. There is dedicatory inscription in the temple eulogizes the greatness of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana and records the benevolent contributions of the couple towards the construction of this temple.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/07/lakshmi-devi-temple-doddagaddavalli-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 18 Kms from Halebidu, 20 Kms from Hassan, 21 Kms from Hassan Bus Stand, 22 Kms from Hassan Junction Railway Station, 25 Kms from Belur, 130 Kms from Mysuru, 203 Kms from Bengaluru and 224 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The Temple is situated on Hassan to Belur route.

Location | Photos

Gaurishvara Temple, Yelandur, Karnataka

Gaurishvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Yelandur Town in Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka state, India. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built by Singedeva Devabhupala, the ruler of Handinadu, a feudatory of Vijayanagara Dynasty. The temple is still in worship and maintained by the Karnataka state Archeological Department.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with a Vijayanagara era Mahadwara (Grand Entrance). The Mahadwara is an unusual entrance without any superstructure over it. The walls of the Mahadwara are heavily decorated with reliefs depicting Bikshadana, Bhairava, Mahishasura Mardini, Narasimha, Andhakasura Mardana, Kaliyamardhana, Dakshinamurti, Krishna Leela, various forms of Lord Shiva & Lord Vishnu and scenes from the puranic stories & the epics.

The entrance is decorated with chains of stone rings (bale) at the corners. This type of an entrance is called Bale Mandapa (bangled hall) in a contemporary style. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapa and an open Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa is having entrances on the north, south and east side. Idols of Lord Vishnu, Shanmuka, Parvati, Mahishasura Mardini, Bhairava, Durga, Virabhadra, Ganapati and Hero stones can be seen in the Ardha Mandapa.

The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Gaurishvara, in the form of Linga. The Linga is situated at about 6 feet below the outside ground level. Shrines of Mother Parvathy and Pancha Lingas can be seen in the temple premises. There is a small Mandapa to the right side of the sanctum. This Mandapa is facing towards north. A stucco Nandi is sitting on top of this Mandapa. It has an inscription slab in it.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Yelandur Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Kollegal, 20 Kms from Chamarajanagar Railway Station, 21 Kms from Chamarajanagar, 34 Kms from Thalavadi, 46 Kms from Nanjangud, 60 Kms from Mysuru Airport, 61 Kms from Mysuru, 158 Kms from Bengaluru and 199 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on Chamarajanagar to Kollegal route. Regular buses are available from Kollegal, Thalavadi and Chamarajanagar.

Location | Photos

Galageshwara Temple, Galaganath, Karnataka

Galageshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Galaganath Village in Haveri Taluk in Haveri District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Temple is also called as Galaganatha Temple. The Temple is situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River. Galaganath was earlier called as Palluni. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was constructed in the 11^th century CE by Western Chalukyas. It is believed that Sri Venkatesh Galaganath (Kadambari Pitamaha) worshiped at the temple and wrote his novels on the temple premises.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. This temple consists of sanctum, vestibule, navaranga and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa has entrances on the eastern, northern and southern sides. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Galaganath / Galageshwara, in the form of Sparsha Linga. The sanctum has an unusual pyramidal basement. It might have been built due to problems with instability during construction, surrounds the shrine. The tower is decorated with plain architectural elements.

The exterior walls of the navaranga have some fine decorations. The interior has numerous niches containing figural sculpture including Ganesha. There is a large inscription slab in the mukha mandapa. It is dated to the reign of Chalukya King Vikramaditya VI in 1080 CE. The inscription records a grant to the god Galageshwara and talks about the tradition of dance and music. The inscription talks about Mokhari Barmmayya, a famous musician and his exemplary skills of 32 different ragas.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Havanur, 10 Kms from Halagi, 14 Kms from Guttal Bus Stand, 39 Kms from Lakshmeshwar, 39 Kms from Haveri Railway Station, 41 Kms from Haveri, 41 Kms from Ranebennur and 95 Kms from Hubli Airport. The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Halagi off the Ranebennur to Lakshmeshwar route.

Location | Photos

Dodda Basaveshwara Temple, Kurugodu, Karnataka

Dodda Basaveshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Nandi, mount of Lord Shiva, located in Kurugodu Town in Kurugodu Taluk in Ballari District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. This Temple is the main attraction of the Kurugodu Town.

History

This temple is believed to have been constructed during the rulers of Vijayanagara Kingdom. It is said that Bhavana Sangama, father of Harihara and Bukka (founders of the great Vijayanagara empire) belonged to Kurugodu.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east with five tiered rajagopura. Nandi can be found immediately after the raja gopura facing towards sanctum. The temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The entrance to the mukha mandapa is flanked by idols of elephant on either side. The sanctum enshrines a 12 feet tall monolithic idol of Basavanna. There are shrines for 108 Lingas, Ganesha and Navagrahas in the temple premises.

Festivals

Annual rath yatra of Dodda Basaveshvara is celebrated every year during Holi Purnima day.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 250 metres from Kurugodu Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Kudatini Railway Station, 28 Kms from Ballari, 38 Kms from Siruguppa, 208 Kms from Hubli Airport and 335 Kms from Bengaluru. The temple is located at about 10 Kms from Dammur cross on Siruguppa to Bellary route.

Location

Jappadbavi, Dambal, Karnataka

Jappadbavi is an ancient stepwell located in Dambal Village in Mundargi Taluk in Gadag District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, 21 Jain monks mediated and attained salvation at this stepwell.

The Stepwell

The Stepwell is a large tank and square on plan. The tank is surrounded by miniature shrines on all sides with steps leading from the ground level to the tank on one side. This step well was recently excavated.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Dambal Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Mundargi, 21 Kms from Gadag New Bus Stand, 22 Kms from Gadag, 23 Kms from Gadag Junction Railway Station, 36 Kms from Itagi, 80 Kms from Hubli and 84 Kms from Hubli Airport. The Temple is situated on Gadag to Mundargi road. Regular buses are available from Gadag to reach this temple.

Location

Dabgadi Temple, Dambal, Karnataka

Dabgadi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Dambal Village in Mundargi Taluk in Gadag District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Temple is also called as Someshvara Temple and Dharmeshvara Temple. The Temple is situated close to Doddabasappa Temple The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built in 12^th century CE by Western Chalukyas as per an inscription in the temple. Lord Shiva of this temple was called as Madhavesvara in the inscription found in this temple. Dambal was called as Dharmavolal and Dharmapura in inscriptions. It is said that Lakshmi Devi, Queen of Vikramaditya VI of Western Chalukyas was ruling from Dambal, a provincial capital of Western Chalukyas.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The Temple consists of sanctum, vestibule and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is rectangular in plan. The mukha mandapa is provided with three entrances, on the eastern, northern and southern side. The central roof is supported on four pillars. There are additional 24 pillars, 12 full length and 12 half-length. The half-length pillars are supported on the parapet wall.

The mukha mandapa is divided into five bays wide and four bays deep. The external bays on three sides are covered with a sloping roof, the rest of the nine bays have a flat roof above. The exterior walls of the sanctum are devoid of any decoration. There are no traces of shikara over the sanctum. The doorway of the antrala has pierced stone windows at the doorjambs. The land measuring unit engraved on the outside of wall is significant.

Connectivity

Location

Doddabasappa Temple, Dambal, Karnataka

Doddabasappa Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Dambal Village in Mundargi Taluk in Gadag District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built in early 12th century CE by Western Chalukyas. The earliest inscription found in the temple is dated to 1184 CE dated to reign of King Somesvara IV of Western Chalukyan Dynasty. It records the gift to the presiding deity Mailabesvara of this temple. The temple was called as Ajjameshvara temple named after the builder Ajjayyanayaka, a royal officer in Western Chalukya Kingdom.

Later, the temple acquired the name Doddabasappa because of its massive Nandi (Doddabasappa means big bull) Nandi placed at the entrance of the temple. Dambal was called as Dharmavolal and Dharmapura in inscriptions. It is said that Lakshmi Devi, Queen of Vikramaditya VI of Western Chalukyas was ruling from Dambal, a provincial capital of Western Chalukyas.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The temple consists sanctum, vestibule and navaranga. The navaranga is provided with entrance porches on the eastern and southern side. The eastern entrance porch has been converted into Nandi mandapa. The Nandi mandapa houses a massive Nandi. The temple came to be called as Doddabasappa Temple because of this Nandi. The eastern entrance doorway has seven bands of decoration. Gajalakshmi can be seen on the lalatabimba of the lintel.

She is flanked by four elephants instead of usual two elephants. Sculptures of Lord Brahma with his mount Swan and Surya can be seen in the navaranga. The pillars of the Navaranga and Mukhamandapa are profusely decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses of Hindu pantheon. The interior of the mandapa and vestibule are decorated with floral designs and images of dancers, musicians etc. There is a torana (architrave) before the entrance of the sanctum.

The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga. The vimana is based on a 24-pointed stellate (star-shaped) plan while the hall is based on a 32 pointed stellate (star-shaped). The stellar plan is continued with the shikhara. The shikara over the sanctum is of seven tiers. The upper tiers of the shikara look like cogged wheels with 48 dents. The exterior walls of the temple are decorated with pilasters and turrets at regular intervals.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Chennakeshava Temple, Hullekere – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with a front porch supported by 6 circular lathe turned pillars. It follows ekakuta style (single shrine with a tower). The temple is surrounded by a prakara wall with a roof supported by pillars, forming a cloister. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala (vestibule), navaranga and mukha mandapa (entrance porch).

There are two sculptures of standing elephants in the front of mukha mandapa. There is a big inscription stone slab near mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by two half pillars & two pilasters and parapets on either side. The decor on the parapet walls, ceiling, lintel over the entrance and the pillars is noteworthy.

The navaranga is square on plan. The ceiling of the navaranga is supported by four lathe turned pillars which divide the ceiling into nine decorated bays. The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The Hoysala emblem of a royal warrior (Sala, the founder of the empire) stabbing a lion can be seen over the sukanasi.

The sanctum enshrines an idol of Kesava standing on a Garuda pitha. The door jamb here is richly carved with an image of Gajalakshmi on its lintel. The shikara over the sanctum is of three tiers and is crowned with kalasa. The tower (shikara) is divided into decorative tiers with each tier diminishing in height and culminating in an umbrella like structure. The top of the shikara is crowned with the kalasha, a decorative water-pot like structure which stands on a large ornate dome.

This dome is the largest piece of sculpture in the temple and can be 2m x 2m in size. The eaves runs around the sanctum where the superstructure meets the wall of the shrine. The exterior walls are decorated with 24 forms of Lord Vishnu attended by female attendants on either sides, kirtimukhas, aediculas (miniature decorative towers), deities in relief, geometric patterns and half pilasters.

Chennakeshava Temple, Hullekere, Karnataka

Chennakeshava Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Hullekere Village in Arasikere Taluk in Hassan District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The monument is protected by the Karnataka state division of Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built in 1163 CE by a minister of King Narasimha I of Hoysala Dynasty. The temple also received extensive patronage from King Veera Ballala II, son of King Narasimha I.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/07/chennakeshava-temple-hullekere-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 18 Kms from Tiptur, 18 Kms from Tiptur Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Tiptur Railway Station, 24 Kms from Arasikere, 40 Kms from Hassan, 40 Kms from Channarayapatna, 185 Kms from Bengaluru and 206 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on the Tiptur to Hassan route.

Location | Photos

Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards with a pillared mahadvara. The temple complex is surrounded by compound wall on all sides. The temple is situated in a courtyard measuring 65.53 by 53.95 metres (215 by 177 feet). The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west. The temple is situated in the center of the courtyard. The three shrines are built in a 16-point star-shaped plan. The temple is regarded as perfect in symmetry with exquisite stone carvings.

The small entrance mandapa is supported by lathe-carved soapstone pillars. A Garuda pillar can be seen in front of the mahadvara outside the temple. The top of the pillar should have had an idol of Garuda but now missing. The entire temple is carved from soapstone, a green-grey chloritic schist material that is soft in quarry but hardens when exposed to air. This is not locally available and must have been imported from another part of South India.

The main temple is built on a raised platform. It is about 3 feet high and star-shaped. The temple can be accessed through flight of steps from the eastern side. The raised platform provides enough space for the devotees to circle around the main temple. It is the pradakshina patha (circumambulation path) and is supposed to be walked in a clockwise manner in order to pictorially read the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana legends in the correct sequence.

The eastern side of the platform is rectangular, while the space below the vimana (temple tower) mirrors the pointed star tower shape, with nine points on each side and two linking edges (a total of 29). The platform appears from distance to be five stacks from the careful moulding. A stone elephant originally stood at each star point end of the platform, but only 11 of the 15 original have survived in a damaged condition.

On the sides of the star side and where two stars of the jagati platform meet were 14 mid-size images likely of Nagas and 58 images of Yakshas but all of this are now missing. The temple premises stores 7 of the broken pieces found in the early 20^th century. There are two shrines for dvarapalas on each side below near the stairs to access the navaranga. The shrines are situated below the platform. These shrines are damaged. There are four steps to access the navaranga from the platform.

The navaranga is overall rectangular in plan but it consists of two fused squares and a rectangle. A small square is at the entrance, the largest square in the middle, and a rectangle facing the three sanctum via vestibule. The navaranga (hall) is supported by lathe turned pillars. The pillars, except two of them, are of the same size. All of them, except four in center, have five mouldings from common life themes stacked in sequence: disc, bell, pot, wheel and umbrella.

The four set of central square pillars of the Navaranga have yakshas and brackets, which have been damaged or have disappeared. The two pillars to the east of the central square are shaped as a 32 pointed-star. The Navaranga has a set of sixteen ceilings. Each one is different and carved with nature motifs and Hindu theology symbolism. Notable themes shown in the ceilings are banana flower in different stages of inflorescence, different stages of lotus opening, knots symbolizing karma and samsara and various geometrical patterns.

The central ceiling is carved with dancers, musicians, soldiers with standing Vishnu and Shiva in various forms, rafters in Sri Chakra tantric layout and others. The images are decorated with heavy jewelry, bangles on every arm, towering crowns and anklets. The Navaranga has friezes showing scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. There are perforated windows on the walls to allow natural sunlight. The western shrine houses Kesava, northern shrine houses Janardhana and southern shrine houses Venugopala.

The shrine housing Kesava is given prominence here. All the shrines are connected to the navaranga via vestibule. The lintel above the entrance of the vestibule has an image of standing Kesava while the canopy shows Gajalakshmi. The entrance of the sanctum has an image of Vaikuntha Narayana seated on Ananta Shesha and the canopy shows a Vishnu in Sukhasana yoga posture. The sanctum has a 1.5 feet tall Garuda pedestal, but the original image once stood over the pedestal was missing. It is said that the original idol was removed from the temple by the Britishers and taken away. It was replaced by a new idol.

The southern shrine is guarded by two dvarapalas namely Bhadra and Subhadra. The lintel above the entrance of the vestibule has an image of Venugopala. The vestibule has a carving of 13^th century Lakshmi Narayana. He is shown seated in the Sukhasana Yoga pose. He holds chakra, conch, lotus and a gada (mace). The sanctum is guarded by two dvarapalas namely Jaya and Vijaya. The lintel above the entrance of the sanctum has an image of seated Vishnu while the canopy has an image of dancing Vishnu.

The sanctum is square in plan. The sanctum enshrines a 4.5 feet tall image of Venugopala. He wears ear rings, necklaces, armlets, bracelets, finger rings, toe rings, anklets, girdle and jeweled diadem. His legs are crossed, head slightly bent as he plays the bansuri (flute) he holds with both his hands. His fingers are in a tapping position, and all beings - from humans to cows, gods to goddesses inside the sanctum are depicted as absorbed in the divine music.

Some figures are shown running to listen to the music, their clothes slipping off. Above the householders, gopis and cows are shown rishis (sages) who too are lost in the experience. The ten avatars of Vishnu in sequence: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Balarama, Buddha and Kalki are carved on the fringe of the image's torana (arch above).

The entrance of the northern shrine is guarded by dvarapalas namely Bhadra and Subhadra. The lintel above the entrance of the vestibule has an image of Janardana while the canopy has an image Lakshminarayana. The lintel above the entrance of the sanctum has an image of seated Lakshmi while the canopy has an image of Yoga Narayana. The sanctum enshrines a 4.5 feet tall idol of Janardana on 1.5 feet tall Garuda pedestal. He wears jewelry and on the fringe of his image's torana are carved the ten avatars of Vishnu.

The shikara (superstructure) over the shrines and the vestibule are intact and highly decorative. The shikara (superstructure) over the shrines are crowned with 16-pointed star shaped nagara style tower. All the three shikaras are of same height. Their plan uses lotus with an oblong projection, four sets of ornamental turrets, rhythmically reducing in height and are capped by a stone kalasa.

The carvings on the tower include dancers, gandharvas, yakshas, lion faces, kirtimukhas and mythical animals such as makaras. The top of each tower is shaped as an inverted blooming lotus flower. The original tower tops each had a large stone kalasa, but these were damaged along with the sukanasa, and the temple was without them. A recent restoration replaced the missing large kalasa with a small cement kalasa. The vestibule of the shrines has a superstructure called sukhanasi.

It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The Hoysala crest (emblem of the Sala stabbing a lion) over the sukhanasi of the shrines are missing. The courtyard has a large open public courtyard surrounded by the walled enclosure. There is a covered colonnade running around the enclosure with an array of small shrines. The southern colonnade consists of typical lathe tuned pillars while the northern colonnade is a mix of simple and lathe turned pillars.

The western colonnade has just one lathe turned pillar and the rest are simple. This is just one asymmetrical flaw that is found in the temple complex. The northern and southern row of small shrines inside the colonnade consists of eighteen single shrine and one linked-double shrine each. The linked-double shrine is at the northwestern and southwestern corners of the courtyard.

The western row consists of fourteen small shrines, while the eastern row consists of eight single small shrines and two linked-double shrines. The temple consists of 58 small 1x1 small shrines, 4 small 2x1 linked-double shrines, 2 near entrance, and the main central temple. The 64 corridor shrines once featured Vedic and Puranic deities and rooms for pilgrims. The idols in the smaller shrines were defaced, their limbs broken or destroyed.

Some of the recovered broken pieces are in a heap inside the temple. The collection includes Jaina statues in the Kayotsarga posture as well as numerous Hindu statues. The ceiling of the southern array of shrines has carvings on its ceiling, the western does not, and it have a repair related inscription instead from Vijayanagara Empire era. The northern array also mostly lacks any ceiling art work except near the stairs in the middle, while the eastern array shows the greatest signs of damage and restoration with most small shrines missing but for signs of their foundation.

The eaves runs around the sanctum where the superstructure meets the wall of the shrine. The eaves projects about half a meter from the wall. Miniature decorative towers can be seen below this eaves. Second eves can be seen below this decorative towers. Friezes of Hindu deities and their attendants can be seen below the second eaves. There are about 194 intricately carved sculptures.

The large wall images on the three identical tower superstructures each has an arch (torana) to frame the image. The western side has simple flat or geometric arches, while the northern and southern sides have intricately carved nature themes, such as hanging fruits, flowers and flower laden creepers. Some include buds and stages of natural development in flowering plants, while a few include wildlife such as a lion in the center.

