Banavasi, an ancient city surrounded by the Varada River on three sides and dense forest was once the capital of the mighty Kadambas. Maharaja Mayurasharma considered to be the greatest king of this dynasty is venerated for his incredible contribution to literature, art, architecture and the Kannada language. In fact, the earliest inscriptions in... Continue Reading →
Perhaps, one of the deepest stepwells in Gujarat, the Bhamaria vav located a little away from the hustle and bustle of Sojali village has remained in obscurity for centuries. This 15th century vav was built as a pavilion inside an existing well-laid out garden. Though the stepwell and the surroundings are in ruins today, the imposing... Continue Reading →
Hangal, the former bastion of the Kadambas, the Hoysalas, the Kalyani Chalukyas and the Vijayanagara Empire is best known for the 'Lotus of Hangal', a breathtaking architectural and structural marvel in the Tarakeshwara Temple. This centuries-old temple was built by the Kadambas in the 5th century with additions by the Hoysalas in the late 10th... Continue Reading →
One of the earliest stepwells or vavs of Gujarat is the 11th century Mata Bhavani ni vav located at Asarva in Ahmedabad. This east-facing vav was built by the Solankis and renovated by the Vaghelas in the 14th century before being confiscated by the Gujarat Sultanate. Interestingly, this vav is one of the longest along the east -... Continue Reading →
Galageshwara Temple built at the edge of the Tungabhadra River can be best described as poetry in stone. This awe-inspiring masterpiece of the 11th century has several inscriptions within the temple mentioning Maharaja Vikramaditya VI of the Kalyani Chalukyas, the musical genius Mokari Bharmayya and even the legendary sculptor Jakanachari. The temple has an... Continue Reading →
Stepwells built in Akhanda Bharat since the ancient times offer valuable insight into the social and cultural propensity, religious practices and architecture and art of that period. These vavs are ingenious edifices built with locally available materials and display a rare harmony of structural soundness and architectural excellence. It is very uncommon to find stepwells... Continue Reading →
Located at a little distance from the Sri Halagundi Basaveshwara Temple is the 11th century - 12th century (inscription is dated as 1010 CE) Virupaksha Temple built by the mighty Rashtrakutas and later renovated by the Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas). Lakkundi is one of those rare historical sites in India that has a unique architectural... Continue Reading →
Gujarat is dotted with innumerable stepwells that offer a glimpse into the religious and social practices, cultural traditions and customs and art and architecture of that period. Though a fair number of these have either fallen into a state of disrepair or disuse, there is a spirited movement across the state by several heritage enthusiasts... Continue Reading →
One of the finest examples of the Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas) and the Marathas is the Purada Siddeshwara Temple in the ancient town of Haveri. This place of great antiquity has been mentioned in the Mahabharat and is revered for its spiritual and religious potency. Also known as Siddeshwara Temple, this west-facing temple is... Continue Reading →
Lakkundi is a treasure trove of edifices built by the mighty Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas), the Hoysalas, the Seunas (Yadavas of Devagiri) and the Vijayanagara Empire. Though a sizeable portion of the temples constructed over centuries were looted, desecrated and flattened to the ground, the temples that managed to survive the savagery exude grandeur, charm... Continue Reading →
One of the lesser-known architectural masterpieces of Lakkundi is the Kumbareshwara Temple built in the 11th - 12th century. This edifice is yet another excellent example of the famed Lakkundi school of architecture favoured by the Kalyani Chalukyas. The temple is designed as a trikutachala (temple with three sanctums) with a shared mandapa and ranga mandapa. Interestingly,... Continue Reading →
Just behind the splendid Kashi Vishweshwara Temple is the equally beautiful Nanneshwar Temple. This excellent example of the famed Lakkundi school of architecture truly does justice to the unique style shaped by the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 11th - 12th century, The temple sits on a raised platform and is an ekakuta (single shrine) unlike... Continue Reading →
Lakkundi, a treasure trove of ingenious stepwells, temples, halls, dharmashalas and palatial quarters built by the Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas), the Hoysalas, the Seunas (Yadavas of Devagiri) and the Vijayanagara Empire is renowned for its unique architectural style. The Lakkundi school of architecture is perhaps the finest illustration of an artistic harmony of architectural styles... Continue Reading →
Lakkundi, famous for the splendid edifices of the Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas) is revered for its spiritual potency and finds mention in both the Ramayana and Mahabharat. This remote village in Gadag district has the best illustration of the unique Lakkundi school of architecture (also known as Western Chalukya style of architecture) shaped by the Kalyani Chalukyas in... Continue Reading →
One of the finest examples of trikutachala (temple with three sanctums) of the 12th century is the Manikeshwara Temple located in Lakkundi village. This beautiful temple along with the magnificent Muskin Bhavi that is in front of it exudes the grandeur, architectural ingenuity and artistic excellence of the Hindu kings who ruled over this historically... Continue Reading →
The remote village of Lakkundi, previously known as Lokkigundi is a treasure trove of stunning temples, stepwells, palatial quarters and dharmashalas that showcase the architectural prowess of the Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas), the Hoysalas, the Seunas (Yadavas of Devagiri) and the Vijayanagara Empire. This historical site has rare inscriptions in Kannada and Sanskrit that date... Continue Reading →
The sacrosanct tirthasthala of Shukratal now known as Shukrateerth (Shukratirth) is one of the most picturesque places located on the course of the downstream Ganga. This beautiful place full of ancient temples, bathing ghats and wells is truly a spiritual treasure trove for the followers of Sanatana and Advaita. This divine place derives its name from the... Continue Reading →
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