Trikuteshwara Temple, Gadag –
The Temple Complex
The temple is facing towards east with a mahadvara. The temple is constructed in dvikuta chala style, consisting of two shrines, one each on east and west. The central shrine (western shrine) consists of sanctum, vestibule and closed mandapa with two entrances, one on east and another on south. The southern doorway of the closed mandapa is provided with a porch. The eastern doorway of the closed mandapa has Gaja Lakshmi with four elephants on its lintel.
The antrala doorway is flanked by perforated screens on either side. The doorway has Gaja Lakshmi on its lintel. Images of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva can be seen above the lintel. The sanctum enshrines three Shiva Lingas mounted on a same pitha representing Hindu trinity of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Thus, Lord Shiva of this temple came to be called as Trikuteshwara.
The niches around the sanctum are empty except the northern niche enshrines an image of Lord Vishnu. The shikhara of the main shrine has been reconstructed over the time however its lower tier is still the original showing the aedicular arrangement. The eastern shrine consists of sanctum, vestibule and a massive open mandapa. The open mandapa is connected to the main shrine through its eastern doorway of the closed mandapa.
The sanctum enshrines a pedestal with the feet of an image once stood here. The shikhara of the eastern shrine has not survived. There were entrances into the temple on the northern and southern side between the closed mandapa and open mandapa. The northern side has been closed to form a small shrine. The interior of the temple is simple and devoid of any decoration. The open space between the parapet wall and beam below cornice is absent here.
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This open space is usually adorned with slanted slabs, but in this temple this space is closed with perforated stone screens. These perforated screens are decorated with medallions and has openings on each alternate square section. The parapet walls has been carved with panels depicting shikharas separated with pilasters. Carvings of dancers, musicians, demi-gods, gods, ascetics and elephants can be seen under these shikaras.
Sarasvati Temple:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2022/11/sarasvati-temple-gadag-karnataka.html
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