Mahalingeshwara Temple, Gokak, Karnataka

Mahalingeshwara Temple, Gokak, Karnataka

Mahalingeshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Gokak City in Gokak Taluk in Belagavi District in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is situated close to Gokak Falls on the banks of Ghataprabha River. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built in 1153 CE during the reign of Kartaveerya III of Ratta Dynasty. The temple was mentioned as Thateshwara Temple in an inscription belonged to Kartaveerya III found in the temple. Inscriptions dating back to 12^th century CE can be seen in the temple premises. These inscriptions refers to the Jain temple in the village. But these inscription slabs are fixed in the walls of this temple. These inscriptions records the genealogy of the Tonda Mandalikas and grant of the Kundanur village for the benefit of a temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards north and follows Kalyani Chalukyan style of architecture. The temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapa, sabha mandapa with entrances on the eastern, western and northern sides. The sabha mandapa is enclosed by parapet walls on all sides except the entrances. Nandi can be seen in the sabha mandapa facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Mahalingeshwara / Thateshwara in the form of Shiva Linga. The exterior is devoid of any decorations except the niches and the pilaster designs.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Konnur, 5 Kms from Konnur Railway Station, 7 Kms from Gokak Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Ghataprabha, 14 Kms from Arabhavi, 27 Kms from Hukkeri, 73 Kms from Belagavi and 122 Kms from Hubballi Airport. The temple is situated on Gokak to Konnur route.

Location