Chandramouleshwara Temple, Unkal, Karnataka

Chandramouleshwara Temple, Unkal, Karnataka

Chandramouleshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Unkal, a suburb of Hubli City in Dharwad District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is situated on the banks of scenic Unkal Lake beside the Nrupatunga Hills. Unkal was called as Unukallu in ancient times.

Legends

Unfinished Temple:

As per local folklore, the Chalukyas wanted to boast their expertise and wealth to their enemies. Hence, they instructed architects to build this temple overnight. The architects could not complete the work within a night and the temple structure remains incomplete to this date. As per legend, the sculptor Jaknacharya and his son built this temple.

Relief from sins for killing innocent people in war:

As per legend, it is believed that the Chalukyas wanted to get relief from the sins committed in war by killing innocent people. Hence, they built this temple and worshipped Lord Shiva for relief from their sins.

History

The Temple was built in 11th century CE by Western Chalukyas. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and houses two Shiva Lingas. The main shrine houses the presiding deity, Chandramouleshwara, in the form of Shiva Linga. It is facing towards east and has four entrances in all four cardinal directions. Each sides are provided with its own antechamber. The outer doors of the antechambers are flanked with perforated screens. The dedicatory images on the lintel above the doorway has Gaja Lakshmi on two sides and Saraswathi on other two sides.

The temple might have been originally dedicated to Lord Brahma. Later, it was replaced with the present Shiva Linga. The other Linga known as Chaturmukha Linga (four faced Linga) is housed in another shrine. This Linga might be the head portion of the Lord Brahma idol once housed in the main sanctum. The shikara over the sanctum is lost completely. Images of Lord Brahma, various forms of Lord Shiva and incarnations of Lord Vishnu can be seen on the exterior walls of the temple.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 07.30 PM.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 750 metres from Unkal Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Unkal Railway Station, 2 Kms from Hubli, 4 Kms from Hubli Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Hubli Junction Railway Station, 7 Kms from Hubli Airport, 17 Kms from Dharwad, 18 Kms from Dharwad Railway Station and 20 Kms from Dharwad Bus Stand. The temple is situated on Hubli to Dharwad route.

Location