The Baleshwara Temple reputed to have the largest Shiva Linga in the three districts of Gadag, Dharwad and Haveri is a beautiful 9th century temple built by perhaps the Western Chalukyas. This edifice built on a raised platform has a mukhamandapa, a navaranga, an antarala and a garbha griha. Interestingly, the external facades are richly embellished with... Continue Reading →
Amargol or Ambaragola as referred to in the inscriptions found was once a part of the Kampana of Unakal - 30 of Halasige - 12000 (Halasi was the secondary capital of the Kadambas of Banavasi). Unfortunately, not only have a sizeable number of inscriptions gone missing but a fair number of temples have been looted,... Continue Reading →
The lesser - known Lakshmaneshwara Temple located in the older part of Laxmeshwar was perhaps built by Maharaja Indra III of the Rashtrakutas of Malkhed in 917 CE as per an inscription. Another inscription found refers to a grant made by Maharaja Sankama of the Kalachuris of Kalyani in 1179 in favour of Trilochana Pandita... Continue Reading →
Lakshmeshwar (Laxmeshwar) referred to as Vishnupalli in the ancient days, Purikara in the Dwapura Yuga and Puligere or Purigere or Porigere or Pulikaranagara as per inscriptions has traditionally been an important seat of learning, literature, art and architecture. Said to be the capital city of the Badami Chalukyas (in the 7th century), this sacred kshetra was... Continue Reading →
The lesser - known Shri Shanteshwara Temple in the sleepy village of Tilavalli exudes an incredibly rare architectural harmony of the Western Chalukyas and Seunas. Built in the 13th century (1237 CE) during the reign of the mighty Maharaja Singhana II of the Seunas by Kalideva Thakkura, this temple incorporates the best features of the... Continue Reading →
Kudli, often referred to as Dakshina Kashi is situated at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers. This sacrosanct kshetra is dotted with stunning temples from the time of the Kadambas of Banavasi. Successive dynasties like the Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas of Malkhed, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Seunas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagara Empire and the Nayakas of Keladi left... Continue Reading →
The ancient city of Kudli at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers is dotted with stunning temples built by the Nayakas of Keladi and the Hoysalas. This sacrosanct tirthasthala has been mentioned in the Mahabharat and Puranas as the tapobhumi of the pious Galava Rishi. According to the Hindu scriptures, Tunga River is said to be... Continue Reading →
The lesser - known Bankasana village in Soraba taluka at the confluence of the Dandavati River and the Varada River has been revered for its spiritual and religious potency for centuries. Known for its stunning natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, this tirthasthala has been venerated by saints, sages, yogis and tapaswis since the ancient days. ... Continue Reading →
As the name suggests, this is the birth place of the Varada River, a tributary of the Tungabhadra River. Varada Nadi literally translates to the river that offers boons and this is indeed true as this river is the lifeline for countless villages in the Uttara Kannada district and surrounding areas. As per the... Continue Reading →
Keladi, the first capital of the mighty Nayakas (who then came to be known as the Nayakas of Keladi) is dotted with glorious temples that showcase their artistic and architectural mastery. This imperial city has the famed Rameshwara Temple complex comprising of three temples that is deemed to be an outstanding example of 16th century... Continue Reading →
The imposing fort of Chandragutti built on the edge of a cliff using the locally available Chandragutti kallu was once the stronghold of the Kadambas of Banavasi, the Vijayanagara Empire, a chieftain named Bachanna, the Nayakas of Keladi, the Marathas and finally generals serving Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The fort is strategically located in... Continue Reading →
Chandragutti, a thickly wooded area situated at the base of a steep hill of the same same was once controlled by the Kadambas of Banavasi, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Nayakas of Keladi, the Marathas (under Parshuram Bhau) and finally Dhondia Wagh (in service of Tipu Sultan). Known as Chandraguptapura or Chandraguttipura or Chandraguttipete or Guttidurga... Continue Reading →
Takshakeshwar Nath Mandir situated on the bank of the Yamuna River is one of the oldest temples in Prayagraj. The temple is believed to be at least 5000 years old if not more and historical and archaeological evidence found at the site suggests that this temple has been in existence since the ancient times. ... Continue Reading →
Samudra Koop that literally translates to ocean well is one of the most sacrosanct tirths of Prayagraj. Located in the archaeologically important town of Jhusi, this ancient well was established during the reign of the Chandravamsa dynasty (Lunar dynasty) roughly around 7100 BCE. Jhusi used to be known as Pratisthan Pur during the reign of... Continue Reading →
Nag Vasuki, an ancient temple located on the bank of the holy Ganges to the north of the sacrosanct Triveni Sangam draws lakhs of devotees on the auspicious Kumbh, Ardha Kumba, Magha Mela, Naga Panchami and the month of Shravan. A trip to Prayagraj is deemed complete and successful only if a pilgrim has a dip in the... Continue Reading →
The ancient city of Prayagraj is revered for its spiritual potency, deep connection to Maryada Purushottam Rama and the Ramayana and the repository of knowledge and wisdom, Bharadwaja Brahmarshi. Bharadwaja Brahmarshi, one of the Sapta Rishis of Kali Yuga (the others are Kasyapa, Atri, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Vashistha) is venerated by scholars and those well-versed in the... Continue Reading →
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