Most of these are also partially defaced such as broken noses, chopped limbs, chopped out stone jewelry and show other forms of damage. Notable among them are Nardana Vinayaga, Nardana Saraswathi, Keshava, Venugopala, Janardana, Krishna, Indra, Varuna, Yama, Vasudeva, Yoga Narayana, Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Buddha, Nardana Lakshmi, Brahma, Harihara, Surya, Mahishasura Mardini and dancing Vishnu etc.

It is a common practice of the sculptors to inscribe their names on their works during the reign of the Hoysalas. The names of Ruvari Mallitamma, Masanithamma, Baleya, Bamaya, Bharmaya, Chameya, Rameya, Chaudeya, Yalamasay, Nanjeya from Kannada region and Pallavachari & Cholavachari from Tamil region are inscribed on the pedestals of the images. It is observed that Mallitamma has not only carved the maximum number of images but also carved the northern sanctum of Janardhana.

A set of six moldings can be seen below the frieze which forms the base of the wall. The first horizontal molding from the jagati contains procession of elephants, second contains horsemen, foliage on the third, depictions from the Hindu epics and puranic scenes in the fourth, friezes of mythical makaras in the fifth and friezes of decorative peacocks in the sixth. A parapet wall runs around the front hall on both sides of the entrance.

Horizontal friezes of elephants, horsemen, scroll works, scenes from the epics and the puranas, a rail divided into panels by double columns with tiny figures, turrets with lions intervening between them and miniature erotic sculpture from the bottom to top can be seen in the parapet wall. Perforated stone windows can be seen above the friezes. There is a post box attached to a large tree in the temple complex. If a visitor posts postcard in the box, it would be stamped with a unique Somanathapura stamp.

Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura, Karnataka

Chennakesava Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Somanathapura Town in Tirumakudalu Narasipura Taluk in Mysuru District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Temple is situated on the banks of Cauvery River. The temple is the most ornate and perfect model of the Hoysala style of architecture. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

Somanathapura town was founded in the 13^th century by Somanatha (Someya Dandanayaka), a general of King Narasimha III of Hoysala Dynasty. The town was named after him. He built the Chennakesava Temple in 1268 CE as per an old Kannada inscription on a stone slab. It is believed that the Keshava Temple was the last major temple built by the Hoysala dynasty. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Muslim army. It was renovated in 16^th century CE by Vijayanagara Kingdom. The repaired temple was damaged in the 19^th century CE, then repaired again in the early 20^th century by the colonial era Mysore government.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/07/chennakesava-temple-somanathapura-temple.html

Inscriptions

There are about eight inscriptions in this temple. Four of the inscriptions are found on soapstone slabs at the entrance of the temple. Two inscriptions are found in the ceilings of the veranda that surrounds the temple, one near the southeast corner and the other about the northwest corner. There are inscriptions engraved on a slab standing at the entrance, inside the temple dated from 1269 to 1550 AD that details the construction of the temple and grants made to it. Two inscriptions, one dated 1497 CE and another to 1550 CE describe the damage and the repairs done to this temple. The temple has numerous label inscriptions which are either logo of the mason guilds or the name of the artist who carved the block, pillar or artwork.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Tirumakudalu Narasipura, 12 Kms from Tirumakudalu Narasipura Bus Stand, 35 Kms from Mysuru, 35 Kms from Mysuru Junction Railway Station, 37 Kms from Srirangapatna, 37 Kms from Kollegal, 40 Kms from Nanjangud, 43 Kms from Mysuru Airport, 133 Kms from Bengaluru and 175 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The Temple is situated on Tirumakudalu Narasipura to Srirangapatna route.

Location | Photos

Sun Temple, Nemawar, Madhya Pradesh

Sun Temple is a roofless unfinished temple located at Nemawar Town in Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated to the north of Siddhesvara Temple on the northern bank of the Narmada River. Nemawar was known as Nabhapur in ancient times. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. It is an unfinished temple situated on top of a mound. The temple follows stellate class of the bhumija style similar to the plan and design of Siddhesvara Temple. The temple consists of Antrala and Sanctum. The sanctum doorway is heavily ornate with Lakshmi on the lintel and Vaishnava Dvarapalas on the bottom portion of the doorjambs. The Shikara over the sanctum is left unfinished. The exterior walls are richly adorned with carvings and sculptures. Vaishnava figures can be seen predominantly in the exterior as well as in sanctum doorway indicating the structure was originally meant for Lord Vishnu.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Nemawar Bus Stand, 22 Kms from Harda, 24 Kms from Harda Railway Station, 34 Kms from Kannod, 133 Kms from Bhopal, 133 Kms from Indore and 143 Kms from Bhopal Airport. The temple is situated on Indore to Nagpur route.

Location

Siddhesvara Temple, Nemawar, Madhya Pradesh

Siddhesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Nemawar Town in Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated on the northern bank of the Narmada River. Nemawar was known as Nabhapur in ancient times. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Legends

As per legend, it is believed that Sage Jamadagni, father of Parashurama performed meditation here.

History

This Temple was built during 11^th century CE by Paramaras of Malwa.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west and built over a raised platform. It is stellate and saptaratha on plan. The temple is an example of Bhumija architecture style, similar to Udayeshwara temple at Udaypur. The Nandi Mandapa facing the sanctum is of later addition. The roof shows Mughal influence. The temple consists of a three entrance porches, Sabha Mandapa and Sanctum. The Sabha Mandapa has entrance porch on the west, north and south side.

The roofs over the hall and porches are of later addition. The main entrance (west) side has Shaiva Dvarapalas on both side. The north and south side has Dwarapalakis Presiding Deity is called as Siddhesvara / Siddhinath. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Linga. The Shikara over the sanctum is of nine tiers. The external walls are adorned with decorative carvings, several images of gods and goddesses.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Nemawar Bus Stand, 22 Kms from Harda, 24 Kms from Harda Railway Station, 35 Kms from Kannod, 134 Kms from Bhopal, 134 Kms from Indore and 144 Kms from Bhopal Airport. The temple is situated on Indore to Nagpur route.

Location | Photos

Riddhnath Temple, Handia, Madhya Pradesh

Riddhnath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Handia Village near Nemawar Town in Dewas District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated on the southern bank of the Narmada River. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Legends

As per legend, it is believed that the temple was built by Lord Kubera himself.

History

The temple is said to have been built in the 18^th century CE based on architectural style.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west and built over a raised platform. The temple consists of sabha mandapa and sanctum. The sabha mandapa is an open structure supported by eight pillars. Nandi can be seen in the mandapa facing the sanctum. The two pillars situated in the middle enclosing nandi is richly carved with Shaivite dvarapalas, floral and decorative patterns on all four sides. The sanctum houses Riddhnath in the form of Shiva Linga. The exterior wall is plain. The shikhara has a large central dome surrounded by thirteen miniature domes.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Nemawar Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Harda, 22 Kms from Harda Railway Station, 36 Kms from Kannod, 135 Kms from Bhopal, 135 Kms from Indore and 145 Kms from Bhopal Airport. The temple is situated on Indore to Nagpur route.

Location

Surya Temple, Sesai, Madhya Pradesh

Surya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Sun God located in Sesai Village in Shivpuri District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. The Temple was constructed by Pratihara rulers in 10^th Century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west and Pancharatha on plan. It is built on a raised platform. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. River goddesses Ganga and Yamuna can be seen in their usual position in the doorjamb. Dasavathara of Lord Vishnu is depicted on the panels of doorjambs. The lintel of the sanctum doorway has an image of Lord Surya flanked by Adityas. Images of Lakshmi, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Sarasvati can be seen on the upper panel of the lintel.

There is no image inside the sanctum. The shikhara over the sanctum is lost but from its remains it might have followed Nagara style architecture. Ashta Dikpalas can be seen in their usual position over the karna niches. The bhadra niches contain Uma Maheswara on the north and Surya on the east while the south niche is empty. Images of Brahma and Kartikeya can be seen on the niches of Kapali position.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Padora, 15 Kms from Shivpuri Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Shivpuri, 16 Kms from Shivpuri Railway Station, 90 Kms from Guna, 90 Kms from Guna Airport, 146 Kms from Gwalior Airport and 300 Kms from Bhopal. The Temple is situated on Agra – Mumbai highway at about 1 Km from the main road.

Location

Shiva Temple, Sesai, Madhya Pradesh

Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sesai Village in Shivpuri District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. The Temple was constructed by Pratihara rulers in 10^th Century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west and is built on a raised platform. The temple once consisted of Mukha Mandapa and Sanctum with a Shikara. The Shikara and Mukha Mandapa has not survived. River goddesses Ganga and Yamuna can be seen in their usual position in the doorjamb. The Sanctum houses a Shiva Linga. Parvati can be seen on the north and Surya can be seen on the east side of bhadra niches while southern niche is empty.

Connectivity

Location

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Haranhalli – The Temple

The temple is facing towards east with a mahadvara. The temple is built on a jagati (platform), a feature common to many Hoysala temples. The platform provides the devotees a path for circumambulation (pradakshina patha) around the temple. The platform has three flights of steps, one leading to the entrance to the hall and the other two that lead only up to the platform.

The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and navaranga. The four pillars of the navaranga have the usual lathe turned bell-shaped designs with fine beaded work. The ceilings are artistically done in various shapes such as concentric circles, eight-pointed star, eight-petalled concentric padmas etc. The navaranga has niches of Saraswathi, Ganesha, Lakshmi and Bhudevi.

The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west. The western shrine houses Kesava, northern shrine houses Lakshmi Narasimha and southern shrine houses Venugopala. The central shrine (western shrine) is the most prominent one. This shrine has a antrala (vestibule) that connects the shrine to the navaranga.

The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The towers over the central shrine is intact and intricate. The kalasa on top of the tower (the decorative water-pot at the apex of the tower) is however missing. The other two shrines are located in navaranga. These two shrines directly connect to the navaranga without sukanasi.

Since these shrines do not have a tower and are directly connected to the hall (without a vestibule and its corresponding tower like projection), they do not appear like shrines at all from the outside but rather as a part of the hall. The doorway of the southern shrine is flanked by dvarapalas has finely carved jambs with star-shaped pilasters. This shrine houses an intricately carved image of image standing on the Garuda pedestal.

The doorway of the northern shrine has a finely carved sculpture of Lakshmi Narasimha, flanked by Prahlada, Garuda and several others. The eaves runs around the sanctum where the superstructure meets the wall of the shrine. The eaves projects about half a meter from the wall. Miniature decorative towers can be seen below this eaves. Second eves can be seen below this decorative towers.

Friezes of Hindu deities and their attendants can be seen below the second eaves. It has 140 sculptures in total. Some of the prominent sculptures are Dharani Varaha with Hiranyaksha, Govardhanadhari, Durga, Harihara, Dakshinamurthy, Bhairava, Kalinga Mardana, Rati Manmatha, Vamana, the six-handed Veena Saraswathi, Brahma, Lord Vishnu with Lakshmi, Mahishasuramardhini, Kodanda Rama, Lakshmi Narasimha, Parashurama, Balarama, Trivikrama, Kesava, Mohini and Arjuna etc.

The sculptures in the panels are mostly attributed to well-known Hoysala sculptor Mallitamma. A set of six moldings can be seen below the frieze which forms the base of the wall. The first horizontal molding from the jagati depicts rows of elephants, second molding depicts rows of horses, third molding depicts floral motifs, fourth normally depicts scenes from the Hindu epics but it has been blank here, fifth molding depicts rows of makara and sixth molding depicts rows of swan.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Haranhalli, Karnataka

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Haranhalli Village in Arasikere Taluk in Hassan District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. This Temple is also called as Kesava Temple. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India. Haranhalli was called as Haruvanahalli / Hiriya Somanathapura.

History

The Temple was built in 1234 CE by the King Vira Someshwara of Hoysala Dynasty. Three brothers namely Peddanna Heggade, Somanna and Keshanna obtained a free site from the villagers and constructed the temple in 1234 CE as per the inscription available in the temple. The Hoysala king Narasimha III gifted more lands with the brothers for the development of the temple. Mallitamma, one of the best-known Hoysala sculptors of the 13^th century CE, is the main sculptor of this Temple. He is believed to have worked on the temples at Nuggehalli, Hosaholalu and Somanathapura. His signature can be seen on one of the panels.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/lakshmi-narasimha-temple-haranhalli-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Habanghatta Railway Station, 9 Kms from Arasikere, 9 Kms from Arasikere Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Arasikere Junction Railway Station, 30 Kms from Halebidu, 35 Kms from Hassan, 46 Kms from Belur, 47 Kms from Channarayapatna, 195 Kms from Bengaluru and 216 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on the Arasikere to Hassan route.

Location | Photos

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli – The Temple

The temple is facing towards east with a mahadvara. The temple is built on a jagati (platform) that closely follows the plan of the temple. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, navaranga and mukha mandapa. The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west. The western shrine houses Kesava, northern shrine houses Lakshmi Narasimha and southern shrine houses Venugopala.

The central shrine (western shrine) is the most prominent one. This shrine has a antrala (vestibule) that connects the shrine to the navaranga. The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The superstructure on top of the vestibule (forming the nose) has only two tiers of decorative roofs. The central shrine is square and pancharatha on plan.

The superstructure (shikara) over the sanctum is of three tiers and is even more ornate than the walls. The central shrine has three devakoshtas at north, south and west housing the images of Sarasvati, Durga and Harihara respectively. The other two shrines are located in navaranga. These two shrines have miniature towers and directly connect to the navaranga without sukanasi.

These two shrines are also pancharatha on plan. The ceiling of the navaranga is supported by four lathe turned pillars. The temple actually looks like an ekakuta temple because the two lateral shrines are simple extensions of the wall of the mantapa. Their towers are a later addition. The mukha mandapa was added at later stage. The eaves runs around the sanctum where the superstructure meets the wall of the shrine.

The eaves projects about half a meter from the wall. Miniature decorative towers can be seen below this eaves. Second eves can be seen below this decorative towers. Friezes of Hindu deities and their attendants can be seen below the second eaves. The sculptures in the panels are mostly attributed to two well-known Hoysala sculptors, Baichoja and Mallitamma.

A set of six moldings can be seen below the frieze which forms the base of the wall. The six moldings at the base of the wall is divided into two sections. The first horizontal molding from the jagati contains procession of elephants, second contains horsemen, foliage on the third. The second horizontal section starts with depictions from the Hindu epics and puranic scenes, then with friezes of yalis and final with friezes of swans.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli, Karnataka

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Nuggehalli Village in Channarayapatna Taluk in Hassan District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built in 1246 CE by Bommanna Dandanayaka, commander of King Vira Someshwara of Hoysala Dynasty. Nuggehalli was earlier called as Vijaya Somanathapura, an agrahara founded by Bommanna Dandanayaka.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/lakshmi-narasimha-temple-nuggehalli-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Nuggehalli Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Channarayapatna, 20 Kms from Channarayapatna Railway Station, 32 Kms from Tiptur, 48 Kms from Hassan, 105 Kms from Mysuru, 142 Kms from Bengaluru and 161 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on the Tiptur – Channarayapatna Road.

Location | Photos

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli, Karnataka

History

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/lakshmi-narasimha-temple-nuggehalli-temple.html

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Kuraiya Bir Temple, Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh

Kuraiya Bir Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Deogarh Village in Lalitpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is situated inside a forest area near Deogarh. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and built over a low raised platform. The Temple consists of sanctum and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The pillars has bell and chain design. The sanctum has two storey tower. The second storey has windows on all four sides at the bottom portion of the storey.

The window is fronted by two pillars supporting the overhanging lintel. The second storey looks like a separate shrine on top of the sanctum. The sanctum doorway has five bands of decoration and Ganga & Yamuna at the bottom of the door jambs. There are niches on three sides of the sanctum however only the western niche is enshrined with a sculpture of Kartikeya riding over a peacock.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Jakhalaun Railway Station, 27 Kms from Lalitpur Junction Railway Station, 29 Kms from Lalitpur, 33 Kms from Lalitpur Airport, 126 Kms from Jhansi, 221 Kms from Khajuraho, 227 Kms from Bhopal Airport and 237 Kms from Bhopal. Lalitpur Railway Station has very good rail connections with major Indian cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Saugor, Puri, Allahabad, Bengaluru, Damoh and Jhansi. Nearest Airport is located at Lalitpur. Nearest major Airports are located at Khajuraho and Bhopal.

Location

Varaha Temple, Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh

Varaha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Deogarh Village in Lalitpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is believed to be built in 7^th century CE. The Temple is situated in the south west corner of the fort in Deogarh Hill and located at about 2 Kms from the Jain temple complex. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and built over a raised platform. The temple consisted of a sanctum and an entrance porch. Only the door frame, a pillar of an entrance porch and few architectural fragments remains currently. The main idol enshrined in the sanctum is kept in the sculpture shed. The main idol is a stone image of Varaha lifting Prithivi on the left arm and right arm is resting on the thigh.

His consort Lakshmi in standing posture can be seen on the left side holding the lotus flower. A naga couple in worshipping posture can be seen below. Mutilated sculptures of Garuda, Vishnu, bas relief panels of Lord Vishnu, Seshayi Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi, Nara Narayana and Gajendra Moksha belonged to this temple are kept in Deogarh Sculpture Shed.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Jakhalaun Railway Station, 31 Kms from Lalitpur Junction Railway Station, 33 Kms from Lalitpur, 37 Kms from Lalitpur Airport, 129 Kms from Jhansi, 225 Kms from Khajuraho, 231 Kms from Bhopal Airport and 241 Kms from Bhopal. Lalitpur Railway Station has very good rail connections with major Indian cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Saugor, Puri, Allahabad, Bengaluru, Damoh and Jhansi. Nearest Airport is located at Lalitpur. Nearest major Airports are located at Khajuraho and Bhopal.

Location

Kaleshwari Group of Monuments, Lavana – History

Lavana was an ancient settlement called as Lavaneshwari in ancient times. The temples and ruins in the Kaleshwari group of monuments are traditional associated with the characters of Mahabharata. The original Shiva temple with its sanctum & sabha mandapa was built in the 10^th century CE. The temple fell into ruins later. The Kund (reservoir) was constructed in the 11^th or 12^th century CE.

The twin stepwells were built in the 14^th to 15^th century CE. This was followed by the construction of Bhim Chauri in the 14^th to 15^th century CE, Arjun Chauri and Hidimba temple was built in the 15^th to 16^th century CE on the nearby hillock. All these temples are in ruins now. It is said that Mala Rana, the prince of Lunavada State, restored the Kaleshwari temple in 1549 but the inscription is worn out.

The original Shiva temple was rebuilt in reduced size and is now known as Ghummatwalu Mandir. The Shikar Madhi was built by Vakhat Singh from ruins of ancient structures in the first half of the 18^th century. The ruins were restored in the 2000s by the State Archeology Department of Gujarat and are promoted as a tourism spot.

Kaleshwari Group of Monuments, Lavana – The Group of Monuments

The Kaleshwari group of monuments consists of nine state protected monuments maintained by the State Archeology Department of Government of Gujarat. The monuments include intricately carved temple ruins, two stepwells, a kund, structures with panels of erotic sculptures and idols scattered all over the site. The ruins are located at the foothills and on the hillock.

