Rameshvara Temple, Gadag, Karnataka

Rameshvara Temple, Gadag, Karnataka

Rameshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Gadag Town in Gadag Taluk in Gadag District in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is situated close to the Someshvara Temple. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

Gadag was known as Gadugu, Kratapura, Kratuka, Kardugu and Galadugu. It is believed that Gadag was established as Agrahara (brahmin settlement) by Janamejaya of the Mahabharata era. Gadag was under the control of Rashtrakutas, Western Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Seunas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara Kings in the course of history. Gadag was a prominent Kalamukha center during the medieval period.

The Temple

This temple is similar in plan and style to Someshvara Temple. The temple is completely in dilapidated state. This temple is facing towards east. The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west. The temple consisted of sanctum, antrala, closed navaranga with two shrines on the northern & southern side and open mukha mandapa. The navaranga was connected to a mukha mandapa.

The western side of the navaranga was left undressed suggesting that an open mukha mandapa was attached to it. There are four niches in the navaranga. Two niches are located on either side of the antrala and the other two niches are on the opposite lateral walls. All these niches are empty at present. The central ceiling of the navaranga is supported on four pillars. The pillars are depicted with intricate floral motifs and geometrical designs.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 750 metres from Gadag Old Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Gadag Railway Station, 3 Kms from Gadag New Bus Stand, 39 Kms from Laxmeshwar, 55 Kms from Gajendragad, 58 Kms from Hubballi, 63 Kms from Hubballi Airport and 76 Kms from Dharwad. Gadag is situated on Gajendragad to Laxmeshwar route.

Location