Sarasvati Temple, Gadag, Karnataka

Sarasvati Temple, Gadag, Karnataka

Sarasvati Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Sarasvati located in Gadag Town in Gadag Taluk in Gadag District in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is situated within the Trikuteshwara temple complex. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central 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. This temple is believed to be built in 11^th century CE by the Western Chalukyas.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards north. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and an open mandapa. The mandapa is supported by four central full pillars and fourteen half pillars. The pillars are square at base, recessing to octagon and then to round near the capital. The central pillars are intricately carved. The antarala is an open space without a doorway.

The doorjamb of the sanctum has five bands of decoration. The dedicatory block over lintel has an image of Gaja Lakshmi. The sanctum enshrines an image of goddess Saraswathi. The image is in damaged condition and stands over a pedestal. There are three shrines dedicated to Saraswathi, Gayathri and Sharada situated adjacent to the temple.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Gadag Old Bus Stand, 2.5 Kms from Gadag Railway Station, 2.5 Kms from Gadag New Bus Stand, 39 Kms from Laxmeshwar, 56 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