The Kaleshwari group of monuments are;

Kaleshwari Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/kaleshwari-temple-lavana-gujarat.html

Arjunchori:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/arjunchori-lavana-gujarat.html

Bhimchori:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/bhimchori-lavana-gujarat.html

Ghummatwalu Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/ghummatwalu-temple-lavana-gujarat.html

Hidimba Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/hidimba-temple-lavana-gujarat.html

Shikar Madhi:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/shikar-madhi-lavana-gujarat.html

Hidimba Kund:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/hidimba-kund-lavana-gujarat.html

Sasu ni Vav:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/sasu-ni-vav-lavana-gujarat.html

Vahu ni Vav:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/vahu-ni-vav-lavana-gujarat.html

Sculpture Gallery:

There is a sculpture gallery housing well preserved sculptures found in the Kaleshwari Group of Monuments.

Sasu ni Vav, Lavana, Gujarat

Sasu ni Vav is an ancient stepwell located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. This stepwell is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The stepwell is called as Mother in Law’s stepwell in English. The stepwell is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

There are two stepwells namely Sasu ni Vav and Vahu ni Vav to the north-west of Kund. As per legend, they were built by a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law. It is said that the mother-in-law denied water to her daughter-in-law from her stepwell, so the daughter-in-law built her own stepwell. She built a longer but narrower stepwell which offended her mother-in-law, so she cursed the water with impurity.

History

These stepwells were built in the Nanda style since it has only one entrance. These stepwells are believed to be built in the 14^th or 15^th century CE and are richly decorated with intricate sculptures. Their iconography is found similar to the Rani ki Vav. Hence, these stepwells can be dated to 10^th century CE also.

The Step Well

Sasu ni Vav is broader and four storied while Vahu ni Vav is narrower and two storied. The stepwell is constructed on east – west axis such that the water well lies at the western end. The structure is built with sandstones. The stepwell has four kutas (pavilion towers) and four mandapas supported by four pilasters without any pillars. The pilasters have monolithic shafts and are of Ruchaka type. There are about 40 pilasters overall. Each pilaster has three brackets at the top in orthogonal axes.

There are two brackets on the upper periphery of the circular hollow shaft of the well at the end of the trail. There are niches on bo th side walls of the mandapa with sculptures of water gods and deities in each mandapa. Notable sculptures are Lajja Gauri, Shitala, Navagrahas, Dasavathara, Seshayee Vishnu, Saptamatrikas, Saptharishis, Vaishnavi, Makara and snakes etc. The walls on both sides along the downward progression were totally devoid of any ornamentation.

Connectivity

The stepwell is located at about 700 metres from Lavana Bus Stop, 16 Kms from Malpur, 18 Kms from Khanpur, 26 Kms from Lunavada, 36 Kms from Modasa Railway Station, 37 Kms from Modasa, 134 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 144 Kms from Ahmedabad. Lavana is situated on Lunavada to Modasa route. The stepwell is well connected to Lunavada by buses.

Location | Photos

Vahu ni Vav, Lavana, Gujarat

Vahu ni Vav is an ancient stepwell located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. This stepwell is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The stepwell is called as Daughter in Law’s stepwell in English. The stepwell is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

History

The Step Well

Vahu ni Vav is narrower and two storied while Sasu ni Vav is broader and four storied. The step well is constructed on south west – north east axis such that the water well lies at the north eastern end. The structure is built with sandstones. The stepwell has four kutas (pavilion towers) and four mandapas supported by four pilasters without any pillars.

The lower two mandapas are narrower than the previous ones. The pilasters have monolithic shafts and are of Ruchaka type. Each pilaster has three brackets at the top in orthogonal axes. There are niches on both side walls of the mandapa with sculptures of water gods and deities in each mandapa. Notable sculptures are Dashavatara, Seshayi Vishnu, Sapta Matrikas etc.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Hidimba Temple, Lavana, Gujarat

Hidimba Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to demoness Hidimba, consort of Bhima, located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. This temple is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The temple is situated towards the east side of Shikaar Madhi. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is situated at the topmost elevation at Kaleshwari. There are about 230 steps to reach this temple. The temple is in a ruined state. The temple has three entrances and hence, the temple was as the temple with three entrances in ASI name board. The roofs and walls were completely lost except the lower portion. The image of the large feet enshrined in the temple is popularly associated with Hidimba, the demoness wife of Bhima. The scale of the feet suggests that sculpture to which they belonged was brought from somewhere and installed here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 700 metres from Lavana Bus Stop, 16 Kms from Malpur, 18 Kms from Khanpur, 26 Kms from Lunavada, 36 Kms from Modasa Railway Station, 37 Kms from Modasa, 134 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 144 Kms from Ahmedabad. Lavana is situated on Lunavada to Modasa route. The temple is well connected to Lunavada by buses.

Location | Photos

Ghummatwalu Temple, Lavana, Gujarat

Ghummatwalu Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. This temple is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The temple is situated in between the Kaleshwari Temple and the Kund. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The original was built during 10^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction and was in dilapidated condition. The temple was rebuilt with a reduced dimension in 18^th century CE by Vakhat Singh Baavaji (1735 – 1757 CE), the king of Lunavada, a princely state of British India.

The Temple

The original temple was built in Maru Gurjara style of architecture. The restored temple was constructed in smaller size within the sanctum of original temple. The plinth of the sanctum of the original temple can be seen around the current temple. The current temple consists of sanctum and Mukha Mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters.

The pillars were eight sided at the base, sixteen sided in middle and circular at the top. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga along with an image of Mahishasura Mardini. The roof over the sanctum is of dome shaped. The exterior wall of the temple has niches housing sculptures on three sides. This temple is smaller than any other structure in the complex.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Hidimba Kund, Lavana, Gujarat

Hidimba Kund is an ancient Kund located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. This Kund is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The Kund is situated at the back side of Ghummatwalu Temple. The water from the Kund was traditionally used for only ritual bathing and washing, not for drinking. The Kund is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Kund is believed to be built in 11^th century CE. It was repaired with new masonry in 1973 by the Archeological Survey of India.

The Kund

The Kund (reservoir) is square in plan. It measures 22m X 22m. Each side has a short flight of five steps perpendicular to the edge and also facing each other leading down to the lower apron. The central flight of each side has a niche with images. Notable images among them are forms of Lord Shiva, Vishnu reclining on Shesha and an image depicting local folk-dance group. There are two wells located north and east of it.

Connectivity

The Kund is located at about 700 metres from Lavana Bus Stop, 16 Kms from Malpur, 18 Kms from Khanpur, 26 Kms from Lunavada, 36 Kms from Modasa Railway Station, 37 Kms from Modasa, 134 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 144 Kms from Ahmedabad. Lavana is situated on Lunavada to Modasa route. The Kund is well connected to Lunavada by buses.

Location | Photos

Kaleshwari Temple, Lavana, Gujarat

Kaleshwari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Kaleshwari, located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. This temple is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The Temple is situated to the north of the Ghummatwalu Mandir (Shiva Temple). The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

Mala Rana, the prince of Lunavada State restored the temple in 1549 CE as per a worn out inscription on one of the pillars in the hall.

The Temple

The current temple seems to be the sabha mandapa of an erstwhile temple. The temple is now lost completely as the traces of sanctum and antrala could not be found. The temple enshrines an idol of Lord Nataraja in a niche in the wall which is locally worshipped as Kaleshwari. This niche is later addition to the original structure. The original idol of Kaleshwari housed in the sanctum of the earlier temple is probably lost or not found.

The roof of the temple is supported by four pillars, two half pillars and ten pilasters. The front portions is covered by parapet walls on both sides of the entrance. The inner portion of the parapet wall is provided with seating arrangement made of stone (Kakshasana). The side walls of the hall has two openings in the centre acting like window for the hall.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Bhimchori, Lavana, Gujarat

Bhimchori is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. This temple is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The temple is situated towards the east side of Shikaar Madhi. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to be built in 14^th or 15^th century CE. Locals call this temple as Bhimchori in remembrance of Bhima, one of the Pandavas, but there is no literary or authentic evidence of this name.

This Temple

This Temple is situated at the topmost elevation at Kaleshwari. There are about 230 steps to reach this temple. The temple is in a ruined state. Except the Mukha Mandapa and lower parts of Sanctum and Sabha Mandapa, it is recently restored. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala (vestibule), Sabha Mandapa (prayer hall) and Mukha Mandapa (entrance arch).

The Sabha Mandapa has a short wall running along its sides with short columns in a grid on top. The super structure of the Sabha Mandapa and the Mukha Mandapa is now lost. The Sanctum is pancharatha on plan. The exterior walls of the sanctum is decorated with sculptures. The shikara over the sanctum is lost completely.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Arjunchori, Lavana, Gujarat

Arjunchori is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. This temple is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The temple is situated towards the east side of Shikaar Madhi. This temple is superior in terms of ornamentation and carvings as compared to the other temples in Kaleswari group of monuments. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to be built in 15^th century CE. Locals call this temple as Arjunchori in remembrance of Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, but there is no literary or authentic evidence of this name.

The Temple

This Temple is situated at the topmost elevation at Kaleshwari. There are about 230 steps to reach this temple. The temple consists of Sanctum and an entrance porch. The exterior wall of the sanctum and plinth of the temple remains as of today. The super structure over the sanctum is completely lost. The plan of the sanctum is orthogonal and pancharatha.

The exterior wall of the sanctum is decorated with series of sculptures. The upper panel of the entrance depicts Lord Shiva in various postures while the lower part depicts him in a standing position. This temple is superior in terms of ornamentation and carvings as compared to the other temples in Kaleswari group of monuments.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Shikar Madhi, Lavana, Gujarat

Shikar Madhi is an ancient structure located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. This structure is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The structure is also called Vakhat Singh Baavaji no Bungalow / Hunting Lodge. The structure is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Shikar Madhi was built by Vakhat Singh Baavaji (1735 – 1757 CE), the king of Lunavada, a princely state of British India. He built the Shikar Madhi from the ruins of 10^th century CE ancient structures for night stay when he used to come here for hunting.

The Structure

Shikar Madhi is a simple structure used as a resting place for the royals of the princely state of Lunavada during British rule when they visited the place for hunting. The structure was made from the remains of ancient structures and temples in the area. This structure has no architectural significance except the sculptures installed in the exterior walls which were originally a part of the other ancient monuments once existed in the area. Some of the notable sculptures are Nritya Ganesha, Mahishasura Mardini, Vishnu, Chamunda, Varahi, Darpan kanya and Maithuna figures. All these sculptures are dated to 10^th century CE.

Connectivity

The structure is located at about 700 metres from Lavana Bus Stop, 16 Kms from Malpur, 18 Kms from Khanpur, 26 Kms from Lunavada, 36 Kms from Modasa Railway Station, 37 Kms from Modasa, 134 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 144 Kms from Ahmedabad. Lavana is situated on Lunavada to Modasa route. The structure is well connected to Lunavada by buses.

Location | Photos

Kaleshwari Group of Monuments, Lavana, Gujarat

Kaleshwari Group of Monuments are group of ancient monuments, located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. The Kaleshwari Group of Monuments is also known as Kaleshwari-Ni Nal. It is situated near a stream in Hidimba Van, the forest of Hidimba. The Group of Monuments are one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/kaleshwari-group-of-monuments-lavana-history.html

The Group of Monuments

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/kaleshwari-group-of-monument.html

Festivals

Annual tribal fairs are organised on Mahashivaratri and Janmashtami. Traditional and tribal dances, folk music and performances are presented by artists from Gujarat and elsewhere.

Connectivity

The Group of Monuments is located at about 700 metres from Lavana Bus Stop, 16 Kms from Malpur, 18 Kms from Khanpur, 26 Kms from Lunavada, 36 Kms from Modasa Railway Station, 37 Kms from Modasa, 134 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 144 Kms from Ahmedabad. Lavana is situated on Lunavada to Modasa route. The Group of Monuments is well connected to Lunavada by buses.

Location | Photos

Chandramouleshwara Temple, Unkal, Karnataka

Chandramouleshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Unkal, a suburb of Hubli City in Dharwad District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is situated on the banks of scenic Unkal Lake beside the Nrupatunga Hills. Unkal was called as Unukallu in ancient times.

Legends

Unfinished Temple:

As per local folklore, the Chalukyas wanted to boast their expertise and wealth to their enemies. Hence, they instructed architects to build this temple overnight. The architects could not complete the work within a night and the temple structure remains incomplete to this date. As per legend, the sculptor Jaknacharya and his son built this temple.

Relief from sins for killing innocent people in war:

As per legend, it is believed that the Chalukyas wanted to get relief from the sins committed in war by killing innocent people. Hence, they built this temple and worshipped Lord Shiva for relief from their sins.

History

The Temple was built in 11th century CE by Western Chalukyas. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and houses two Shiva Lingas. The main shrine houses the presiding deity, Chandramouleshwara, in the form of Shiva Linga. It is facing towards east and has four entrances in all four cardinal directions. Each sides are provided with its own antechamber. The outer doors of the antechambers are flanked with perforated screens. The dedicatory images on the lintel above the doorway has Gaja Lakshmi on two sides and Saraswathi on other two sides.

The temple might have been originally dedicated to Lord Brahma. Later, it was replaced with the present Shiva Linga. The other Linga known as Chaturmukha Linga (four faced Linga) is housed in another shrine. This Linga might be the head portion of the Lord Brahma idol once housed in the main sanctum. The shikara over the sanctum is lost completely. Images of Lord Brahma, various forms of Lord Shiva and incarnations of Lord Vishnu can be seen on the exterior walls of the temple.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 07.30 PM.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 750 metres from Unkal Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Unkal Railway Station, 2 Kms from Hubli, 4 Kms from Hubli Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Hubli Junction Railway Station, 7 Kms from Hubli Airport, 17 Kms from Dharwad, 18 Kms from Dharwad Railway Station and 20 Kms from Dharwad Bus Stand. The temple is situated on Hubli to Dharwad route.

Location

Banashankari Temple, Amargol, Karnataka

Banashankari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi located in Amargol Town near Hubli City in Dharwad District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Temple is situated close to the Unkal Lake and Chandramouleshwara Temple. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, Goddess Parvathy came to this place to rescue the people from the atrocities of demon named Durgamasura. She annihilated the demon and saved the people. This place was dense forest in ancient times. Hence, she came to be called as Vana Shankari / Bana Shankari (Goddess of Forest).

History

The Temple was built by Western Chalukyas in 12^th century CE. An inscription dated to 1120 CE in this temple records that Saudhore Jakkarasa built the temple for Kesava and Bhairava at Amargol. Hence, it becomes clear that the present temple was originally dedicated to Kesava and Bhairava. The temple was converted to the temple of Banashankari and Lord Shiva at later stage.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and follows dvikuta style (two shrines with its shikara). The central shrine enshrines a mutilated image of Bhairavi (Banashankari) on a pedestal in its sanctum. This shrine is facing towards east. The super structure (shikara) over this shrine follows stepped diamond shaped nagara style.

The other shrine enshrines a Shiva Linga in its sanctum. This shrine is facing towards south. The super structure (shikara) over this shrine follows dravidian style. Both the shrines consists of sanctum, antrala & ardha mandapa and shares a common navaranga. The navaranga has two entrances on the eastern and southern side. The sanctum of these shrines are square on plan.

The pillars of the navaranga have the relief sculptures of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Ugra Narasimha, Nataraja, Ganapathi, Bhairava, Bhairavi, Varaha, Baitali, Brahma, Surya etc. The outer wall of the temple has a moulded plinth. The exterior wall is decorated with pilasters and devakoshtas. The exterior walls are mostly defaced during the Muslim invasions.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 750 metres from Amargol Bus Stop, 2.5 Kms from Amargol Railway Station, 6 Kms from Hubli, 8 Kms from Hubli Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Hubli Junction Railway Station, 11 Kms from Hubli Airport, 12 Kms from Dharwad, 14 Kms from Dharwad Railway Station and 16 Kms from Dharwad Bus Stand. The temple is situated on Hubli to Dharwad route.

Location | Photos

Tripurantaka Temple, Balligavi – History

Balligavi / Belagami / Balagame was called as Baligrama / Dakshina Kedara / Valliggame / Valligrame / Ballipura in ancient times. The word Balli in Kannada refers to creepers grown in forests or gardens. Gavi means cave. Balligavi was under the control of Satavahanas in 2^nd century CE and under Kadambas in 4^th century CE. Balligavi reached its golden period under Western Chalukyas during the 10^th – 12^th centuries CE.

The name Balligavi was mentioned in an inscription dated to 685 CE dated to Western Chalukyas. Balligavi was mentioned as Anadi Rajadhani (ancient capital) in medieval inscriptions attesting its significant antiquity. Balligavi houses six mathas, three puras (extensions), five vidyapithas (places of learning) and seven Brahmapuris connected with temples during the rule of Western Chalukyas. The mathas belonged to Shaivas, Vaishnavas, Jains and Buddhists.

Balligavi is the birthplace of the great Virashaiva saint Allama Prabhu and is closely associated with Vachana poet Akka Mahadevi who was born in nearby Udugani (also known as Udutadi). She was a contemporary of Allama Prabhu and Basavanna, the founder of the Virashaiva movement. She was married to a merchant hailing from Balligavi. Allama Prabhu, with Akka Mahadevi and Basava constitute the Trinity of Veera Shaivas.

Allama Prabhu was born to a temple performer and grew up in the village. He went insane after the death of his wife. He came back to his senses after meeting his guru, Animisha. There are places around Balligavi known as Animishaiyanakoppalu, Giggaiyanachauki and Ekadanta Ramaiyanagudda, named after the Veera Shaiva teachers Animishaiya, Goggaiya and Ekadanta Ramaiya. Balligavi is also the birthplace of Shantala Devi, queen of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana.

Many famous Hoysala sculptors like Dasoja & his son Chavana, Malloja, Nadoja, Siddoja hailed from here. As per Archaeological survey report of Mysore for the year 1911 mentions about six Veera Shaiva mathas in the village namely Hosa Matha, Aridre Matha, Virakta Matha, Kallu Matha, Kashi Matha and Samayachara Matha. Most of the Mathas were in ruined state during that time. The tomb of Allama Prabhu is located in Virakta Matha. The temple was built in 1070 CE during the reign of the western Chalukya King Somesvara II.

Tripurantaka Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Tripurantaka Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Balligavi Town in the Shikaripura Taluk of Shivamogga District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Temple is situated on the north eastern side of the Balligavi Town. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/tripurantaka-temple-balligavi-history.html

The Temple

The Temple has two parallel shrines on the northern and southern side facing towards east. Both the shrines are built over a raised platform. Both the shrines consists of sanctum, antrala and ardha mandapa. The ardha mandapa opens into the common maha mandapa at the east. This maha mandapa has entrances on the eastern and the southern side. The eastern entrance is provided with an entrance porch.

The maha mandapa has a central square podium with massive square based circular lathe-turned pillars. The pillars once had bracket figures on the upper section, now only the supports are remaining. The central ceiling of the mandapa has a depiction of ashta dikpalas. Nandi can be found in the maha mandapa. The southern shrine is profusely carved and exhibits exemplary workmanship.

The temple is noted for its unique decorative perforated stone windows. The two sides of the doorway to the shrine have a window panels, each filled entirely by three pairs of naga figures (snake). The long intertwined and knotted bodies of these Nagas create a virtual mesh to fill up the panels. The doorway is guarded by dvarapalas on either sides.

There is a decorative architrave above the entrance to the shrine with carvings of Lord Shiva depicted as Gaja Samhara Moorthy at the centre flanked by Lord Brahma, Karthik & Ganesha on the right side and Lord Vishnu, Garuda & other celestial beings on the left side. The plinth of the temple is decorated with friezes at the base.

