Mahadeva Temple, Badagaon, Madhya Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple, Badagaon, Madhya Pradesh

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Badagaon Village in Sagar District in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is believed to be built in 11^th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Madhya Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over high raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa. The temple is pancharatha on plan. The mukha mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The sanctum is square on plan. The doorjamb of the sanctum doorway is intricately carved.

The sanctum has a nagara style shikara crowned with amalaka and kalasha on top of it. The antrala has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The mukha mandapa has a pyramidal style superstructure. The bhadra and karna portions of the external walls are intricately carved.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Badagaon Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Ghuwara, 30 Kms from Tikamgarh, 37 Kms from Shahgarh, 111 Kms from Sagar, 258 Kms from Bhopal and 264 Kms from Bhopal Airport. The temple is situated on Shahgarh to Tikamgarh route.

Location

Lokeshwara Temple, Udagi, Karnataka

Lokeshwara Temple, Udagi, Karnataka

Lokeshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Udagi Village in Sedam Taluk in Kalaburagi District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Temple is believed to be built in 10th century CE by Rashtrakuta Dynasty.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Lokeshwara in the form of Shiva Linga within square yonipitha. The sanctum is crowned with pyramidal style shikara. There is a deepa stambha situated outside the temple in the courtyard.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Malkhed Road Railway Station, 11 Kms from Diggaon, 14 Kms from Malkhed, 14 Kms from Sedam Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Sedam, 19 Kms from Chittapur, 42 Kms from Gulbarga Airport, 53 Kms from Gulbarga, 56 Kms from Yadgir and 161 Kms from Hyderabad Airport. The Temple is situated on Sedam to Chittapur route via Diggaon.

Location

Mallikarjuna Temple, Kuruvatti – The Temple

Mallikarjuna Temple, Kuruvatti – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mandapa with three entrances. The northern and southern entrances are provided with porches while the eastern entrance is provided with a modern mandapa enshrining the Nandi. The eastern doorway of the mandapa is the most elaborate among others and is noted for its exquisite bracket figures (Madanikas) adorning the entrance. The doorjambs has six bands of decoration. The dedicatory block of the lintel of the doorway has an image of Gaja Lakshmi.

An image of Western Chalukyan King Someshvara I with his consorts can be seen in the southern porch. The central ceiling of the mandapa is supported by four pillars. The pillars have square bases and each face of the square base is carved with images of Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Surya, Bhairavi, Ganesha, Kali, Sarasvati and a saint enshrined inside a nagara shrine. Images of Surya with a serpent canopy and Ganesha can be seen in the mandapa. The antrala has a free standing torana supported on two pillars.

The niches formed by loops emerging from makaras has an image of Shiva at the center flanked by Brahma and Vishnu on his either sides. Images of Bhairava, Shiva, devotees, couple and ladies can be seen in the antrala. The sanctum is square on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Mallikarjuna Swamy in the form of Shiva Linga. The doorjambs of the sanctum has five bands of decoration. The base of the doorjamb has dvarapalas.

The exterior of the sanctum has three niches in three directions. The southern niche enshrines a damaged image of Bhairava, western niche enshrines a damaged image of Nataraja and norther niche enshrines an image of Ugra Narasimha. The tower over the sanctum is crowned with kalasa on top and is of five tiers. The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The exterior of the temple are decorated with miniature shrines, pilasters and toranas.

Mallikarjuna Temple, Kuruvatti, Karnataka

Mallikarjuna Temple, Kuruvatti, Karnataka

Mallikarjuna Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kuruvatti Village in Hoovina Hadagali Taluk in Ballari District in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is situated on the banks of Tungabhadra river. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

Mallikarjuna Swamy:

As per legend, Lord Shiva killed the demons for the benefit of the world at this place. He revealed himself in a form of Lingam and came to be called as Mallikarjuna Swamy. Lord Nandi came here in search of Mallikarjuna Swamy, found him on the bank of Tungabhadra River, sat in front of him and started worshiping him from then on.

Kuruvathi:

As per legend, Lord Basaveshwara (Nandi, mount of Lord Shiva) came here to heal the wounds (Kuru) of the devotees. Hence, the place came to be called as Kuruvathi.

History

The temple was built in the 11^th century CE by Western Chalukyas and later was extensively renovated by Hoysalas. As per the inscription dated to 1099 CE, the temple was constructed in the memory of deceased Chalukya King Someshvara I who committed voluntary suicide at Kuruvathi in 1062 CE. Lord Shiva of this temple came to be called as Abhinava Someshvara / Ahavamallesvara / Trailokya Mallesvara after the deceased king. The temple might have been constructed between 1070 and 1100 CE by the King Vikramaditya VI, the heir apparent of the deceased Chalukya King Someshvara I.

