Mahakuta Group of Temples – The Temple Complex

Mahakuta Group of Temples – The Temple Complex

The Temple complex is a cluster of several shrines mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Among the several shrines in the complex, the Mahakuteswara temple, built in the dravida style, and the Mallikarjuna temple are the largest. The temples in this complex also reflect the prominent features of temples in this region which merge the best features of the Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple building. The temples share the common Chalukya style followed at Aihole temples.

Mahakuteswara is the only renovated and largest temple in the Mahakuta group of temples. The Mahakuteswara temple is the main shrine and still in worship. Sangameshwara temple is situated next to Mahakuteswara temple. There are several small shrines around the main shrine with great carvings on the walls. Some of the smaller shrines have wonderful carvings on the outer walls and the pillars inside. Most of the temples faces east. The temple complex is surrounded by compound walls.

Broken idols, sculptures and temple fragments can be seen in the temple complex. A natural mountain spring flows within the temple complex and feeds fresh water into a large tank called the Vishnu Pushkarni and an ablution tank called Papavinasha Tirtha. There is a four pillared small shrine in the centre of the Vishnu Pushkarni tank housing Pancha Mukha Linga (five faced Linga), one face for each direction and one on top. The temple charges a nominal fee of Rs 10 for taking bath in Vishnu Pushkarini.