These friezes contain various depictions of daily life activities, erotic sculptures and Panchatantra stories. The depiction of erotic themes is uncommon of Chalukya architectural style. Sculpture of Hoysala emblem (Sala slaying a lion) can be seen in the temple. There is also an inscription below this sculpture describing the hunting expedition of the king.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 750 metres from Balligavi Bus Stop. Balligavi is located at about 2.5 Kms from Shiralakoppa Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Shiralakoppa, 23 Kms from Shikaripura, 23 Kms from Shikaripura Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Anavatti, 42 Kms from Sagar Railway Station, 50 Kms from Hangal, 60 Kms from Ranebennur, 61 Kms from Sirsi, 74 Kms from Shivamogga, 127 Kms from Hubli Airport and 353 Kms from Bengaluru. Balligavi is located at about 3 Kms from Shiralakoppa on Shikaripura to Hangal route.

Location | Photos

Somesvara Temple, Balligavi – History

Many famous Hoysala sculptors like Dasoja & his son Chavana, Malloja, Nadoja, Siddoja hailed from here. As per Archaeological survey report of Mysore for the year 1911 mentions about six Veera Shaiva mathas in the village namely Hosa Matha, Aridre Matha, Virakta Matha, Kallu Matha, Kashi Matha and Samayachara Matha. Most of the Mathas were in ruined state during that time. The tomb of Allama Prabhu is located in Virakta Matha. The Temple is believed to be built by Sovisetti in 1054 CE during the reign of Somesvara 1 (1042 – 1068 CE) of the western Chalukyan dynasty and was extensively renovated by Hoysalas.

Somesvara Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Somesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Balligavi Town in the Shikaripura Taluk of Shivamogga District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, Balligavi was the capital of Bali, an asura king. Hence, the place came to be called as Balipura (city of Bali). It is also said that Pandavas stayed in Balipura during their Vanavasa.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/somesvara-temple-balligavi-history.html

The Temple

This temple consists of sanctum, antrala and a pillared mandapa. The temple is built on a plinth and provided with elephant balustrade steps. The front wall of the mandapa has pierced windows on either side of the entrance doorway. There are two niches inside the mandapa on either side of the doorway on the west wall.

These niches are empty at present. The pillars of the mandapa are lathe-turned and polished. The doorways of the sanctum and Sukanasi are exquisitely carved. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga housed on a bhadra pitha. The exterior walls are devoid of any decoration except the lozenge floral decorations in middle running around the temple.

Connectivity

Location

Kedareshvara Temple, Balligavi – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with a pillared Mahadwara. This Temple is an excellent example of a transitional Western Chalukya-Hoysala architecture. It is the oldest example of such a combinational style in Karnataka. The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west. The outside plan of the temple is in staggered-square style with many projections and recesses which is a Hoysala design.

The western shrine is the central shrine and houses the presiding deity, Kedareshvara in the form of Linga. This shrine is the oldest dating from the 7^th or 8^th century CE. The southern shrine enshrines another Brahma Linga in its sanctum. This shrine might have housed a four faced image of Lord Brahma. Currently, this idol is situated in a museum within the temple complex. The northern shrine has an image of Janardhana, a form of Lord Vishnu, in its sanctum.

The western shrine has a vestibule whereas the other two shrines have a Ardha Mandapa). All the three shrines connected to a six pillared Maha Mandapa. The Maha Mandapa is further connected to a large ornate open Sabha Mandapa (Hall of gathering). The sabha mandapa has stepped entrances from the north, south and eastern directions. The entrance on the sides is a Western Chalukya idiom. The sabha mandapa has two rows of pillars.

The outer row of pillars are 16 faced (fluted) with leafy decoration while the inner row of pillars are lathe turned with bell shaped mouldings, a style popular with both Western Chalukyas and Hoysalas. The ceiling of the mandapa is flat and the inner ceiling is well carved with lotuses in them. The central ceiling has the carving of Thandaveswara (dancing Shiva) with eight dikpalakas (guards). Lord Shiva is shown with Nandi, Ganesha and Kartikeya in the central panel, while Indra, Agni, Yama, Nriti, Vayu, Varuna, Kubera and Ishana are distributed on around him.

The entrance to the shrine which faces east has a Nandi, the bull and a celestial attendant of Shiva. The superstructures (shikara) over the shrines are 3-tiered vesara style (combination of south and north Indian style) with the sculptural details being repeated in each tier. The superstructure are well decorated with sculptures of Thandaveswara, Varaha, Uma Narasimha, Bhairava etc. The tower of the shrine has an apex called the kalasha (decorative water-pot like structure).

The superstructure over each of three shrines is connected to a low protrusion tower called Sukanasi (tower over the vestibule for the central shrine and tower over the ardha mandapa for other two shrines, called nose of the main tower). The Hoysala crest (emblem of the Hoysala warrior stabbing a lion) over the sukhanasi were added in 1060 CE by Hoysala Vinayaditya. The crest on the north tower has fallen down, the other two are intact.

These three towers are similar in form to each other with the wall details repeated at each level (tala). The outer walls of the open mandapa (hall) have carvings of miniature decorative towers (aedicula) and women wearing fine jewelry. Another shrine similar to the Kedareshvara temple can be seen in the temple complex towards the north west of the main temple. This shrine is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west.

This shrine is called as Prabhudeva Temple. Prabhudeva might be the original name of Veera Saiva saint Allama Prabu before attaining the enlightenment. The western and southern cell have Lingas inside while the northern one has a Veerabhadra image. The wall of the temple is relieved by a madhya banda with lozenge decorations. There is a small museum housing sculptures and architectural fragments, in the complex.

Kedareshvara Temple, Balligavi – History

This temple is situated on the banks of the Tavarakere (lotus tank). This tank is also mentioned in the Talagunda pillar inscription. Though, there is no foundation inscription, the temple can be safely dated to 9^th century CE. The temple received extensive patronage from the western Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Seunas and Hoysalas. This temple was the epicenter of the Kalamukha sect.

The priests of the temple were from the Muvara Koneya Samtati of the Parvatavali of Sakti Parshe (Sakti Parishad). The first priest was Kedarasakti Pandita. He was succeeded by his disciple Srikanta Pandita. His disciple and successor was Somesvara Pandita who attained the status of a Raja Guru. His younger brother was Vidhyabharana. Vidhyabharana passed handed over the matha to his senior Vamashakti Deva.

Vamashakti Deva was the Raja Guru of the Kalachuris and the Hoysalas. An inscription, referring to the reign of the Kalachuri king Bijjala II, mentions that the Raja Guru Vamashakti Deva and his disciple Jnanashakti Deva, will maintain the land and three houses in the town, granted on the specified date to a dancing girl, Mallave and the drummer Madiga as a temple endowment.

The mandapa of the temple was completed in 1103 CE as per an inscription. The Rajaguru was happy in the completion of the mandapa within the contract time. The Rajaguru rewarded the architects, Bisadoja, Chavoja and Singoja with certain grants. A small but significant shrine was mentioned in the Mysore Archaeological Report of year 1911.

As per report, it was situated outside the temple to the left side. It houses a naked female figure with a lotus in place of head seated in peculiar posture exposing the private parts somewhat similar to Lajja Gowri. This idol was called as Udutadiyamma / Kamalamma and was worshipped fervently by the locals. As per the tradition among the Lingayats, the image represented the daughter of the king of Udutadi. It is said that her head disappeared, and lotus took its place when she appeared naked before Shaiva devotees during Basava’s time.

Kedareshvara Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Kedareshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Balligavi Town in the Shikaripura Taluk of Shivamogga District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is situated on the banks of the Tavarakere (lotus tank). This temple was the epicenter of the Kalamukha sect in ancient times. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, Balligavi was the capital of Bali, an asura king. Hence, the place came to be called as Balipura (city of Bali). It is also said that Pandavas stayed in Balipura during their Vanavasa.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/kedareshvara-temple-balligavi-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/kedareshvara-temple-balligavi-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Balligavi Bus Stop. Balligavi is located at about 2.5 Kms from Shiralakoppa Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Shiralakoppa, 23 Kms from Shikaripura, 23 Kms from Shikaripura Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Anavatti, 42 Kms from Sagar Railway Station, 50 Kms from Hangal, 60 Kms from Ranebennur, 61 Kms from Sirsi, 74 Kms from Shivamogga, 127 Kms from Hubli Airport and 353 Kms from Bengaluru. Balligavi is located at about 3 Kms from Shiralakoppa on Shikaripura to Hangal route.

Location | Photos

Bherundeshvara Temple, Balligavi – History

As per Archaeological survey report of Mysore for the year 1911 mentions about six Veera Shaiva mathas in the village namely Hosa Matha, Aridre Matha, Virakta Matha, Kallu Matha, Kashi Matha and Samayachara Matha. Most of the Mathas were in ruined state during that time. The tomb of Allama Prabhu is located in Virakta Matha. This pillar was erected by Maha Mandalesvara Chamunda Rayarasa in 1047 CE, when he was ruling over Banavasi-12000, Santalige-300 and Hayve-500. Chamunda Rayarasa was a feudatory of western Chalukyan King Somesvara I.

The inscription found in the pillar mentions that the pillar was erected in front of Lord Jagadekamallesvara. The Lord was named after Chamunda Rayarasa as he was also called as Jagadekamalla. The temple mentioned in the inscription is lost completely to the ravages of time. Only, the pillar remains from the ancient temple complex. Ganda Berunda was the royal insignia of the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore. Later, it was adopted as an official emblem of the Karnataka Government.

Bherundeshvara Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Bherundeshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Balligavi Town in the Shikaripura Taluk of Shivamogga District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. Bherundeshvara pillar is also called as Vijaya Stambha. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, Balligavi was the capital of Bali, an asura king. Hence, the place came to be called as Balipura (city of Bali). It is also said that Pandavas stayed in Balipura during their Vanavasa.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/bherundeshvara-temple-balligavi-history.html

The Temple

The Bherundeshvara Temple is a huge pillar of 9.15m height. It is raised over a two-tiered masonry platform of 3.05 m height. The square base on which this pillar is standing has an enclosure housing the sculpture of a two headed mythical bird with human body, known as Gandabherunda. It stands in alidha posture. It is two armed, swallowing humans in their large, teethed beaks turned in opposite directions.

The upraised right hand is shown stuffing the human figure into the mouth while the left hand is shown lifting another human figure into its already stuffed mouth. The eyes were wide open showing its anger. The image is moderately decorated with various jewelry from shoulder to feet. The bird is decorated with feathers at neck and head. The rest of the circular shaft is held by median bands dividing it into many registers. An amalaka cushion capital accommodates an octagonal or multi-faceted palagai.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Balligavi Bus Stop. Balligavi is located at about 2.5 Kms from Shiralakoppa Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Shiralakoppa, 23 Kms from Shikaripura, 23 Kms from Shikaripura Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Anavatti, 42 Kms from Sagar Railway Station, 50 Kms from Hangal, 60 Kms from Ranebennur, 61 Kms from Sirsi, 74 Kms from Shivamogga, 127 Kms from Hubli Airport and 353 Kms from Bengaluru. Balligavi is located at about 3 Kms from Shiralakoppa on Shikaripura to Hangal route.

Location

Sun Temple, Modhera – History

The Sun Temple was built during the reign of Bhima I of Chaulukya dynasty (1022–1064 CE). The Kingdom of Bhima I was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni during 1026 CE. The Kunda with its corner shrines was built earlier at the beginning of the 11^th century CE based on the stylistic ground. Bhima fled his capital Anahilapataka. He took shelter in Kanthkot, allowing Mahmud to enter the Chaulukya capital unopposed.

Mahmud's sudden invasion, coupled with the lack of any fortifications in Anahilapataka, may have forced Bhima to abandon his capital. Other residents of the city also appear to have evacuated it, as the Muslim historians do not mention any massacre or looting in the Chaulukya capital. Mahmud rested at Anahilapataka for a few days, replenished his supplies, and then left for Somnath.

A relatively small force of 20,000 soldiers unsuccessfully tried to check Mahmud's advance at Modhera. The Sun Temple might have been built to commemorate this defense. The temple was attacked and damaged by Mahmud Ghazni. There is an inscription dated to Vikram Samvat 1083 (1026 – 1027 CE) on a block in western wall of the sanctum. As the inscription is upside down, it evidences the destruction and reconstruction of the sanctum.

The inscription is rather considered as the date of destruction by Ghazni instead of the construction. Bhima I wrested back the control of his kingdom immediately after the departure of Mahmud Ghazni. The temple proper, the miniature and niche shrines in the tank were built shortly after 1026 CE. The dancing hall was added much later in the third quarter of the 12^th century along with the gateways, the porch of the temple proper & the doorframes of the temple and the sanctum during the reign of the Karna.

The temple is built approximately near Tropic of Cancer. The place was later known as Sita ni Chauri and Ramkund locally. No worship is offered here now. The temple is the Monument of National Importance and is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. No worship is offered now and is protected monument maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.

Sun Temple, Modhera – The Temple

The temple complex is facing towards east and built in Maru – Gurjara style (Chaulukya style). The temple complex consists of sanctum in a hall (gudha mandapa), the outer or assembly hall (sabha mandapa) and a sacred reservoir (kunda). The temple complex, built on the tropic of cncer, is designed such that the first rays of the sun fall on the main idol at the time of the equinoxes.

Gudha Mandapa & Sanctum:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/sun-temple-modhera-gudha-mandapa-sanctum.html

Sabha Mandapa:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/sun-temple-modhera-sabha-mandapa.html

Kirti Torana:

Kirti Torana, the triumphant arch, can be seen in front of eastern entrance of sabha mandapa. The pediment and torana no longer exists but two pillars remains. The moulding and decoration is similar to that of walls of sabha mandapa and pillars. There are two more kirti torana on each side of the kunda of which only one exists without upper part.

Surya Kunda:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/sun-temple-modhera-surya-kunda.html

Sun Temple, Modhera – Surya Kunda

Surya Kunda is also called as Rama Kunda. The flight of steps from the eastern entrance of the sabha mandapa through kirti torana leads to the reservoir. It is rectangular. It measures 176 feet from north to south and 120 feet from east to west. It is paved with stones all around. There are four terraces and recessed steps to descend to reach the bottom of the tank. The main entrance lies on west.

There are steps to reach from one terrace to another on right angle to terrace. These steps are rectangular or square except the first step of each flight of steps which is semicircular. There are about 108 miniature shrines and niches in front of terrace wall enshrining images of gods and goddesses from Hindu pantheon like Shitala, Nataraja, Sheshashayi Vishnu, Pasupathi, Ganesha, Rama Krishna, Trivikrama etc.

Sun Temple, Modhera – Sabha Mandapa

Sabha Mandapa is also called as Ranga Mandapa / Nritya Mandapa / Natya Mandapa / Assembly Hall / Dancing Hall. The sabha mandapa is situated in front of gudha mandapa between the gudha mandapa and kunda. The sabha mandapa is considered as a later addition based on style and construction. The sabha mandapa is not in continuation with gudha mandapa but is placed little away as a separate structure. The mandapa is rhombus in plan. The sabha mandapa shares the same platform of the gudha mandapa.

There are four entrances to this mandapa on all sides. The eastern entrance is decorated with makara torana. It has 52 intricately carved pillars representing the 52 weeks of the year. The roof was in shape of the stepped pyramid but no longer exists. The extensively carved exterior has a series of recessed corners giving an impression of the star-like plan of it. The plinth is almost similar to the Gudhamandapa but smaller as two courses of fillets are omitted. The padma is carved richly here with floral ornamentation.

The lower portion of the parapet walls are decorated with friezes of rajasenaka, human figures, elephants, floral motifs and geometrical patterns. The upper portion is decorated with large panels of gods, goddesses, and floral designs. It is followed by kakshasana which slopes outwards and forms the back-rests of the bench, asana which runs around the hall. There are erotic figures on it interrupted by rail-patterns. The walnut shaped ceiling at the centre of the hall rises in tiers has numerous floral girdles.

It is 23 feet high. It is supported by pillars arranged in an octagon. These pillars have stilts that support the lintels. Torana or the decorated cusped arches arise from the lower brackets of the pillars and touch the lintels in middle. There are two types; semicircular and triangular. The semicircular arches have cusped arches with tips while triangular arches have a round apex and wavy sides. Both types have a broad band decorated with figures and tips which are now defaced and damaged.

The lower brackets has Makara which gives the name of Makara-Torana while decoration gives name of chitra-torana. The pillars are of two types; short and tall. The short pillars rest on the walls and support the roof. The tall pillars rise from the floor. The shaft of the short pillars is square in shape to half of its height followed by the vase and then followed by an octagonal shaft. It is surmounted by a capital and a bracket. The square part has a floral design in a circle on each side of the face.

The vase is decorated similarly on its corners. The octagonal part has four bands; the topmost has kirtimukha. The capital has three annulets. The tall pillars arise from square or octagonal base with triangular ornamentation on each face. Above it is kalasha. It is followed by a deep band and the next is kevala decorated with chaitya-windows. the next is kirtimukha. The next is triangular pediment with chaitya-windows.

The next is the beginning of the shaft. It is first decorated with standing figures, mostly dancers, on all eight faces enclosed in ringed pilasters. The next band with scenes of men and beasts is separated from it by the round pillow-like band. It is followed by a still smaller band with sixteen standing human figures separated by small annulet below. The next is a band of leaves.

Then the shaft becomes circular and had three or four bands having a row of male warriors, lozenges, circles and kirtimukha at last. The kirtimukhas are separated by chain and bell ornamentation. It follows capital similar to small pillars crowned with makara brackets if eight stilted pillar and dwarfs in the rests. the eight stilted pillars have one more shaft and similar type of capital which is crowned with brackets of volutes and pendant leaves.

Sun Temple, Modhera – Gudha Mandapa & Sanctum

The Gudhamandapa measures 51 feet 9 inches by 25 feet 8 inches. The gudha mandapa is built on a paved platform. The platform is inverted lotus-shaped. It is almost equally divided into gudha mandapa and sanctum, the shrine proper. Both are rectangular in plan with one projection on each of the smaller sides and two projections on each of the longer sides. These projections on the smaller sides form the entrance and the back of the shrine.

The three projections of the outer wall of Gudhamandapa had windows on each side and the east projection had the doorway. These windows had perforated stone screens; the northern is in ruins and the southern is missing. Pradakshina patha is formed by the passage between the walls of sanctum and the outer walls of Gudhamandapa. The roof of passage has stones slabs carved with rosettes. The Shikhara of it no longer exists.

The sanctum sanctorum is square measuring 11 feet from inside. The shrine had two cells; a cell below the level of the upper cell. The floor of the upper cell is now fallen which once housed the image of a deity. The seat of the image is now in a pit. The lower cell was probably used for storage. The walls inside the shrine are plain and the outer wall is decorated. The doorway has carved figures of seated Surya in panels surrounded by dancers and amorous couples.

All figures are mutilated and the images on the door-lintel are completely destroyed. The sanctum sanctorum is designed in a way that the first rays of rising sun lit up the image of Surya during solar equinox days and on summer solstice day, the sun shines directly above the temple at noon casting no shadow. It is said that the main idol was made of pure gold and depicted as sun sitting on his chariot with 7 horses with his charioteer Aruna driving the chariot.