Most of the inscriptions are dated to Western Chalukyan King Vikramaditya VI. Few of the inscriptions are dated to Gutta Kings, feudatory rulers under the control of Western Chalukyas. Kuruvathi was the abode of Lokabharana, the Rajaguru of Hoysala king Ballala II. The chief queen of Ballala II, Padumaladevi, also made a grant at Kuruvathi to god Ahavamallesvara. The village had been referred as Dakshina Varanasi in one of the inscription.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/02/mallikarjuna-temple-kuruvatti-temple.html

Festivals

The maha Rathotsava is celebrated on Maha Shivaratri Amavasya (new moon) day during February–March. Devotees from all over Karnataka and other nearby states in India visit this place during this festival. The Lord Nandi idol is kept inside the ratha and then it moves based on the particular Nakshatra named Magha that match at some point of time. This ratha does not move unless and until Nakshatra matches Magha (nakshatra). Once the Nakshatra is matched, devotees will pull the ratha.

Later when the ratha starts moving, the devotees then offer flower garlands, coconuts and banana fruits to the Lord Nandi ratha. Daily pujas are conducted for the Lord Nandi. There are some special pujas performed during the time of festivals and during Maha Shivaratri. Holige and ghee is served as Naivedya to Lord Nandi. A special puja is performed to the Lord Nandi and Mallikarjuna Swamy during the Kartika. The devotees are provided with Prasadam (food) on the Amavasya (new moon) day of every month which is provided by the devotees in form of Dana.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3 Kms from Mylara, 4 Kms from Mylara Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Guttal, 13 Kms from Guttal Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Halavagal, 31 Kms from Ranebennur Railway Station, 32 Kms from Ranebennur, 38 Kms from Harapanahalli, 40 Kms from Haveri, 40 Kms from Huvina Hadagali, 44 Kms from Harihar, 53 Kms from Davanagere, 126 Kms from Hubballi Airport and 168 Kms from Ballari. The temple is situated on Guttal to Halavagal route via Mylara.

Location

Chikkigudi Temple, Aihole, Karnataka

Chikkigudi Temple, Aihole, Karnataka

Chikkigudi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the heart of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. This temple is situated to the north of the Ambigergudi.

History

The temples are dated between 7^th century CE by the Chalukyas. The temples are protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum with circumbulatory path, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa can be accessed through flight of three steps. The mukha mandapa is supported by four pillars. The sabha mandapa is supported by four pillars and two pilasters. The entrance of the sanctum has decorative door jambs with floral motifs. Images of Brahma, Vrishabhavahana Shiva and Vishnu are carved within the chaitya arches on the decorative door jambs.

The lintel of the doorway of the sanctum has an image of Garuda in flying posture holding the snakes in his two hands. The river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna can be seen at the base of the doorjambs on either side. The exterior wall of the sanctum is provided with niches on three sides. The circumbulatory path receives the light and ventilation through the latticed windows on three sides of the walls of the temple.

The remains of the shikara suggest that it might have had a nagara style shikara over the sanctum. This temple is exceptionally rich in ceiling decoration with carvings of a lotus in a square flanked on four sides by flying gandharvas, Ananta Sayana Vishnu on Ananta with Lakshmi & Lord Brahma emerging out from his navel sitting in padmasana on a lotus,  Trivikrama, Thandava Shiva with Parvathy & Ganesha and Lord Shiva killing the demon Andhakasura.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 500 metres from Aihole Bus Stand. Aihole is located at about 13 Kms from Pattadakal, 30 Kms from Badami Railway Station, 33 Kms from Bagalkot Junction Railway Station, 34 Kms from Badami, 38 Kms from Bagalkot, 88 Kms from Gadag, 136 Kms from Hubballi Airport, 164 Kms from Belgaum Airport, 277 Kms from Goa and 446 Kms from Bengaluru. Aihole is situated on Pattadakal to Amingad route.

Location

Charanthi Matha, Aihole, Karnataka

Charanthi Matha, Aihole, Karnataka

Charanthi Matha is a group of Jain temples dedicated to Jain Thirthankaras, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the heart of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. The group of temples were believed to be constructed in 1120 CE by the later Chalukyas as per the inscription available in this temple. The temples are protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Group of Temples

The Charanthi Matha group of temples consists of three Jain temples.

Main Temple:

The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on south, east and west. The main shrine is facing towards north. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The sabha mandapa entrance has the image of Mahavira with two female attendants on the dedicatory block. The sabha mandapa is supported by four central pillars on a low raised platform and twelve pilasters on the side walls.

There is a stone staircase leads to the roof above can be seen in the sabha mandapa.  The antrala entrance has the image of Mahavira seated on a lion throne accompanied by two chauri bearer attendants on the dedicatory block. The sanctum entrance has the image of Mahavira with two female attendants on the dedicatory block. There is a triple umbrella over his head. He is shown seated in padmasana posture in dyana mudra.

