Bhimesvara Temple, Nilagunda, Karnataka

Bhimesvara Temple, Nilagunda, Karnataka

Bhimesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nilagunda Town in Davangere District of Karnataka state, India. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was constructed during the last quarter of the 11^th century CE by the Chalukyas of Kalyani.

The Temple

The temple is constructed in chaturkuta style, consisting of four sanctums, one each on north, south, east and west. The eastern shrine is the main shrine of the temple. It is facing towards west. This shrine has shikara over its sanctum rest all the shrines had lost its shikara. Each shrine consists of Sanctum and Antrala. All these shrines share a common Sabha Mandapa.

The Sabha Mandapa opens to a Mukha Mandapa in the east. The fourth minor shrine is situated in Mukha Mandapa. The Sabha Mandapa has four ornate pillars on the raised floor at the centre. Sculptures of Ganesha, Mahishamardini, Saptamatrikas and seated Yaksha can be seen in the niches of the interior walls of Sabha Mandapa.

A Nandi can be seen in Sabha Mandapa facing towards sanctum. The reliefs on the lintel and door jamb of the shrines are intricately carved. The sanctum doorway is carved with five bands. Dvarapalas can be seen at the base, flanked by female Chauri bearers. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Bhimesvara, in the form of Linga.

The Vimana over the main shrine is of three tiers. Each tier of the shikara has a kirtimukha. Reliefs of Natraja and Mahesvara can be seen below each kirtimukha. The exterior walls of the temple have projections and recesses decorated with Vesara turrets on double pilasters and with Dravida turrets on single pilaster.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Harpanahalli, 14 Kms from Harpanahalli Bus Stand, 16 Kms from Harpanahalli Railway Station, 35 Kms from Harihar, 44 Kms from Davangere, 139 Kms from Hubbali Airport, 310 Kms from Bengaluru and 332 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on Harpanahalli to Harihar route.

Location | Photos