The idol sat on a deep plinth that was again filled with gold coins. Now, only the plinth remains. The Idol and its riches were plundered by Mahmud Ghazni. It is said that the diamonds on the idol could lit the whole temple. The outer walls of the shrine is highly decorated. The base and walls of the shrine and hall are divided into several stretches with unique carvings. the Pitha or adhisthana, the base has the two square members called Bhat followed by a cyma recta carving (lower part convex and upper part concave).

It is followed by padma or padmaka, the molding in form of an inverted lotus. The next is antarita, a fillet or an astragal with a sharp edge between two recesses. Above this is patta having thin molding called chhaja at its lower edge. The next is another chhaja separated by neck, alinga. The next broad band, patti, is gajathara carved with elephants. The following band narathara has figures of men in different attitudes. The Mandovara (the wall moldings) start with kumbha, a pitcher.

It has a broad undecorated band at the lower part while the middle part is decorated with oval discs. It is followed by kalasha, a pitcher. The next is a broad band with chaitya-windows called kevala followed by similar called manchi. These two bands are separated by a deep band. There is a thin fillet above which the major paneled face of the wall called jangha exist. These panels are decorated with figures of gods, but the figures of Surya are placed prominently than others as the temple is dedicated to him.

Other panels are decorated with dancers and other figures. The figures of Surya are prominently carved on three niches of shrine proper as well as on each side of three windows in the outer wall of Gudhamandapa. The figures of Surya is in standing position with two arms holding lotuses and driven by seven horses. It has some Persian influences.

The walls have 12 niches showing the different aspects of Surya in each month. The other corners and niches are decorated with figures of Shiva and Vishnu in various forms, eight dikpalas, Vishwakarma, Varuna, Agni, Ganesha, Saraswathi, Brahma, Naga and goddesses. Every figure in the panel has a small cornice over it surmounted with a triangular pediment consisting of chaitya-a window which is called udgam.

The next projecting band with chaitya-window and kirtimukha is called malakval. The topmost is the major cornice called chhajli. This is followed by shikhara which no longer exist. The vimana had horizontal geometrical and figurative bands which rising to create the Mount Meru-like shikhara. The central spire had Urushringa, the miniature shrines. It is judged by the shrines on the steps of Kunda.

Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat

Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located in Modhera Village in Becharaji Taluk in Mehsana District, in the Indian state of Gujarat. The Temple is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavathi. It is built on 23.6° latitude (approximately near Tropic of Cancer). This Temple is considered one of the most important Sun Temples built in India. The place was also known as Sita ni Chauri and Ramkund locally. The temple is Monument of National Importance and is maintained by Archeological Survey of India.

Legends

Modhera is also called as Modherapura / Mundera. It is said to have been the original settlement of Modha Brahmans. It is believed that Modha Brahmans received Modhera as a gift on the occasion of the marriage of Rama and Sita. As per Skanda Purana, after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama consulted Sage Vasishta to get relief from the sin of Brahma Hatya (the slaying of a Brahman). Sage Vasishta advised him to perform Yajna in Dharmaranya to get relief.

The areas near the present day Modhera were known during ancient days as Dharmaranya. Lord Rama came to dharmaranya and settled at a village called Modherak. As advised, Lord Rama performed here a yajna (sacrifice) to purify himself of the sin of having killed a Brahmin, Ravana, the king of Lanka. After performing the Yajna, he established a village and named it Sitapura. It is believed that the village Modherak mentioned above, later came to be known as Modhera. The Sitapura village is located at about 8 Kms from Modhera.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/sun-temple-modhera-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/sun-temple-modhera-temple.html

Festivals

The saints of the Modha ghanchis come here for worship on the Chaitra Purnima day. Fairs are also held on the Sravana Vad 30 and the Adhika Mas Vad 30. A special fair is also held on the Mahotta Parva i.e. conjunction of Monday, Vad 30 and a particular planet.

The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat organizes an annual three-day dance festival known as Uttarardha Mahotsav at the temple during the third week of January, following the festival of Uttarayan. The idea is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Modhera Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Becharaji, 14 Kms from Becharaji Railway Station, 16 Kms from Chanasma Railway Station, 18 Kms from Chanasma, 23 Kms from Dhinoj, 26 Kms from Mehsana, 34 Kms from Patan, 95 Kms from Ahmedabad and 95 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport. The temple is situated on Becharaji to Chanasma route.

Location | Photos

Anateshwar Mahadev Temple, Anandpur, Gujarat

Anateshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Anandpur Village in Chotila Taluk in Surendranagar District, in the Indian state of Gujarat. The Temple is situated at the fort of the Thanga Hill. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

Anandpur was an outpost of the kings of Anhilwad Patan in ancient times. The temple is believed to be built by Jayasimha Siddharaja, but the local tribe known as Charans believe that the temple was built by Raja Anant Chudasma in 1068 CE. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Anantesvar and got corrupted to Anteshvar. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Mohammed of Ghazni. Anandpur was abandoned in 1264 CE and it was repopulated by the Kathis in 1608 CE. The temple rooms were used as hiding place during Indian rebellion of 1857 CE. They are now known as Brahmachari's Residence. The temple was renovated by Kathis in 1857 CE.

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east. The Temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is an open pillared mandapa with a domical roof. It is of recent addition to the temple. The sanctum houses the presiding deity, Anateshwar, in the form of Shiva Linga. The shikara over the sanctum follows Bhumija style of architecture. The Shikhara is made up of miniature shrines called Urushringa all the way up culminating in the horizontal fluted disc called the Amalaka ending with the Kalash. The exterior of the sanctum is elaborately carved.

Festivals

A fair is held at the temple during the month of Shravan (July–August).

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Kamlapur, 26 Kms from Jasdan, 28 Kms from Chotila, 28 Kms from Chotila Railway Station, 50 Kms from Rajkot, 52 Kms from Rajkot Airport, 86 Kms from Surendranagar and 194 Kms from Ahmedabad. The temple is situated on Jasdan to Chotila route.

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Gumadpal, Chattisgarh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Gumadpal Village in Darbha Tehsil in Bastar District in the Indian state of Chattisgarh. This temple was built by the Kakatiya rulers in 13^thcentury CE. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east and built over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mandapa. The mandapa has been lost completely. The sanctum is square on plan. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga within a yonipitha.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 12 Kms from Tirathgarh, 14 Kms from Darbha, 30 Kms from Dilmili Railway Station, 32 Kms from Katekalyan, 42 Kms from Jagdalpur, 45 Kms from Jagdalpur Airport and 60 Kms from Dantewada. The temple is situated on Darbha to Katekalyan route.

Location | Photos

Mahadeva Temple, Kirari Godhi, Chattisgarh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Kirari Godhi Village in Bilha Tehsil in Bilaspur District in the Indian state of Chattisgarh. The temple was believed to be built in 10^th – 12^th century CE. The temple is situated on the bank of a small stream in the village. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built by the kings of Kalchuri Dynasty of Ratanpur in 12^th century CE.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mandapa. The antrala and the mandapa are lost completely. The sanctum is square and pancharatha on plan. The shikara over the sanctum is broken and only lower portion remains intact. The exterior walls are decorated with Ashta Dikpalas, Nataraja, gods in various forms, mithunas, dancers etc.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Dagori Railway Station, 5 Kms from Bilha Railway Station, 7 Kms from Bilha, 14 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 18 Kms from Bilaspur New Bus Stand, 21 Kms from Bilaspur and 24 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station. The Temple is situated at about 13 Kms from off the Bilaspur to Raipur route.

Location

Venkateshwara Temple, Ramenahalli, Karnataka

Venkateshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Ramenahalli Village in the Mundargi Taluk of Gadag district, in the Indian state of Karnataka.

Legends

As per legend, Lord Rama and Lakshmana visited this village on their way to Sri Lanka. Hence, the village came to be called as Ramenahalli.

History

The king of Mrudagiri built this temple 250 years ago. He entrusted the administration of this temple to the Katti family. The family was also given some land grant around the village. The Katti family has been worshipping Lord Venkateshwara since the last 250 years.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Navaranga. The Sanctum enshrines the idol of Venkateshwara. It is said that on the day of Ugadi, the rays of the sun fall directly on Lord Venkateshwara’s crown. There is a Garuda pillar and temple pond in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Banyan tree. It is about 300 years old lies within the temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Mundargi, 2.5 Kms from Mundargi Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Huvina Hadagali, 42 Kms from Gadag, 43 Kms from Gadag Junction Railway Station, 103 Kms from Hubli Airport and 349 Kms from Bengaluru. The temple is situated on Gadag to Huvina Hadagali route.

Location

Venugopalaswamy Temple, Devanahalli – Legends

Devana Halli:

As per legend, Ranabera Gowda from Kanchipuram settled in Avathi Village near Benthakalur (Modern day Bangalore). His settlement was destroyed completely during a cyclone. He gathered his belongings from the destroyed house and kept them under a tree. His broom stick got struck in an ant hill and it did not come out when they pulled out. Hence, he left it in the anthill and spend their night under the tree. He had a dream insisting that there were seven vessels of gold & jewelry and idols of Venugopala Swamy and Thimarayana Swami in the idol and asked him to install the idols. He dug out the treasure and idols in the next day. He installed Thimarayana Swami in Gauthama Giri Beta.

He reached along with his family. He decided to build a fort for himself and install the Venugopala Swamy in the fort. A Pallegara named Deve Gowda had a fort built in mud during this period. Ranabera Gowda requested Deve Gowda to help him in building a stone fort and build a temple for Venugopala Swamy. Deve Gowda accepted his request on one condition that the place should be named after him for his help. Ranabera Gowda accepted his condition and named the place as Devana Halli.

Hyder Ali:

Devanahalli is also famous for its association with Hyder Ali. It is said that Hyder Ali resided here and his son Tipu Sultan was born here. Hyder was working for a Landlord named Drona Raya, a Madhava Brahmin. Hyder was looking after his cows. He used to take the cows for grazing every day. One day, Hyder Ali was tiered and slept off. He did not go to the landlord house for lunch. Drona Raya came in search of him and was astonished to see a cobra raised his hood and protecting Hyder Ali from sunlight. Drona Raya predicted that Hyder Ali would rule the country one day. He treated Hyder Ali nicely with special meals. Hyder Ali asked him the reason behind the special meals. Drona Raya told Hyder Ali you are going to have a bright future. Later, Hyder Ali joined Mysore Army when it came to Devanahalli. Slowly, he climbed the ladder and became the ruler of Mysore.

Venugopalaswamy Temple, Devanahalli, Karnataka

Venugopalaswamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Devanahalli Town in Bangalore Rural District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Temple is located inside the Devanahalli Fort. It is considered as the oldest temple in the town. Devanahalli is also called Devanapura (the abode of gods).

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/venugopalaswamy-temple-devanahalli-legends.html

History

The temple is constructed in the Dravidian style and belongs to the post Vijayanagara empire period. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with three tiered Rajagopuram. There are two idols of Lord Vishnu can be seen at the sides of the gopuram. These idols are believed to be of the Ganga era. Balipeedam, Dhwaja Sthambam and Garuda can be seen immediately after the Rajagopuram, facing the sanctum.

The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapa and Mukha Mandapa. The Pillars of the Mukha Mandapa have sculptures of horsemen with swords unsheathed. The Maha Mandapa has four black-stoned pillars carved with sculptures of Hayagriva, dancing female figures with attendant musicians, a conch blower, a kinnara with the lower portion of his body in bird form, a huntress removing a thorn from her leg, etc.

The Sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Venugopala Swamy in standing posture. The vimana over the sanctum is of three tiers. The outer walls of the temple are richly decorated with friezes, depicting various scenes from the Ramayana and Krishna Leela. The northern and southern walls narrate the entire Bala Kandam.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 7.00 AM to 01.00 PM and 6.00 PM to 8.00 PM.

Festivals

Chaitra Poornima during April is celebrated here with much fanfare.

Contact

Venugopalaswamy Temple

Devanahalli,

Bangalore Rural District

Karnataka – 562 110

Phone: +91 9886536673

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 250 metres from Devanahalli Bommawara Gate Bus Stop, 750 metres from Devanahalli Railway Station, 1 Km from Devanahalli New Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Bengaluru Airport and 37 Kms from Bengaluru. The temple is situated on Bengaluru to Hyderabad route (NH 44) and located close to Bengaluru Airport.

Location | Photos

Vijaya Narayana Temple, Gundlupet, Karnataka

Vijaya Narayana Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Gundlupet Town in Gundlupet Taluk in Chamarajanagar District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. Presiding Deity is called as Vijaya Narayana and Mother is called as Kamalavathi Thayar. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built by the Western Gangas during 10^th century CE. The temple was extensively renovated by Hoysalas and Vijayanagara Kingdom. As per local tradition, the presiding deity is consecrated by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Cholas at Talakadu.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala, Artha Mandapa, Maha Mandapa and Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa has an impressive row of Yali pillars that depict warriors riding lions. Balipeedam and Dhwaja Sthambam can be found in Mukha Mandapam facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Vijaya Narayana. He is housed in the sanctum in standing posture.

Mother is called as Kamalavathi Thayar. She is housed in a separate shrine in Maha Mandapa. Utsava Idols are kept in Antrala. Idols of Azhwars can be seen in the Ardha Mandapa. Idols of Parasu Vasudeva with his consorts Sridevi & Bhudevi, Maha Lakshmi and Andal can be seen in Maha Mandapa. Idols of Anantha, Garuda, Vishwaksena, Hanuman, Durga, Yoga Dakshinamurthy and Sapta Matrikas can be seen in the temple premises.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 07.00 a.m to 12.00 noon and 04.00 p.m to 08.30 p.m.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 750 metres from Gundlupet Bus Stand, 34 Kms from Chamarajanagar, 36 Kms from Nanjangud, 50 Kms from Mysuru Airport, 59 Kms from Mysuru, 99 Kms from Ooty, 199 Kms from Bengaluru and 240 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated in Gundlupet town on Mysuru to Ooty route.

Location

Yoga Narasimha Temple, Baggavalli, Karnataka

Yoga Narasimha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Baggavalli village in Tarikere Taluk in the Chikkamagaluru District of Karnataka state, India. This Temple is considered as one of the lesser known Hoysala era temples in Karnataka. The Temple is protected by the Karnataka state division of Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built during the reign of Hoysala King Ballala III in 1239 CE. Baggavalli was known as Bhargavapura during Hoysala rule as per the inscriptions.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of Sanctum, Sukhanasi, Navaranga and Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa has three entrance porches on the east, north and southern side. The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three sanctums, one each on north, south and west. Only the main sanctum, in the west, is provided with Sukhanasi, the rests directly opens into the common mandapa (Navaranga).

The Mukha Mandapa connects the Navaranga to the outer courtyard. Though the temple is popularly called as Yoga Narasimha temple, the sanctum houses Kesava. The idol is about 1.52 metres tall. The shikara over the sanctum follows vesara style. The temple has a star shaped plan. It stands on a raised platform called jagati. The pillars supporting the roof of the Navaranga, Mukha Mandapa and entrance porches were simple.

Yoga Narasimha along with Lakshmi and Lakshmi Narayana can be found in the other two shrines. The exterior of the temple is richly decorated with mythological sculptures and floral motifs. Idols of Shanmuka, Ganesha, Sharadamba, Chenna Mallikarjuna Swami and Anjaneya can be seen in the temple premises. These idols depict the finest work of carving.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Ajjampur, 8 Kms from Ajjampur Railway Station, 14 Kms from Birur, 21 Kms from Kadur, 22 Kms from Tarikere, 62 Kms from Shivamogga, 246 Kms from Bengaluru and 265 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on Birur to Ajjampur route.

Location | Photos

Narmadeshwar Mahadev Temple, Belpan, Chattisgarh

Narmadeshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Belpan Village in Takhatpur Tehsil in Bilaspur District in the Indian state of Chattisgarh. The temple was built in 16^th century CE. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and built on a raised platform. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Narmadeshwar, in the form of Shiva Linga. The entrance door to the sanctum is adorned with floral designs. The temple is considered as the birth place of Choti Narmada river. It is said that the Narmada had its origin in Sita Kund, situated near to this temple. The surroundings are blessed with several temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses of Hindu pantheon.

Festivals

A fair is organized during the month of Sawan. Shivaratri is the most famous festival celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Lamkena, 11 Kms from Takhatpur New Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Takhatpur, 21 Kms from Kota, 21 Kms from Kargi Road Railway Station, 31 Kms from Mungeli, 37 Kms from Bilaspur and 48 Kms from Bilaspur Airport. The Temple is situated on Takhatpur to Lamkena route.

Location | Photos

Po Nagar Temple, Nha Trang – The Temple

The Po Nagar temple complex is situated on Cù Lao Mountain on the bank of River Cai. It consisted of three levels. The lowest entrance level is completely lost. The second level had a mandapa for the pilgrims. This mandapa is also lost and currently consist of ten brick columns each measuring 15 feet tall and roughly 4 feet in diameter. These columns are arranged in two parallel rows of five, creating a central aisle that measures approximately 20 feet wide.

There is an additional row of six smaller columns on either side of the taller columns. The smaller columns are nearly half the size of the taller columns. These columns would have originally supported a boat-shaped wooden roof. The highest-level houses four temples. All the temples are facing towards east. The temples are square red brick structure with protruding support frames and tapering roofs. It is said that this level once housed ten temples, but only four remain to this date.

The main temple, the Po Nagar Kalan, consists of sanctum and vestibule. It is about 25 m high. The temple can be accessed from the eastern side. The remaining three faces are decorated with a false-door façade, with a doublepilaster motif topped by a pointed arch. The niches between the pilasters and the faces of the double arches are plain. The main temple enshrines a 4 feet tall sandstone image of Goddess Bhagavati / Yan Po Nagar (The mother of the Country).

She is ten-armed sitting cross legged on lotus petals on a square pedestal. Out of ten hands, the forward left hand shows varada mudra and the forward right hand shows abhaya mudra. She holds various items like dagger, arrow, disc & lance on the right hands and bell, axe, conch & bow on the left hands. She is dressed only in a skirt. The idol is a representation of Hindu goddess Mahishasura Mardini (the slayer of the buffalo-demon).

The head has been restored and its style reflects the artistic style of the Viet or Kinh people. There is a pediment with a sculpture of the goddess Mahishasura Mardhini above the entrance to the temple. She is depicted with four hands holding hatchet, lotus and club. She stands on a buffalo. This sculpture belongs to the Tra Kieu style of Cham art from the end of the 10^th century or the beginning of the 11^th century.

The superstructure over the sanctum is crowned with terraced pyramidal roof and of four storeys. It is decorated with sculptures of Lord Shiva, deities from Hindu pantheon and sacred animals from Hindu scriptures. The remaining temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and his sons Ganesha and Shanmuka. The temple provides a magnificent views of the River Cai with its fishing boats and Nha Trang City.

Po Nagar Temple, Nha Trang – Legends

As per legend, Goddess Yan Po Nagar was born from the clouds and the waves, appeared in the Đai An Mountain. She was found and raised by a woodcutter and his wife. Once, the area was under heavy flood. She got transformed into a tree of aloe-wood during the flood and floated to the northern sea.

The tree of aloe-wood was picked up by the local people and offered to the crown prince of the northern sea state. She appeared from the tree of aloe-wood on a full moon day. The crown prince astonished to witness the tree transforming to a beautiful girl and fell in love with her. They were happily married and had two children.

Once, the crown prince went to a battle leaving her alone. She was missing her homeland during his absence. She left to homeland with her children in the form of aloe wood and floated back to the south. She taught her people in the homeland to rice farming and weaving. Meanwhile, the crown prince returned from the battle and found his wife & children had left to her homeland.