The shikara over the shrine is of stepped shrinking concentric squares pyramidal style. The subsidiary shrines consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by four pillars. The antrala and sanctum entrance has the image of Mahavira with two female attendants on the dedicatory block. The shikara over the sanctum is of stepped pyramidal style. The exterior walls of the shrine are decorated with miniature temples separated by pilasters.

Temple No 2:

Temple No 2 actually consists of two temples facing towards south. The temples consists of individual sanctum and sabha mandapa with a common mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by five pillars and two pilasters. The sabha mandapa is supported by four central pillars.  The temples has the image of Mahavira carved on the dedicatory block. The door jambs are intricately carved with floral motifs and miniature human & animal figures. Sculptures of Yalis can be seen on the pilasters. There is no idol in the sanctum. The temple near to this shrine is similar in plan. 

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 500 metres from Aihole Bus Stand. Aihole is located at about 13 Kms from Pattadakal, 30 Kms from Badami Railway Station, 33 Kms from Bagalkot Junction Railway Station, 34 Kms from Badami, 38 Kms from Bagalkot, 88 Kms from Gadag, 136 Kms from Hubballi Airport, 164 Kms from Belgaum Airport, 277 Kms from Goa and 446 Kms from Bengaluru. Aihole is situated on Pattadakal to Amingad route.

Location

Nadyar Gudi, Aihole, Karnataka

Nadyar Gudi, Aihole, Karnataka

Nadyar Gudi is a Hindu Temple, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the heart of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. The temple was probably built in the 8^th century CE by the Chalukyas. This temple is situated close to Suryanarayana Temple. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is built in trikutachala style of architecture. This temple is probably the first temple built in this style. Only one shrine has shikara over it and the other two were lost. The roof of the temple is built in the form of wooden logs and this style is common among the temples in this complex. The pillars in the mandapa are cylindrical and ornate. The pillars are precursor to the Hoysala lathe turned pillars.

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 100 meters from Aihole Bus Stand. Aihole is located at about 13 Kms from Pattadakal, 30 Kms from Badami Railway Station, 33 Kms from Bagalkot Junction Railway Station, 34 Kms from Badami, 38 Kms from Bagalkot, 88 Kms from Gadag, 136 Kms from Hubballi Airport, 164 Kms from Belgaum Airport, 277 Kms from Goa and 446 Kms from Bengaluru. Aihole is situated on Pattadakal to Amingad route.

Location

Mahadeva Temple, Kurdi, Goa

Mahadeva Temple, Kurdi, Goa

Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kurdi village in Sanguem Taluk in South Goa District in Goa, India. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE by the Kadamba Dynasty. This temple was originally situated in Kurdi Angod on the banks of river Salaulem. The construction of a dam across Salaulem river had threatened the temple to be submerged in the waters. Hence, the temple was dismantled systematically and reconstructed in the current place.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum and an entrance porch. The entrance porch was supported by two pillars. The pillars are square at the base and fluted shaft with petal design having square shaped capital, decorated with kirtimukhas. Nandi can be found in the porch facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum is square in plan. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga.

The sanctum doorway has three bands of decoration. The dedicatory block of the lintel of the sanctum doorway has carving of Ganesha. The architrave above the lintel has five miniature niches separated by pilasters. The central niche has a carving of seated female figure and the carvings on the other niches are unidentifiable. The base of the doorjamb has images of river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna with their female attendants.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Sanguem, 5 Kms from Sanguem Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Sanvordem Railway Station, 27 Kms from Margao, 55 Kms from Panaji Airport and 63 Kms from Panaji. The temple is situated at about 5 Kms from Sanguem on the banks of Salaulem dam.

Location

Balunkesvara Temple, Balapur, Odisha

Balunkesvara Temple, Balapur, Odisha

Balunkesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Balapur Village in Satyabadi Block in Puri District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the bank of Bhargavi river. The temple is under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE by Somavamsis. However, the temple was completely rebuilt in 19^th century CE.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of rekha vimana and mandapa. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The vimana is square on plan whereas the mandapa is rectangular on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Balunkesvara in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.

The exterior is decorated with pidhamundis in the upper jangha, base of the gandi & over the parsvadevata niches, dopichhasimhas & deulacharinis over the beki and projecting lion on each raha. Images of six armed Nataraja over Nandi, four armed Varaha, four armed Narasimha, Garuda, Hanuman, Avalokiteshvara and hero stone can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima and Rakhi Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Pattanaikia Chowk, 8 Kms from Bir Purusottampur Railway Station, 9 Kms from Sakhigopal, 9 Kms from Sakhigopal Railway Station, 26 Kms from Puri, 37 Kms from Konark, 42 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport and 46 Kms from Bhubaneswar. The temple is situated at about 5 Kms to the northeast of Pattanaikia Chowk on Puri to Bhubaneswar route.

Location