Nagareshvara Temple, Bankapura, Karnataka

Nagareshvara Temple, Bankapura, Karnataka

Nagareshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bankapura Town in Shiggaon Taluk in Haveri District of Karnataka state, India. This temple is also called as Aruvattu Kambagala Gudi (Sixty Pillars Temple). The temple is situated inside the ruined Bankapura fort. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Temple was built by Western Chalukyas in 11^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction by the armies of Firoz Shah Bahamani in 1406 CE and later again by the Bijapur Sultan Adil Shah.  The temple retains its original beauty despite the plunder by Muslim armies. There are two short inscriptions which begin with a salutation to Shambu (Lord Shiva). There are other inscriptions in the temple, two of which are dated to 1091 CE & 1138 CE recording the grants to this temple.

The temple is situated inside the ruined Bankapura fort. The Bankapura fort was considered one of the most important fortifications in the Karnataka region during medieval times. The name Bankapura was derived from Bankeya, who was a renowned general of Rashtrakuta emperor Amoghavarsha I (Nripatunga). Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana made Bankapura as the capital of his northern territories in 1140 CE.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/11/nagareshvara-temple-bankapura-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Bankapura Bus Stand, 23 Kms from Haveri, 25 Kms from Haveri Railway Station, 26 Kms from Hangal, 38 Kms from Lakshmeshwar, 57 Kms from Hubli, 60 Kms from Hubli Airport and 75 Kms from Dharwad. The Temple is situated on Hangal to Lakshmeshwar route.

Location