He sent his fleet to search for them. However, the soldiers from his army abused her people. She got furious and used her supernatural powers to convert his fleet into rocks. The rocks can be still seen in the estuary. The local people built the temple as a mark of respect to her.

Po Nagar Temple, Nha Trang – History

The temple was originally a wooden structure and burnt down in 774 CE by Javanese pirates. The temple initially enshrined a mukhalinga in the sanctum and richly decorated with jewelry. The Javanese pirates stolen the jewelry and had broken the Linga. The temple was rebuilt by Cham King Satyavarman in 784 CE following his victory over Javanese pirates. The image of Goddess Bhagavati was installed in the sanctum during the reconstruction of the temple.

The idol was damaged during the invasion of Khmer King Jayavarman II. The Cham military Senapati Par wrested the control of the region from Khmers under the Cham King Harivarman I. He made endowments in 817 and reinstalled the idol in the temple. Vikrantavarman III, the son of Harivarman I also made endowments to this temple. The Cham King Indravarman III installed a golden idol of goddess Bhagavati in the sanctum in 918 CE.

The Khmer under Rajendravarman II pillaged the temple of Po Nagar and carried off the golden idol of the goddess during his invasion in 950 CE. The Cham King Jaya Indravaman I restored the temple at Po Nagar and installed a new sandstone idol of the goddess in place of the stolen idol in the temple in 965 CE. An inscription dated to 1050 CE records the gift of land, slaves, jewelry, and precious metals made to the idol by Jaya Parameshvaravarman I.

The title of Yapu Nagara / Yang Pu Nagar was conferred upon the goddess by King Jaya Parameshvaravarman I in 1050 CE, by King Paramabodhisatva in 1084 CE, by King Jaya Harivarman in 1160 CE and by Princess Ratnavali in 1256 CE, 1267 CE & 1275 CE. King Paramabodhisatva made endowments to this temple in 1084 CE after reuniting the country. King Jaya Indravarman III gave a Shivalinga and a Shrishana Vishnu to the temple in 1141 CE and made endowments in 1143 CE. King Jaya Harivarman I made rich endowments in 1160 CE.

Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire sacked the capital of Champa and carried all the Lingas as per an inscription. A later period inscription records the celebration in honor of the goddess Yan Po Nagar, as well as the deities related to Hinduism and Buddhism. The Viet people occupied Champa in the 17^th century and took over the control of the temple. They called the temple as Thiên Y Thánh Mâu Temple. Po Nagar Temple was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national historic site in 1979.

Po Nagar Temple, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Po Nagar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Yan Po Nagar located at Mount Cu Lau in Nha Trang City, capital of Khanh Hòa Province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. The Temple is commonly called as Thap Ba (Lady Tower) and Po Nagar Cham Tower. The Po Nagar temple complex is situated on Cù Lao Mountain on the bank of River Cai. Yan Po Nagar, the goddess of the country, can be identified with the Hindu goddess Bhagavati and Mahishasura Mardhini. She is called as Thiên Y Thánh Mâu in Vietnamese. The temple is still an actively site for worship by Cham, Vietnamese Buddhists and Chinese.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/po-nagar-temple-nha-trang-legends.html

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/po-nagar-temple-nha-trang-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/po-nagar-temple-nha-trang-temple.html

Festivals

The annual Thap Ba Festival (Ponagar Temple Festival) is held from 21^st to 23^rd of the third lunar month (approximately the end of Apr and beginning of May). This festival is considered as one of the 16 national festivals. People from various parts of Vietnam especially the Cham people throng this temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Thap Ba Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Nha Trang Railway Station, 4 Kms from Nha Trang, 9 Kms from Nha Trang Central Bus Station, 31 Kms from Ninh Hoa, 39 Kms from Cam Ranh International Airport and 437 Kms from Ho Chi Minh City. The Temple is situated on Nha Trang to Ninh Hoa route (QL1C).

Location | Photos

Annakoteshvara Temple, Latadeipur, Odisha

Annakoteshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Latadeipur in Gondia Tehsil in Dhenkanal District in Odisha, India. The Temple is also called as Unnakotisvara Temple. The Temple is situated on the right bank of the river Brahmani, in the outskirt of Latadeipur. It is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

History

The Temple can be dated to the 16^th century CE based on the basis of architectural style of the temple and iconographical features of the sculptures. The Linga enshrined in the sanctum was said to have been displaced during the invasions of Kalapahad, a Muslim General of Bengal Sultanate under the reigning Karrani Dynasty. It is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. It is a rekha temple of Kalingan order. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. The vimana is square on plan. It stands over a high platform of 1.00 metres. The Sanctum enshrines only circular yonipitha, the Linga is missing. The temple is decorated with pidhamundis and khakharamundis in the uparajangha and talajangha respectively. These mundis are housed with different divinities, nayikas and the conjunctions in between the projection housed with Gajavidalas and Naravidalas. Most of the mundi niches are housing the Krisnalila scene.

Festivals

Shivarathri and Kartika Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Joranda, 35 Kms from Dhenkanal, 35 Kms from Dhenkanal Bus Stand, 35 Kms from Dhenkanal Railway Station, 72 Kms from Cuttack and 95 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. The Temple can be easily approached from Dhenkanal Township via Joranda Gadhi.

Location

Relief of Ananta Sayana Vishnu, Saranga, Odisha

Relief of Ananta Sayana Vishnu is a large open-air rock relief of Lord Vishnu in the Saranga village in Dhenkanal District of Odisha, India. It is located on the left bank of the Brahmani River. It is the largest such exposed rock cut structure in the horizontal position measuring 15.4 metres (51 ft) in length, in the whole of India, while the largest standing image is of Gomateshwara in Southern India. It is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

History

The relief might have been carved during the early 9^th century CE by Bhaumakaras. It is also said that Nandodhbahav feudatory rulers, under the Bhaumakara kings, were followers of Vaishnavism, were instrumental in commissioning the carvings of two large rock-cut images of Vishnu at Saranga and the other at Dankal, in the upper Brahmani River valley. This relief is under the care of Archaeological Survey of India.

The Relief

The Ananta Sayana Vishnu (reclining pose of Lord Vishnu on the serpent Ananta) image is located on the left bank of the river bed of the Brahmani River. It is situated at an elevation of 200 feet (61 m). This image is under the open sky and measures 15.4 metres (51 ft) in length and 7 metres (23 ft) in width with a thickness of 0.7 metres (2 ft 4 in). It is the largest such exposed rock cut structure in the horizontal position measuring 15.4 metres (51 ft) in length, in the whole of India, while the largest standing image is of Gomateshwara in Southern India.

The image is carved out of natural rock of sandstone formation. He has four arms, holding a Chakra in the upper right hand, a Shankha in his upper left hand, a Gada and a symbolic lotus on its lower left hand. The hoods of the serpent Shesha (Ananta) covering the head of Lord Vishnu. The Vishnu image has a sharp chin, distinctive nose and wears a crown on its head, called kiritamukuta (a tall conical crown, typically worn by Vishnu). A lotus design shown sprouting from his navel has the creator god Brahma, sitting in meditation.

There is another image carved in sandstone in a reclining posture is in Khamkanaga Subdivision, in Angul district of 41.5 feet (12.6 m) length (as against the length of 15.4 metres (51 ft) image in Saranga village. The figure, though a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India is steadily deteriorating by the dash and flow of flood waters of the river Brahmani.

Festivals

This place witness huge crowds during Ekadashi and Poornimas.

Connectivity

The relief is located at about 2 Kms from Sarang, 7 Kms from Talcher Thermal Railway Station, 8 Kms from Talcher Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Talcher, 18 Kms from Angul, 69 Kms from Dhenkanal, 114 Kms from Cuttack and 142 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. It is approached from the National Highway 55 from Cuttack to Sambalpur, on branch road at Banarpal over distance of 14 Kms.

Location

Shiva Temple, Ganiyari, Chattisgarh

Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Ganiyari Village in Kota Tehsil in Bilaspur District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The temple was built in 11^th century CE by Kalachuris. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The Temple is situated on the banks of Deur Talab. This temple is facing towards east and follows Bhumija style. The temple consists of Sanctum and entrance porch. The sanctum is square and pancharatha on plan. The entrance of the sanctum is richly carved and has triple door jambs. The lower jamb of the door is decorated with dvarapalas and river goddesses Ganga & Yamuna with their respective mounts.

The lintel has carvings of Gajalakshmi flanked by Parvati and Ganesha. Navagrahas can also be seen in the lintel. Nataraja and Garuda can be seen above Gajalakshmi. The sanctum enshrines Shiva Linga and the idols of Surya with his chariot Aruna and his consorts Usha & Pratyusha, Ganesha, Nataraja and Vishnu.

The superstructure (Shikara) over the sanctum is completely lost. Surya, Ganesha and Parvati are the niche idols located around the sanctum walls. The exterior walls of the sanctum are decorated with Surasundaris. Almost all the sculptures suffered destruction. The lowest moulding of adishtana is depicted with rows of elephants.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 16 Kms from Kota, 19 Kms from Bilaspur, 22 Kms from Bilaspur New Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 130 Kms from Raipur and 147 Kms from Raipur Airport. The Temple is situated on Bilaspur to Kota route.

Location

Gudiyari Temple, Kesharpal, Chattisgarh

Gudiyari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Kesharpal Village in Bastar Tehsil in Bastar District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is situated on the bank of Gudiyari pond and Kesharpal is located on the banks of the Markandeya River. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple was believed to be built in 13^th Century CE. An inscription engraved in Nagari script found in this village bearing the name of the Kakatiya ruler Jayasimha is kept in the Archeological Museum, Jagdalpur.

The Temple

The remains of an ancient Shiva temple can be found on the banks of Gudiyari pond. The Gudiyari pond covers over an area of about two and a half acres. This temple premises houses images of Ganesha and Uma Mahesvara. Few broken idols and architectural fragments can be found in the premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Besoli, 23 Kms from Bastar, 44 Kms from Kondagaon, 44 Kms from Jagdalpur Airport, 45 Kms from Jagdalpur, 48 Kms from Jagdalpur Railway Station and 264 Kms from Raipur. The temple is situated at about 10 Kms from Besoli off the Raipur to Jagdalpur Road (NH 30).

Location

Deur Temple, Maharanipur, Chattisgarh

Deur Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva located in Maharanipur Village in Sitapur Tehsil in Surguja District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The temple was built in 12^th century CE. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The Temple was reconstructed from the ruins recently. This temple is facing towards east and built on raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum and entrance porch. The temple might have had a mukha mandapa in the ancient past. The shikara over the sanctum is heavily reconstructed and follows Nagara style.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Sitapur Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Sitapur, 32 Kms from Pathalgaon, 64 Kms from Ambikapur, 69 Kms from Ambikapur Railway Station, 133 Kms from Raigarh, 312 Kms from Raipur and 320 Kms from Raipur Airport. This temple is situated on Ambikapur to Raigarh Road.

Location

Vishnu Temple, Banbarad, Chattisgarh

Vishnu Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu located in Banbarad Village in Ahiwara Tehsil in Raipur District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Chattisgarh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, a demon named Banasura accidently killed cows. He was afflicted with sin of Gau Hatya. He enquired Lord Vishnu for relief. Lord Vishnu ordered him to build a tank, take a holy dip in the tank and install his idol at this place. As advised, he did and got relief from the sin of cow slaughter.

History

The temple was built during 16^th century CE by Marathas. Gupta era gold coins belonging to Kumara Gupta, Skanda Gupta and Kacha Gupta were found in this village.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of Sanctum and Mukha Mandapa. The sanctum enshrines an idol of Lord Vishnu. There is a terraced step well namely Papa Vimochana Kund in the temple premises. It is believed that bathing in this stepwell will provide relief from the sin of cow slaughter.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Ahiwara, 4 Kms from Ahiwara Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Dhamdha, 20 Kms from Bhilai, 21 Kms from Charoda, 25 Kms from Durg, 21 Kms from Kumhari Railway Station, 34 Kms from Raipur, 34 Kms from Raipur Junction Railway Station and 51 Kms from Raipur Airport. The temple is situated on Raipur – Dhamdha road.

Location

Kabir Ashram, Ratanpur, Chattisgarh

Kabir Ashram is a religious mutt, located in Ratanpur Town in Bilaspur District in Chattisgarh State, India. This Ashram was founded by Shri Sudarshan Naam Saheb of Kabir Panth. The Ashram is believed to be around 400 years old. The Ashram is situated on the banks of Ved Ratneshwar Pond.

Connectivity

The Ashram is located at about 1.5 Kms from Ratanpur Bus Stand. Ratanpur is located at about 25 Kms from Bilaspur, 30 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 38 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 65 Kms from Pali, 142 Kms from Raipur and 159 Kms from Raipur Airport. Ratanpur is situated on NH 130 connects Bilaspur to Ambikapur. Frequent Buses are available from Bilaspur.

Location

Khandoba Temple, Ratanpur, Chattisgarh

Khandoba Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Khandoba, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, located in Ratanpur Town in Bilaspur District in Chattisgarh State, India. This temple was built by the queen of Maratha King Bimbaji Bhosle in memory of his nephew Khandoji. The Temple is situated on the banks of the Dulhara pond on Ratanpur – Bilaspur road.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Ratanpur Bus Stand. Ratanpur is located at about 25 Kms from Bilaspur, 30 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 38 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 65 Kms from Pali, 142 Kms from Raipur and 159 Kms from Raipur Airport. Ratanpur is situated on NH 130 connects Bilaspur to Ambikapur. Frequent Buses are available from Bilaspur.

Location

Ram Tekri Temple, Ratanpur, Chattisgarh

Ram Tekri Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Rama located in Ratanpur Town in Bilaspur District in Chattisgarh State, India. The temple is situated on top of the Ram Tekri hill. The Temple is situated close to Buddheshwar Mahadev Temple.

Legends

As per legend, Bimbaji Rao Bhonsle wished to install the idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Shatrugna and to build a temple in this place. Subsequently, he had a dream in the same night. Lord Rama appeared in the dream and instructed him that the idols he yearned for would be found in the Bikma Talab. The king searched the entire lake and did not find any idols. The king was disappointed and returned to the palace. The idols appeared in front of the door of his room miraculously the following day. As he wished, he installed the idols and built a magnificent temple to house these idols. It is also believed that Lord Rama stayed in this mountain during his exile.

History

The temple was built by Bimbaji Rao Bhonsle, a Maratha governor of this region.

The Temple

The temple is situated on top of the Ram Tekri hill. The temple can be accessed through flight of steps and motorable road. The temple consists of a sanctum and maha mandapa. The Sanctum houses idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Shatrugna. All are in sitting posture. It is believed that a water stream flows from the thumb of Rama Idol. Idols of Vishnu and Hanuman can be found in the Maha Mandapa. There is a shrine for Maratha governor Bimbaji Bhonsle, the builder of this temple, in the temple premises. People can witness the panoramic view of the Ratanpur township from top of this hill.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Ratanpur Bus Stand. Ratanpur is located at about 25 Kms from Bilaspur, 30 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 38 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 65 Kms from Pali, 142 Kms from Raipur and 159 Kms from Raipur Airport. Ratanpur is situated on NH 130 connects Bilaspur to Ambikapur. Frequent Buses are available from Bilaspur.

Location | Photos

Jagannath Temple, Ratanpur, Chattisgarh

Jagannath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Ratanpur Town in Bilaspur District in Chattisgarh State, India. The Temple was built by Kalyan Rai. The temple houses images of Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra. The temple is situated next to the Lakshmi Narayan temple and located inside the fort.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 750 metres from Ratanpur Bus Stand. Ratanpur is located at about 25 Kms from Bilaspur, 30 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 38 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 65 Kms from Pali, 142 Kms from Raipur and 159 Kms from Raipur Airport. Ratanpur is situated on NH 130 connects Bilaspur to Ambikapur. Frequent Buses are available from Bilaspur.

Location

Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Ratanpur, Chattisgarh

Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Ratanpur Town in Bilaspur District in Chattisgarh State, India. The Temple was built by the Maratha queen, Anandi Bai. The temple is situated next to the much older Jagannath temple and located inside the fort.

Connectivity

Location

Girjabandh Hanuman Temple, Ratanpur, Chattisgarh

Girjabandh Hanuman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman located in Ratanpur Town in Bilaspur District in Chattisgarh State, India. It is a unique temple in the world as Lord Hanuman is worshipped here in female form. The temple was built by Kalachuri King Prithvideva II in 1170 CE. The temple is situated to the east of Ram Tekri.

Legends

As per legend, it is said that the temple was built by a local king called Prithvi Devju. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman and used to worship Lord Hanuman every day without fail. Once, he was afflicted with leprosy and felt sad. He prayed to Lord Hanuman for remedy. Lord Hanuman appeared in his dream and instructed him to build a temple. As per the instruction, he started building the temple.

When the construction was about to be completed, Lord Hanuman appeared in his dream again and informed him to bring an idol from the nearby Mahamaya Kund and install it inside the temple. As per Lord’s wish, he went in search of idol in the Mahamaya Kund and found Hanuman idol in female form. As instructed, he installed the idol in the temple and got cured of leprosy.

The Temple

The temple consists of Sanctum and Mandapa. The temple houses Lord Hanuman in female form. Lord Hanuman can be seen carrying Lord Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulders and crushing Ahirvana under his feet. The shikara over the sanctum is made of red stone. Shrines of Ram Janaki and Lord Shiva can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Ratanpur Bus Stand. Ratanpur is located at about 25 Kms from Bilaspur, 30 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 38 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 65 Kms from Pali, 142 Kms from Raipur and 159 Kms from Raipur Airport. Ratanpur is situated on NH 130 connects Bilaspur to Ambikapur. Frequent Buses are available from Bilaspur.

Location

Bhairava Temple, Ratanpur, Chattisgarh

Bhairava Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, located in Ratanpur Town in Bilaspur District in Chattisgarh State, India. It is mandatory to visit Bhairav Temple first and then only Mahamaya Temple to be visited.

The Temple

The Bhairava idol was earlier seated on the open platform. Later, the temple was built by Baba Gyanagiri Gosai. The Sanctum houses a nine feet tall idol of Bhairava. It is mandatory to visit Bhairav Temple first and then only Mahamaya Temple to be visited.

Connectivity

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Bari Kanoda, Madhya Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Bari Kanoda Village in Batiyagarh Tehsil in Damoh District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is believed to be built in 12^th century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards west. It consists of sanctum only. The sanctum is pancharatha in plan. The sanctum has a five-tiered bhumija style shikara. The shikara is adorned with miniature shikaras throughout its height. The exterior walls of the sanctum is decorated with floral and geometrical motifs.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 15 Kms from Sunera Jarkhedi, 28 Kms from Batiyagarh, 41 Kms from Hatta, 60 Kms from Damoh, 60 Kms from Damoh Railway Station, 128 Kms from Khajuraho Airport and 279 Kms from Bhopal. The Temple is situated on Batiyagarh to Sunera Jarkhedi route.

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Chandreh – The Temple

The temple is built on a high platform. The temple consists of circular sanctum, antrala and mandapa. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. The shikara of the sanctum is decorated with intricate carvings of chaitya arches. The shikara is connected to a low protrusion tower called Sukanasi (tower over the antrala, called nose of the main tower).

