The Baroli group of Temples, one of the earliest temple complexes in Rajasthan has received much admiration from historians, artisans, architects and archaeologists for its sublime beauty and elegance. Since its discovery during the British Raj, this temple complex has been researched in detail, photographed and written about in many publications. The oldest, largest... Continue Reading →
Sringar Chauri, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan
Sringar Chauri, an elegant ranga mandapa is the last structure built in the Badoli group of Temples. Deemed to be the finest of its time, this late 10th century edifice is largely accepted to be an extension to the famous Ghateshwara Temple. This pillared hall on plan has a square space in the middle with... Continue Reading →
Trimurti Temple, Baroli Group of Temples, Baroli Village, Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh District, Rajasthan
The Trimurti Temple (also known as the Sadashiva Temple or Maheshwara Temple or Trimurti Shiva Temple) in the Baroli group of Temples is perhaps one of the most underrated temples of its time. Listed as Temple No. 4 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this 10th century temple is a fine example of the... Continue Reading →
Baleshwara Temple, Laxmeshwar, Gadag District, Karnataka
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 →
Banashankari Temple Amargol, Dharwad District, Karnataka
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 →
Lakshmaneshwara Temple, Laxmeshwar, Gadag District, Karnataka
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 →
Someshwara Temple, Laxmeshwar, Gadag District, Karnataka
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 →
Shri Shanteshwara Temple, Tilavalli Village, Hangal Taluka, Haveri District, Karnataka
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 →
Rameshwara Temple, Kudli, Shimoga District, Karnataka
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 →
Sri Chintamani Narasimha Temple, Kudli, Shimoga District, Karnataka
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 →
Holelingeshwara Temple, Bankasana Village, Soraba Taluka, Shimoga District, Karnataka
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 →
Temples of Varadamoola, Varadamoola, Sagara Taluka, Shimoga District, Karnataka
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 →
