Pranavesvara Temple, Talagunda – History

Pranavesvara Temple, Talagunda – History

The temple is in existence from the time of Satavahanas. However, the present structure was constructed by the Kadambas in 5^th century CE. Excavations around the present structure had revealed brick structure of the Satavahana period. There is an inscription on the right door jamb of the temple. It records a grant of money by certain Kakustha of Bhatari dynasty for feeding thirty residents of Sthana Kunjapura. The Kakustha of Bhatari dynasty might be a feudatory under the Kadambas.

There is another inscription on the left door jamb of the temple. It mentions Queen Prabhavati of Kekaya dynasty, the wife of Kadamba King Mrigeshavarman and the mother of Ravivarman, the successor of  Mrigeshavarman. Talagunda was the hometown of the Kadambas of Vaijayanti (Banvasi) who won over the Chutus and established the first indigenous Kannada kingdom in around the first quarter of the fourth century CE with their capital at Banvasi.

Talagunda was called as Sthala Kundura, Sthana Kundur and Sthana Kunjapura. Talagunda is famous for its pillar inscription discovered in 1894 CE by B.L Rice, then Director of Archaeological Research in Mysore and a celebrated pioneer of historical studies in Karnataka. This inscription dates back to the reign of Kadamba king Santivarman, son of Kakusthavarman. This inscription also records that the temple was worshipped by Satakarnis.

Talagunda is the earliest known agrahara (place of learning) found in Karnataka. An inscription dated to 1091 CE found at Talagunda mentions that 32 Brahmins were relocated from a place called Ahichchhatra to Sthana Kundur by Kadamba Mukanna (Trilochana / Trinetra). Mukanna was an ancestor of Mayura Sharma, the founder of the Kadamba Dynasty. The extensive remains of Ahichhatra, the capital town of Northern Panchala have been discovered near Ramnagar village of Aonla Tehsil in the district of Bareilly in the state of Uttara Pradesh.

A later inscription of Hangal Kadambas in Kargudari records that Mayuravarman came from the Himalayan regions and brought eighteen Brahmans from Ahichhatra with him and established them in Kuntala region. An inscription in Prakrit of the Satavahana period was found at Malvalli near Talagunda confirms that Talagunda was under the control of Satavahanas from 1^st century CE to 2^nd century CE.

Pranavesvara Temple, Talagunda – Talagunda Pillar Inscription

Pranavesvara Temple, Talagunda – Talagunda Pillar Inscription

The Talagunda pillar inscription is an epigraphic record in Sanskrit engraved on hard grey granite pillar found in front of the Pranavesvara Temple. However, the temple was largely destroyed and only ruins had survived when the pillar was rediscovered in late 19^th century. The inscription is dated to between 455 and 470 CE. The record is written by poet Kubja, under the order of the King Santivarman of Kadamba dynasty. The pillar is 1.635 metres (5.36 ft) high with a 0.4 metres (1.3 ft) square top. 

It is octagonal shaft that slightly tapers and narrows as it goes up. The width of the octagonal face is 0.178 metres (0.58 ft). The inscription is on all faces, but on 7 of the 8 faces, it consists of two vertical lines that start at the bottom of the pillar. On the eighth face, there is just one short line. The inscription begins with Siddham like numerous early inscriptions in India, and it invokes "Namo Shivaya". The inscription consists of 34 poetic verses that respect the chanda rules of Sanskrit.

However, it uses a mix of meters such as Pushpitagra, Indravajra, Vasantatilaka, Prachita and others. Each verse has four padas. The first 24 verses of the inscription are the earliest known use of matrasamaka meter. These features suggest that the author(s) of this inscription in South India had an intimate expertise in classical Sanskrit and Vedic literature on prosody. The inscription was discovered in 1894 by B. L. Rice, then Director of Archaeological Research in Mysore and a celebrated pioneer of historical studies in Karnataka.

He gave a photograph to the colonial era Indologist Buhler, who published it 1895. The inscription's historical significance caught the attention of the epigraphist Fleet who published some notes. Rice published a translation of the inscription in 1902, in volume 7 of Epigraphia Carnatica. A more accurate reading of the inscription and more exhaustive interpretation and translation was published by the Sanskrit scholar Kielhorn in Epigraphia Indica in 1906. Sircar included the record in his Select Inscriptions. 

More recent collections have included the inscription again, notably those by B. R. Gopal, and G. S. Gai. The inscription gives an account of a Brahmin Kadamba dynasty and the reign of King Santivarman of Kadamba dynasty in northwest Karnataka. It records the genealogy of the Kadamba dynasty from its founder Mayurasharma till King Santivarman. It records that King Kakusthavarman, father of King Santivarman constructed a great tank near a Shiva temple at Sthala Kundura (Talagunda) where Satakarnis and other kings had formerly worshiped.