The sukanasi is decorated with friezes of elephants, kirtimukhas and human figurines. A sculpture of Ghadiyal (crocodile) has been carved in the temple for draining out the water of Shiva Linga. It is said that there is a hidden tunnel inside the temple that will connect the temple to the nearby Son River.

Shaiva Monastery:

There is an ancient double storied Shaiva Monastery situated next to the temple. It is square on plan. It consists of central open paved courtyard and pillared open verandah around it. There are two inscriptions found at the entrance of the monastery records the construction of the temple and monastery.

Mahadeva Temple, Chandreh, Madhya Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Chandreh Village in Rampur Naikin Tehsil in Sidhi District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated near the confluence of River Son and Banas. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Legends

As per legend, it is believed that the temple was constructed in one night by Vishwakarma, the divine architect of gods in contemporary Hinduism.

History

The Shaiva monastery and the temple was established in 973CE by Prabodha Shiva, Guru of Chedi rulers (Kalachuris) and his disciple Prashanta Shiva. Prabodha Shiva belonged to Matta Mayura Shaiva sect. This sect is known for their spiritual practice and propagation of Shaiva Siddhanta. The sect established several monasteries and temples in Kadwaya temple, Ashok Nagar and Survaya.

The inscriptions found in this temple and the adjoining monastery records the information about the construction of temple, monastery and social life during that period. The inscription further credits Yuvaraja Deva I of bringing Prabodha Shiva, the revered saint of the Mattamayura sect to Golaki Matha at Gorgi. The place was referred as Bhramara Shaila (Bhramara Hill) in the inscriptions.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/mahadeva-temple-chandreh-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 16 Kms from Rampur Naikin Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Rampur Naikin, 31 Kms from Govindgarh, 34 Kms from Govindgarh Railway Station, 50 Kms from Sidhi, 50 Kms from Rewa and 204 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Chorgadi off the Sidhi to Govindgarh route. ,

Location | Photos

Virateshwara Temple, Sohagpur, Madhya Pradesh

Virateshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Sohagpur in Shahdol Town in Sohagpur Tehsil in Shahdol District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

This temple was built by Maharaja Yuvraj of Kalchuri Dynasty between 950 – 1050 CE. This temple was built as a present for the Acharya (Saint) of Golkaki Math. Few historians consider this temple was built by Karna Deva of Kalachuri Dynasty (1041-1073 CE).

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east and built on a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapa and ardha mandapa. The shikara is connected to a low protrusion tower called Sukanasi (tower over the antrala, called nose of the main tower). The Sukanasi has an image of Nataraja within the medallion. The Maha Mandapa might have had a pyramidal tower over it. The lower portion of the outer wall of the maha mandapa is decorated with sculptures.

The mandapa is having balcony type arrangement on southern and a window on the northern side. The ardha mandapa might have been added to the original structure at later period. The sanctum is square in plan. The sanctum enshrines Shiva Linga. The sanctum is crowned with a nagara style shikara with miniature shikaras over it. The shikara is about 125 feet tall. The exterior walls of the sanctum are decorated with three rows of sculptures.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Tiraha Bypass Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Shahdol New Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Shahdol Railway Station, 166 Kms from Rewa, 177 Kms from Jabalpur and 184 Kms from Jabalpur Airport. The temple is situated in Sohagpur Banagana area of Shahdol Town on Shahdol to Rewa route.

Location

Basvi Rock Cut Temple, Dharampuri, Madhya Pradesh

Basvi rock cut Temple is an ancient monolithic rock-cut temple located at Basvi Village in Dharampuri Taluk in Dhar District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on a hill slope on the bank of the Koram. a tributary of the Narmada River. The temple is similar to the Kailasha temple of Ellora in architecture in miniature version. Basvi is also called as Vasvi.

History

The Temple is datable to 8^th century CE based on its architectural style. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This temple is an unfinished rock-cut temple and is facing towards east. The temple measures 12m east-west and 7.75 m north-south. The temple was exposed 6.5 m from sikhara downwards. The temple has on plan mukha mandapa, mandapa, antarala and sanctum. The sanctum is pancharatha on plan. The sikhara portion is partly broken and is decorated with mithuna. kirtimukha and chaitya arches. There is a sukanasi over the antrala. A deity is carved on the maha nasa portion of the sukanasi.

The varandika portion is decorated with a series of miniature niches carved with mithuna couples. There is a carving of lotus with a kalasa on the top of the mandapa. Four seated lions can be seen on all the cardinal directions on the top of the mandapa. Out of the four lions one is seated on an elephant. There is an ornamental rock cut sealed elephant decorated with chain and bell designs at the centre of the mukha mandapa.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Dhamnod, 20 Kms from Khalghat, 30 Kms from Dharampuri, 51 Kms from Mhow Railway Station, 54 Kms from Dhar, 79 Kms from Indore, 82 Kms from Indore Airport and 270 Kms from Bhopal. The temple is situated at about 4 Kms off the Indore to Nashik route.

Location

Dhaikinath Stupa, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Dhaikinath Stupa is a Buddhist Monument located on the slopes of a hill at Gyaraspur Town in Gyaraspur Tehsil in Vidisha District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Stupa has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

Gyaraspur was an important town in medieval India. It has several ruins of ancient Hindu, Jain and Buddhist places of worship dated between 9th to 10th century CE. The name Gyaraspur is derived from a fair held at the eleventh month of the Hindu calendar, gyaras means joy at the eleventh. Gyaraspur is also famous for a Salabhanjika sculpture, currently housed in Gwalior Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum (Gwalior Fort Museum). The sculpture is considered an exceptional beauty by renowned historians. She is also called as Indian Venus or Gyaraspur Lady. The Stupa was built between 6^th – 7^th century CE.

The Stupa

This Stupa was built on a raised platform on the slope of a hill. The stupa is in hemispherical dome shape. The dome rests on a circular berm. A small platform like projections protrude from the berm in each cardinal direction. The railings once housed the image of Buddha can be found scattered at the site. There are images of Buddha kept in the sculpture shed, are found from this stupa.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Gyaraspur Bus Stand, 27 Kms from Gulab Ganj Railway Station, 37 Kms from Vidisha Railway Station, 38 Kms from Vidisha, 47 Kms from Sanchi, 76 Kms from Sagar, 96 Kms from Bhopal and 101 Kms from Bhopal Airport. Gyaraspur is situated on Vidisha to Sagar route. Buses are regularly available from Vidisha to Gyaraspur.

Location

Mala Devi Temple, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Mala Devi Temple is a Jain Temple dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras located at Gyaraspur Town in Gyaraspur Tehsil in Vidisha District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated on the eastern slope of the hill overlooking the valley. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The Temple

The Temple is constructed on the eastern slope of the hill overlooking the valley. The temple is built on a huge platform cut out of the hill side and reinforced by a massive retaining wall. This temple is partly rock-cut and partly structural. The temple consists of an entrance porch, sabha mandapa, antrala and sanctum. The sanctum is provided with circumbulatory path around it. The sanctum enshrines four images of Jain Tirthankaras Adinatha, seated on padmasana posture.

Though, the sanctum and the sabha mandapa has Jain images currently, the dedicatory block of the entrance door of the sabha mandapa has an image of goddess. The dedicatory block and the sculptures on the walls of the temple indicates that the temple might have been originally dedicated to some Hindu goddess and later it was converted to the Jain temple by the Jains. The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style architecture.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Gyaraspur Bus Stand, 27 Kms from Gulab Ganj Railway Station, 37 Kms from Vidisha Railway Station, 38 Kms from Vidisha, 47 Kms from Sanchi, 76 Kms from Sagar, 96 Kms from Bhopal and 101 Kms from Bhopal Airport. Gyaraspur is situated on Vidisha to Sagar route. Buses are regularly available from Vidisha to Gyaraspur.

Location | Photos

Hindola Torana, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Hindola Torana is an entrance arch of a long last temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Gyaraspur Town in Gyaraspur Tehsil in Vidisha District in Madhya Pradesh, India. This Torana is situated next to the Chaukhamba Temple. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The Temple

This Torana is called as Hindola Torana as it looks like a platform for a swing, however, it was an ornamental entrance arch connected to the long last temple once existed here. This temple might have faced towards east and might have been dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Hindu trinity. The temple is believed to have been 150 ft east to west and 85 ft north to south.

The Chaukhamba situated little away from the torana is considered to the remains of the mandapa of that temple. Dasavathara (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu are carved on the door jambs of the torana. The pillars carry two horizontal beams with two ornamental arches between the two beams. This gateway is considered as the southern entrance to the temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Gyaraspur Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Gulab Ganj Railway Station, 36 Kms from Vidisha Railway Station, 37 Kms from Vidisha, 46 Kms from Sanchi, 75 Kms from Sagar, 95 Kms from Bhopal and 100 Kms from Bhopal Airport. Gyaraspur is situated on Vidisha to Sagar route. Buses are regularly available from Vidisha to Gyaraspur.

Location

Chaukhamba Temple, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Chaukhamba Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Gyaraspur Town in Gyaraspur Tehsil in Vidisha District in Madhya Pradesh, India. This Temple is situated next to the Hindola Torana. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The Temple

This monument consists of four pillars, situated next to the Hindola Torana. It is considered to be central pillars of the mandapa of an ancient temple once existed here. This temple might have faced towards east and might have been dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Hindu trinity. The temple is believed to have been 150 ft east to west and 85 ft north to south. The pillars are profusely decorated by ornate carvings on all sides. The Hindola Torana would have been the entrance gateway of the ancient temple complex.

Connectivity

Location

Bajra Matha Temple, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Bajra Matha Temple is a Jain Temple dedicated to Jain Thirthankaras, located at Gyaraspur Town in Gyaraspur Tehsil in Vidisha District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The Temple

The temple is built over a raised platform. It consists of three shrines in a row. All these shrines are attached to a mandapa in the front. The central shrine was dedicated to Surya, the southern shrine to Lord Vishnu and the northern shrine to Lord Shiva. All these shrines are now occupied by Jain idols belonging to the Digambara sect.

The doorway of the sanctum is profusely carved. The shikara is unusual in its plan and design. The exterior walls and doorways are carved with various deities of Hindu pantheon. Narasimha, Varaha, Vishnu, Shiva, Tripurantaka etc. can be seen in the niches on the external walls of the sanctum.

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Atha Khamba Temple, Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh

Atha Khamba Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Gyaraspur Town in Gyaraspur Tehsil in Vidisha District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The sculpture is considered an exceptional beauty by renowned historians. She is also called as Indian Venus or Gyaraspur Lady. The temple was lost completely except its eight pillars. Thus, the temple came to be called as Atha Khamba Temple. The Temple was built in 982 CE as per the inscription in the temple.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and built over a raised platform. The temple can be accessed through flight of steps from the eastern side. The temple might have consisted of mukha mandapa, antrala and sanctum. The temple currently consists of eight pillars only. Thus, the temple came to be called as Atha Khamba (Eight Pillar) Temple. The structure now comprises two pillars of antrala, carrying a makara torana and the four central pillars of the hall. The pillars are profusely carved with pot creeper motifs. The pillars are octagonal and has lion faces at the four corners of the lower capital. There is a honey-comb style pillar segment on top of the lower capital followed by the upper capital which support the beams of the mandapa.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 metres from Gyaraspur Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Gulab Ganj Railway Station, 36 Kms from Vidisha Railway Station, 37 Kms from Vidisha, 46 Kms from Sanchi, 75 Kms from Sagar, 95 Kms from Bhopal and 100 Kms from Bhopal Airport. Gyaraspur is situated on Vidisha to Sagar route. Buses are regularly available from Vidisha to Gyaraspur.

Location

Sun Temple, Umri, Madhya Pradesh

Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God) located in Umri Village in Tikamgarh District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. The Temple was constructed by Pratihara rulers in 9^th Century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The temple is Pancharatha in plan. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Mukha Mandapa. The lintel above the entrance of the sanctum has an image of Surya flanked by Sapta Matrikas accompanied by Vinayaga & Veerabhadra and Ashta Grahas. The base of the doorjamb has Ganga and Yamuna. The Sanctum houses remains of a Surya Idol of which only pedestal has survived.

The Shikara over the sanctum follows Nagara style architecture. Ashta Dikpalas can be seen over the karna niches. All are depicted in seated posture except Ishana who is shown in standing posture. The niches around the sanctum walls are empty except the western niche. The western niche houses an image of Surya, riding a chariot driven by seven horses with Aruna as his charioteer. Varaha, Krishna and Narasimha can be seen on the niches of Adhistana.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Kakarwaha, 11 Kms from Badagaon, 33 Kms from Tikamgarh, 76 Kms from Lalitpur Junction Railway Station, 76 Kms from Lalitpur Airport, 107 Kms from Sagar, 133 Kms from Jhansi Railway Station and 268 Kms from Bhopal. The temple is situated on Tikamgarh to Sagar route.

Location

Kherat Brick Temples, Madhya Pradesh

Kherat Brick Temples are group of is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kherat Village in Ater Tehsil in Bhind District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temples are believed to be built in 10^th century CE. The Temple is situated on the banks of Chambel River. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

The Kherat village houses two brick built ancient temples. One dedicated to Lord Shiva and other dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Temple No. 1:

The temple is partly built in bricks and stands over a low plinth. The temple consists of sanctum only and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sanctum is square in plan. The sanctum is crowned with a pyramidal shikara and decorated with chaitya dormers. The exterior walls are decorated with two bands of sculptures. The pillars are decorated with ghatapallava motif.

Temple No. 2:

The temple is situated on a mound and has been extensively restored damaging much of its original architectural style. The temple consists of sanctum only and dedicated to Mahishasura Mardhini. The sanctum is square in plan. The sanctum is crowned with domed roof. The exterior wall is devoid of any decoration. The Navagraha panel adorned the sanctum doorway of this temple had been missing since 1986.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Budhanpur, 8 Kms from Ater, 21 Kms from Jaitpur Kalan Halt Railway Station, 28 Kms from Porsa, 33 Kms from Bhind Railway Station, 36 Kms from Bhind, 55 Kms from Etawah, 88 Kms from Gwalior Airport and 96 Kms from Morena. The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Budhanpur off the Porsa to Ater route.

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Khardeori, Madhya Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Khardeori Village in Mandla Tehsil in Mandla District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated on the banks of Narmada River. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

The temple is a double storeyed structure. It stands over a low raised platform. It is built of random rubble masonry and plastered with lime plaster. It is square in plan approached by a flight of steps. It is crowned with a domed roof.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Mandla, 7 Kms from Mandla Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Mandla Fort Railway Station, 101 Kms from Jabalpur and 101 Kms from Jabalpur Airport. The temple is situated on the Mandla Bypass Road on the Raipur to Jabalpur route.

Location

Eran Group of Monuments – The Temple Complex

The Temple Complex consists of Gupta era temples, pillars and ancient ruins. There are the remains of four to five temples and the major temples are standing in a row on a north-south alignment at the far end of the entrance. All the temples are rectangular or square in plan. All the temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Idols, sculptures and architectural fragments are found scattered around the temple complex.

Varaha Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/varaha-temple-eran-madhya-pradesh.html

Vishnu Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/vishnu-temple-eran-madhya-pradesh.html

Narasimha Temple:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/narasimha-temple-eran-madhya-pradesh.html

Vishnu Pillar:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/garuda-pillar-eran-madhya-pradesh.html

Narasimha Temple, Eran, Madhya Pradesh

Narasimha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Eran Village in Bina Taluk in Sagar District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated inside the Eran Group of Monuments Complex. The Temple is situated on the southern bank of the river Bina, a tributary of river Betwa. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/eran-group-of-monuments-history.html

The Temple

This temple might have consisted of a sanctum and mandapa. It would have been measured 13 feet long and 9 feet wide. The mandapa might have been supported by four pillars. None of the pillars have survived the ravages of times except their chiseled spots on the plinth. Only, a damaged idol of Narasimha can be seen in this temple currently.

The idol is broken below its knees. The pedestal has the remains of the feet of Lord Narasimha. The idol in its unbroken form would have been measured 7.5 feet tall. There is structure consisting of four pillars set in the middle of a rectangular plinth in front of the Narasimha Temple.

Inscriptions

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/eran-group-of-monuments-inscriptions.html

Connectivity

The Temple Complex is located at about 12 Kms from Mandi Bamora Railway Station, 20 Kms from Bina Junction Railway Station, 21 Kms from Bina, 21 Kms from Bina Bus Stand, 23 Kms from Khurai, 75 Kms from Sagar, 91 Kms from Vidisha, 101 Kms from Sanchi, 156 Kms from Bhopal and 161 Kms from Bhopal Airport. Mandi Bamora Railway Station is situated on the Bhopal – Bina railway line. There are no direct bus facilities to Eran. One need to hire car or auto from Bina, Khurai and Mandi Bamora to reach Eran.

Location | Photos

Eran Group of Monuments – History

Eran is an ancient city known as Erakaina, Erakanya, Erakina Airikina and Erikina in Buddhist & Hindu texts, on ancient coins and inscriptions in the surrounding region. It is generally believed that the name is derived from the word eraka. Eraka refers a tall grass commonly called the Elephant cattail, botanical name Typha elephantina, which grows at Eran in abundance. Eran was the capital of Erakina (Airikina) Pradesha or Airkina Vishaya, an administrative division of the Gupta empire.

Eran was an important stop on an ancient route from the east towards Ujjain and from the north linking Mathura and Vidisha. It was one of the ancient mints for Indian dynasties as evidenced by the diverse coins excavated here. Eran was under the control of Western Kshatrapas during 4^th century CE as per a clay seal inscription found in Eran. It mentions the Western Kshatrapa King Isvaramitra and his son Simhasrisena.

Samudra Gupta conquered Eran from the Western Kshatrapas as attested by his inscription found in Eran. However, his conquest was short lived. Samudra Gupta is said to have visited Eran and renamed it to Swabhog Nagar. His successors Ramagupta and Chandragupta II Vikramaditya fought Western Kshatrapas after the demise of their father.

The presence of the large caches of their coins in Eran & their inscriptions and inscriptions of Shaka Kings would confirm that Eran was hotly contested between the two dynasties. Finally, Chandragupta II Vikramaditya completely subjugated the Western Kshatrapas. Eran was invaded by Huna King Toramana during the waning period of Guptas.

The inscription on Varaha in Eran dates to the reign of Huna King Toramana. It records the construction of a Vishnu temple by Dhanya Vishnu. Another inscription dated to 484 CE during the Gupta King Bhuda Gupta records that the Dhanya Vishnu along with his brother jointly erected the Vishnu pillar. Eran was under the control of Huna King Toramana for a short period of time.

Bhanugupta fought a battle in Eran in 510 CE to wrestle the control of the town from Hunas. Finally, Aulikara king, Prakashadharma, routed Toramana in 515 CE as per his inscriptions. Eran houses remains of 5^th and 6^th century Gupta era temples and monuments. The inscription stones found at Eran are important to reconstructing the chronology of Gupta Empire history.

Vishnu Temple:

The Temple was built by Emperor Chandragupta II (380 – 415 CE) of Gupta Dynasty. The doorway and front mandapa of this temple might have been installed during the Pratihara period of 8^th – 9^th century CE.

Varaha Temple:

The Temple was constructed by Dhanya Vishnu, younger brother of Matri Vishnu, during the reign of Huna King Toramana. He was the same person who is mentioned in the inscription of the Garuda pillar in the same complex.

