Ramalingeshvara Temple, Bailhongal, Karnataka

Ramalingeshvara Temple, Bailhongal, Karnataka

Ramalingeshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bailhongal Town in the Bailhongal Taluk of Belagavi District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Temple is famously called as Kalgudi (means stone temple in Kannada) by the locals, situated outside the ruined fort wall and close to Rani Chennamma tomb and memorial. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was believed to be built by Kadambas and was later extensively renovated by Chalukyas and Rattas. There are about two inscriptions of chieftains of Ratta Dynasty of Saundatti and Belgaum dated to 1086 CE in this temple.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The Temple consists of sanctum, antrala and ranga mandapa. The portion of the walls of the ranga mandapa was lost and later rebuilt with modern construction materials. The ranga mandapa has entrances from eastern, southern and northern sides. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Ramalingeshvara, in the form of Shiva Linga. The exterior walls of the temple is devoid of any decoration.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Bailhongal Bus Stand, 32 Kms from Munuvalli, 38 Kms from Belagavi Airport, 40 Kms from Saundatti, 44 Kms from Belagavi Railway Station, 49 Kms from Belagavi, 51 Kms from Dharwad, 53 Kms from Hubli and 71 Kms from Hubli Airport. Bailhongal is situated on Belagavi to Munuvalli route.

Location