Hooli Group of Temples – The Group of Temples

Hooli Group of Temples – The Group of Temples

Hooli village consists of several ancient times scattered around the village. Most of the temples are in dilapidated condition and in need of conservation. Most of the temples have their floor dug up for treasure hunts, so much is lost and stolen. Panchalingeshwara Temple is the most important temple in the village. It is the least damaged and remains intact.

Panchalingeshwara Temple:

This temple is a rare example of Panchakuta (five shrines with five towers) style. This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists five sanctums with their respective sukhanasi, common navaranga and an open mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa has a staggered square plan and can be entered from five sides; two lateral and one each in the north, south and east.

The mukha mandapa is large and its ceiling is supported by massive pillars. The mukha mandapa is enclosed by parapet walls on all sides. The outer pillars are placed on parapet with moldings with low-relief sculptures. Images of Sapta Matrikas, Vishnu, Bhairava, Ranganatha, Varaha, Shiva and Ganapathy can be seen in the navaranga. Three sanctums are arranged in a row at the back and other two shrines are on the sides facing each other.

All these sanctums are crowned with Kadamba nagara style shikaras. The exterior walls of the temple are plain and devoid of any decorations. The temple has four inscriptions (two slabs in the navaranga and two outside, of which one is broken). The navaranga has an inscription dated to 1181 CE belonging to the Kalachuri ruler Ahavamalla, son of Bijjala. It records the gift of watershed to the temple. There is a modern Hari Mandir situated opposite to this temple.

Other Temples:

The other notable temples situated in the village are;

·        Andhakeshwara Temple

·        Bhavnisankara Temple

·        Kalmeshwara Temple

·        Kashi Vishwanatha Temple

·        Madaneshwara Temple

·        Suryanarayan Temple

·        Tarkeshwara Temple

·        Sangameshwara Ajjanavaru Temple

·        Beerdevar Temple

·        Suryanarayan Temple