Garuda Pillar:

The pillar was installed by two brothers, Matri Vishnu and Dhanya Vishnu, during the reign of the Gupta emperor Budha Gupta. Matri Vishnu was referred as a king in the inscription. He might have been ruling the region under the patronage of the Gupta emperors.

Nrivaraha Idol:

The Nrivaraha idol might have been installed during the reign of Gupta King Budha Gupta. An image of Nrivaraha was found by Cunningham in possession of a local brahmin priest in Eran during his visit. The brahmin priest told Cunningham that the image was brought from the location of the Budhagupta pillar. It is currently housed in Sagar University. It has a short inscription near pedestal reads two names Mahesvara Datta and Varaha Datta, probably the brothers who installed this idol. The inscription can be dated to 5^th century based on paleographic studies.

Coins:

Eran was likely one of the ancient mints for Indian kingdoms, along with Vidisha, Ujjain, and Tripuri. Over 3,000 coins of different styles, shapes and inscriptions have been found here. These coins have been dated to between 300 BCE to 700 CE. A unique square shaped coins were found abundantly in Eran. Cunningham, a late 19^th century archaeologist states that the copper coins of Eran are the finest specimen found in India.

The largest coin has measured about 1.1 inches (28 mm) and the smallest about 0.2 inches (5.1 mm) in diameter. The coins found in the Eran are grouped into four categories namely Punch-marked coins, Cast coins, Die struck coins and Inscribed coins. The common motifs found on the coin include Gajalakshmi, horses, elephants, bull, flowers, rivers, swastikas, dharma chakra, tri ratna, triangles and a cross with circle in four sections.

One of the coins found in Eran was inscribed with the name Dharmapala in Brahmi script. This copper coin is presently displayed in the British Museum, in London. Another circular coin inscribed with the name of a ruler Indra Gupta has been discovered at Eran. Several inscribed copper coins bearing the name Erakanya or Erakana in the Brahmi script have also been found at Eran. A Bronze coin of Eran dated to the 3^rd Century B.C was found at Sulur, in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu in one of the excavations.

Sati Pillars:

There are several inscribed sati pillars in Eran dating from Gupta period to 18^th century CE. An ancient Sati pillar dated to 510 CE during the reign of Bhanu Gupta of Gupta Dynasty can be seen in Eran. It records Goparaja, a chieftain of Gupta King Bhanu Gupta came to Eran and lost his life in a battle. His wife committed Sati on the funeral pyre of her husband. This Sati pillar is considered as one of the earliest sati pillars in India. This Sati pillar was discovered by General Alexander Cunningham during his visit to Eran in 1874 – 1875 CE. Several Sati pillars found in Eran are dated to the medieval period.

Alexander Cunningham’s Visit:

Alexander Cunningham, an 19^th century British archeologist, was the first person to catalogue the antiquities of the Eran. His studies were published in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal vol. clxxxi m 1847. He again visited Eran in 1874 – 1875 CE and his findings were included in the seventh volume of his survey reports.

Excavations:

Due to the importance of the town, extensive excavations were carried out by K D Bajpai, under the auspices of University of Sagar, between 1960 and 1965. These excavations revealed various layers of settlement patterns taking back the history of the town to the second millennium BCE. On the basis of stratigraphy, Bajpai classified the periods of settlement as below;

· Period I: Chalcolithic (18^th century BC - 7^th BC)

· Period II A: Early Historic (7^th century BC – 2^nd century BC)

· Period II B: 2^nd century BC – 1^st century CE

· Period III: 1^st century – 6^th century CE

· Period IV: Late Medieval (16^th century CE – 18^th century CE)

The most important finding of the period I was a mud defense wall and its associated moat. The wall was 154 feet wide and 21 feet deep. A circular lead piece bearing the name of king Indragupta, belonging to period II A is the most important. A hoard of 3,268 punch marked coins is among the most significant finding belonging to Period II B. An important finding of Period III is a clay seal depicting Gaja-Lakshmi icon with a Brahmi inscription.

Eran Group of Monuments – Inscriptions

Inscription of Sridharavarman (circa 350 CE):

The Saka (Indo-Scythian) King Sridharavarman (339 – 368 CE), who ruled in Central India, made an inscription of a small pillar at Eran, together with his Naga military commander. Bhanugupta later also wrote his inscription on the same pillar dated to 510 CE. It seems that the inscription of Sridharavarman is succeeded chronologically by a monument and an inscription by Gupta Emperor Samudragupta (336 – 380 CE), established for the sake of augmenting his fame, who may therefore have ousted Sridharavarman in his campaigns to the West.

Inscription of Samudragupta:

The Eran Inscription of Samudragupta (336-380 CE) is presently stored in Kolkata Indian Museum. The inscription, in red sandstone, was found not far to the west of the ruined temple of the boar. Though damaged and much of the inscription is missing, this was a significant find, because of the presence of numeral scripts, with at least "2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7" preserved.

Inscription of Budhagupta (484 – 485 CE):

The Budhagupta inscription is dated to 484 – 485 CE. It records the extent of the Gupta kingdom stretched from Kalindi River to Narmada River and also mentions the raising of a column in honour of Janardana, another name of Lord Vishnu. It further records that the pillar was installed by a feudatory king Matri Vishnu and his younger brother Dhanya Vishnu.

Inscription of Toramana (circa 500 CE):

The Eran boar inscription of Toramana, is a stone inscription found in Eran in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is 8 lines of Sanskrit, the first three of which are in meter and the rest in prose, written in the Brahmi script. It is carved on the neck of a freestanding 11 feet (3.4 m) high red sandstone Varaha statue, a zoomorphic iconography of Vishnu avatar, and dated to the 6^th century CE. The inscription on Varaha in Eran dates to the reign of Huna King Toramana. It records the construction of a Vishnu temple by Dhanya Vishnu.

The inscription was found in 1838 by T.S. Burt, who brought it to the attention of James Prinsep. It was published in 1838 by Prinsep with a translation. In 1861, Fitz Edward Hall disagreed with Prinsep's report and published a revised edition of the inscription and a new translation. Fleet published his own translation and interpretation of the inscription in 1888. The translations for the inscription vary significantly, though the central theme is similar.

Inscription of Bhanugupta (510 CE):

The fourth inscription is badly damaged, but important. The inscription mentions Bhanugupta and is inscribed on the reverse of the Sridharavarman pillar. It also mentions the death of chieftain Goparaja in a battle in 510 CE. It also mentions the cremation of Goparaja and his wife committing Sati on the funeral pyre of her husband.

Nrivaraha Inscription:

An image of Nrivaraha was found by Cunningham in possession of a local brahmin priest in Eran during his visit. The brahmin priest told Cunningham that the image was brought from the location of the Budhagupta pillar. It is currently housed in Hari Singh Gour Archaeological Museum. It has a short inscription near pedestal reads two names Mahesvara Datta and Varaha Datta, probably the brothers who installed this idol. The inscription can be dated to 5^th century based on paleographic studies.

Garuda Pillar, Eran, Madhya Pradesh

Garuda Pillar is an ancient Hindu monument dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Eran Village in Bina Taluk in Sagar District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The pillar was erected in the honor of Janardana, a form of Lord Vishnu. The pillar is also called as Bhim Gada, Budha Gupta pillar and Bhima pillar. The pillar is situated inside the Eran Group of Monuments Complex. The pillar is situated on the southern bank of the river Bina, a tributary of river Betwa. The pillar has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/eran-group-of-monuments-history.html

The Pillar

The pillar was erected in the honor of Janardana, a form of Lord Vishnu. The sandstone pillar is about 47.5 feet high, resting on a pedestal of 13 feet square. The shaft is square at bottom and turns octagonal till the capital. Two lions, seated back to back, are carved on the abacus of the capital. The capital of the pillar is made of five feet tall two male figures, standing back to back with a wheeled halo between them, one facing east and another facing west. Both the images represent Garuda. The one, facing east, shows Garuda holding a serpent in his hands. The pillars have few interesting carvings as well. There is a Sanskrit inscription on the south side of the pillar dated to 484 CE recording the installation of this pillar.

Inscriptions

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/eran-group-of-monuments-inscriptions.html

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Varaha Temple, Eran, Madhya Pradesh

Varaha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Eran Village in Bina Taluk in Sagar District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated inside the Eran Group of Monuments Complex. Varaha in its zoomorphic form is known as Yajna Varaha representing the yajna (sacrifice) with its aahutis (offerings) in an animated form. This Idol is considered as one of the largest Varaha Idol in India. The Temple is situated on the southern bank of the river Bina, a tributary of river Betwa. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/eran-group-of-monuments-history.html

The Temple

The Varaha idol might have been enshrined inside a small temple in the distant past. The idol is currently open to sky. The Varaha idol is facing towards west. The Varaha idol measures about 14 feet in length, 5 feet in width and 11 feet in height. This Idol is considered as one of the largest Varaha Idol in India. The idol is decorated with 1185 figures of sages, arranged in twelve rows, carved all over his body including legs, neck, forehead and throat.

A figure of Bhudevi is shown hanging with the right tusk of Varaha. Saraswathi is standing in samabhanga posture with her hands on her waist at the snout of the Varaha. Vidyadharas are found in the ears. A garland of twenty-eight circles is shown around the neck of the Varaha. A male and a female figure is present inside the twenty-seven circles, while one circle has a figure of a scorpion. Four rows of male figures are shown across the throat and chest area.

There are total of ninety-six figures, except the one, all are two-armed sages holding a water pot in one hand. There is an image of Vishnu standing on a lotus can be seen in the middle from top between the first and second row. He is shown with two hands, but both hands are broken. The third row on the chest shows seven male figures representing seven planets, the leftmost holding two lotus in his hand and wearing a tunic while the rest holding a water vessel.

There is a stump like protrusion on the shoulders of the Varaha. It has four niches on its four sides enshrining Vasudeva on the west, Shiva on the south, Brahma on the north and Vishnu on the east. Twelve rows of figures, in shape of a U, are carved along the body of the Varaha. All the twelve rows have figures of two armed sages, holding water vessel in one hand and the other hand either in abhaya mudra or in vismaya mudra.

Legs and tail of the Varaha is also decorated with rows of sages, six rows in forelegs and three rows in hind legs. The famous Toramana inscription can be found on the front chest of the image. The boar along with the site is damaged, and cracks run across the Varaha, one of the cracks passes through the inscription. There is a depiction of the ocean, with serpents and sea life carved on the floor between the legs of the Varaha.

Inscriptions

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/eran-group-of-monuments-inscriptions.html

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Vishnu Temple, Eran, Madhya Pradesh

Vishnu Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Eran Village in Bina Taluk in Sagar District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated inside the Eran Group of Monuments Complex. The Temple is situated on the southern bank of the river Bina, a tributary of river Betwa. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/eran-group-of-monuments-history.html

The Temple

This temple is considered as the most complete temple in this complex. This temple is oblong in shape and is facing towards west. It would have been measured 32.5 feet by 13.5 feet outside and interior would have been measured 18 feet by 6 feet. The temple consists of sanctum and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters.

The sanctum enshrines a 13.5 feet tall idol of Lord Vishnu. The doorway of the sanctum is intact with its decoration. The walls and the shikara over the sanctum had not survived the ravages of times except the lower portion of the sanctum. The sanctum doorway has river goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, at the door jambs.

Usually these river goddesses are found in the upper part of the door jambs in the Gupta period temples. Hence, the doorway and front mandapa might have been installed during the Pratihara period of 8^th – 9^th century CE. Dvarapalas are found at the pilasters on either side of the door.

Inscriptions

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/eran-group-of-monuments-inscriptions.html

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Eran Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh

Eran Group of Monuments is a Hindu Temple Complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Eran Village in Bina Taluk in Sagar District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple Complex consists of Gupta era temples, pillars and ancient ruins. The Temple Complex is situated on the southern bank of the river Bina, a tributary of river Betwa. The Temple Complex has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/eran-group-of-monuments-history.html

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/eran-group-of-monuments-temple-complex.html

Inscriptions

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/eran-group-of-monuments-inscriptions.html

Connectivity

Location | Photos

Dharmarajeshwar Temple, Chandwasa, Madhya Pradesh

Dharmarajeshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Chandwasa Town in Mandsaur District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The architecture of the temple is similar to Kailash Temple of Ellora. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The Temple was built in 7^th century CE by Gurjara Pratiharas. It is approximately the same time when the Rashtrakutas commissioned the monolithic temples at Ellora.

The Temple

This monolithic temple is carved out of solid natural rock. The architecture of the temple can be compared with Kailash Temple of Ellora. It is carved out of a rock of size 50 metres in length, 20 metres in width and 9 metres deep. The main shrine is situated in the middle of the temple complex surrounded by seven subsidiary shrines. The main shrine measures 14.53 metres in length and 10 metres in width.

It consists of entrance porch, Sabha Mandapa and Sanctum. The Sanctum houses a big Shiva Linga along with an idol of Lord Vishnu. The Shikara over the sanctum follows Nagara style. Carvings of Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi can be seen in the frame of the entrance of the main shrine. The subsidiary shrines houses sculptures of Bhairava, Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva, Garuda and Goddess Parvati.

Festivals

A grand fair is organized during Shivaratri every year when large number of people gather from the nearby areas.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Chandwasa, 23 Kms from Shamgarh, 25 Kms from Shamgarh Railway Station, 30 Kms from Garoth, 76 Kms from Mandsaur, 281 Kms from Bhopal Airport and 291 Kms from Bhopal. Chandwasa is situated on the Mandsaur to Garoth route via Asawati.

Location | Photos

Vishnu Varaha Temple, Bilhari, Madhya Pradesh

Vishnu Varaha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Bilhari Village in Rithi Tehsil in Katni District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The Temple was constructed by Chedi Kings in 11^th Century CE. The temple was totally renovated in later date. The current structure retains only the mandapa and few sculptures from original temple.

The Temple

The Temple was built on a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum and pillared mukha mandapa. The mandapa is the only structure remained from the original temple. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Lord Vishnu Varaha (in the form of boar). The sanctum is crowned with ribbed dome. The sanctum clearly belongs to the modern era.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Bilhari Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Gulwara, 15 Kms from Katni, 16 Kms from Katni Junction Railway Station, 16 Kms from Katni Bus Stand, 30 Kms from Rithi, 92 Kms from Jabalpur and 102 Kms from Jabalpur Airport. The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Gulwara off the Katni to Jabalpur route.

Location

Joda Temple, Baihar, Madhya Pradesh

Joda Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Baihar Town in Baihar Tehsil in Balaghat District in Madhya Pradesh State of India. The Temple was constructed in 12^th Century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This Temple Complex is situated on the banks of a tank. It consists of two temples facing each other. Both the temples are in ruined state and built on a low raised platform. The first temple consists of Sanctum and Antrala. The Sanctum is crowned by a Nagara Shikara and the antrala is crowned by a Sukanasi. The temple is supported by brick-built structure on it sides to prevent it from collapsing.

The main entrance door is plain and devoid of any decoration except the floral motif on its lintel. The second temple consists of only the sanctum. It has a stepped pyramidal tower over its sanctum. A brick-built structure is built in the middle of the shrine to prevent it from collapsing. A four pillared mandapa can be seen behind this shrine. Several damaged sculptures and architectural fragments can be seen all around the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Baihar Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Kanha Tiger Reserve, 68 Kms from Balaghat, 68 Kms from Balaghat Railway Station, 169 Kms from Jabalpur, 169 Kms from Jabalpur Airport and 428 Kms from Bhopal. The Temple is situated on Balaghat to Kanha Tiger Reserve.

Location | Photos

Thursday, April 24, 2025

hindutemples-india.blogspot.com back up 16

Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi – The Temple

Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi, Karnataka

Shiva Temple, Kodal, Madhya Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple, Chitrakot, Chattisgarh

Kodandarama Temple, Hiremagalur – The Temple

Kodandarama Temple, Hiremagalur, Karnataka

Kamaleshwara Temple, Jalasangvi – The Temple

Kamaleshwara Temple, Jalasangvi, Karnataka

Chandramouleshwara Temple, Arasikere – The Temple

Chandramouleshwara Temple, Arasikere, Karnataka

Siddhesvara Temple, Haveri – The Temple

Siddhesvara Temple, Haveri, Karnataka

Shambu Lingeswara Temple, Kundgol, Karnataka

Harihareshwara Temple, Harihar – The Temple

Harihareshwara Temple, Harihar, Karnataka

Rameshwara Temple, Kuppagadde, Karnataka

Lakshmi Devi Temple, Doddagaddavalli – The Temple

Lakshmi Devi Temple, Doddagaddavalli, Karnataka

Gaurishvara Temple, Yelandur, Karnataka

Galageshwara Temple, Galaganath, Karnataka

Dodda Basaveshwara Temple, Kurugodu, Karnataka

Jappadbavi, Dambal, Karnataka

Dabgadi Temple, Dambal, Karnataka

Doddabasappa Temple, Dambal, Karnataka

Chennakeshava Temple, Hullekere – The Temple

Chennakeshava Temple, Hullekere, Karnataka

Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura – The Temple

Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura, Karnataka

Sun Temple, Nemawar, Madhya Pradesh

Siddhesvara Temple, Nemawar, Madhya Pradesh

Riddhnath Temple, Handia, Madhya Pradesh

Surya Temple, Sesai, Madhya Pradesh

Shiva Temple, Sesai, Madhya Pradesh

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Haranhalli – The Temple

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Haranhalli, Karnataka

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli – The Temple

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli, Karnataka

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli, Karnataka

Kuraiya Bir Temple, Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh

Varaha Temple, Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh

Kaleshwari Group of Monuments, Lavana – History

Kaleshwari Group of Monuments, Lavana – The Group of Monuments

Sasu ni Vav, Lavana, Gujarat

Vahu ni Vav, Lavana, Gujarat

Hidimba Temple, Lavana, Gujarat

Ghummatwalu Temple, Lavana, Gujarat

Hidimba Kund, Lavana, Gujarat

Kaleshwari Temple, Lavana, Gujarat

Bhimchori, Lavana, Gujarat

Arjunchori, Lavana, Gujarat

Shikar Madhi, Lavana, Gujarat

Kaleshwari Group of Monuments, Lavana, Gujarat

Chandramouleshwara Temple, Unkal, Karnataka

Banashankari Temple, Amargol, Karnataka

Tripurantaka Temple, Balligavi – History

Tripurantaka Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Somesvara Temple, Balligavi – History

Somesvara Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Kedareshvara Temple, Balligavi – The Temple

Kedareshvara Temple, Balligavi – History

Kedareshvara Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Bherundeshvara Temple, Balligavi – History

Bherundeshvara Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Sun Temple, Modhera – History

Sun Temple, Modhera – The Temple

Sun Temple, Modhera – Surya Kunda

Sun Temple, Modhera – Sabha Mandapa

Sun Temple, Modhera – Gudha Mandapa & Sanctum

Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat

Anateshwar Mahadev Temple, Anandpur, Gujarat

Mahadeva Temple, Gumadpal, Chattisgarh

Mahadeva Temple, Kirari Godhi, Chattisgarh

Venkateshwara Temple, Ramenahalli, Karnataka

Venugopalaswamy Temple, Devanahalli – Legends

Venugopalaswamy Temple, Devanahalli, Karnataka

Vijaya Narayana Temple, Gundlupet, Karnataka

Yoga Narasimha Temple, Baggavalli, Karnataka

Narmadeshwar Mahadev Temple, Belpan, Chattisgarh