It also mentions that the Kadamba family belonged to Manavya gotra and descended from Haritiputra. It mentions that the Kadambas were a Brahmin family devoted to the study of Vedas and performer of sacrificial rites. They got their name from the fact that they carefully tended a Kadamba tree which grew near their home. This inscription records that Mayurasharma, native of Talagunda, was accomplished in vaidika and went to the Pallava capital, Kanchipuram to study scriptures, accompanied by his guru and grandfather Veerasharma.

Mayurasharma was a humiliated by a Pallava guard (horseman) in Kanchipuram. Due to this incident, Mayurasharma gave up his Brahminic studies and took to the sword to avenge his insult. Mayurasharma defeated the frontier-guards of the Pallavas and occupied the forest stretching to the gates of Sriparvata (Srisailam). The Pallavas recognized his valour and made a pact with him by which he entered in their service and eventually received territory of his own.

Mayurasharma was anointed as a king of this territory. The inscription attests to the importance of Kanchipuram as a center (ghatika) for advanced studies in ancient India. This inscription also mentions that King Kakusthavarman married his daughter to the royal family of the Gupta dynasty. Kadambas were also matrimonially associated with the Western Gangas and the Vakatakas.

Pranavesvara Temple, Talagunda, Karnataka

Pranavesvara Temple, Talagunda, Karnataka

Pranavesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Talagunda Village in Shikaripura Taluk in Shivamogga District in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/01/pranavesvara-temple-talagunda-history.html

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum and ardha mandapa. Both the sanctum and ardha mandapa are square on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Pranavesvara / Pranava Lingeshwara in the form of huge Shiva Linga on bhadra pitha. The doorjambs of the sanctum doorway is said to have been carved from the inscriptional slabs with early Kadamba inscriptions. The doorjambs might have been made in 11^th century CE. The pillar is located in front of the temple. The famous Talagunda pillar inscription is engraved on this hard grey granite pillar.

The pillar is about 1.635 metres (5.36 ft) high with a 0.4 metres (1.3 ft) square top. It is octagonal shaft that slightly tapers and narrows as it goes up. The width of the octagonal face is 0.178 metres (0.58 ft). The inscription is on all faces, but on 7 of the 8 faces, it consists of two vertical lines that start at the bottom of the pillar. On the eighth face, there is just one short line.  Hero stones, Nandis, Nagas, Lingas and architectural fragments can be found scattered in the temple premises.

Talagunda Pillar Inscription

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/01/pranavesvara-temple-talagunda-talagunda-pillar-inscription.html

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Balligavi, 7 Kms from Shiralakoppa, 20 Kms from Hirekerur, 23 Kms from Soraba, 27 Kms from Shikaripura, 46 Kms from Sagara Railway Station, 78 Kms from Shivamogga and 134 Kms from Hubballi Airport. The temple is situated at about 7 Kms to the north of Shiralakoppa on Hirekerur to Soraba route.

Location

Harneshwar Temple, Velapur, Maharashtra

Harneshwar Temple, Velapur, Maharashtra

Harneshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Velapur Village in Malshiras Taluk in Solapur District in Maharashtra, India. The temple is also known as Ardhanari Nateshwar Temple. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Maharashtra declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple was constructed in 12^th century by the two brothers namely Bramhadev Raina and Baidev Raina during the reign of King Ramchandra (1271 – 1311 CE) of Seuna Yadava Dynasty of Devagiri.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with a mahadwara. The temple follows Hemadpanti style of architecture. There is a stepwell immediately after the mahadwara. The stepwell is completely enclosed and can be entered from the eastern and the western sides. Nandi housed in a four pillared mandapa can be seen in front of the temple facing towards the sanctum. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, ardha mandapa and mukha mandapa.

The mukha mandapa is a pillared open hall. The entrance portion of the mukha mandapa is provided with a parapet wall with a seating arrangement in the interior. Another Nandi housed in a pedestal can be seen immediately after the mukha mandapa facing towards the sanctum. An image of Gaja Lakshmi is carved on the lintel of the sanctum doorway. The sanctum enshrines an image of Ardhanareeswara.

This image is housed in a square avudaiyar. The right part of the image represents Lord Shiva and left part represents goddess Parvati. The sanctum is crowned with a curvilinear shikara. The Goshala is situated on the left side of the stepwell. Shrines and idols of Ganesha, Khandoba, Nagdevata, Bhairav, Hanuman, and Amba can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

The month of Shravan is considered auspicious. Devotees throng this temple during this month to worship the lord Shiva.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 500 metres from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, 1 Km from Velapur Bus Stop, 12 Kms from Akluj, 19 Kms from Malshiras, 32 Kms from Pandharpur, 73 Kms from Phaltan, 105 Kms from Solapur and 175 Kms from Pune Airport. The temple is situated at about 500 metres to the south of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk on Pandharpur to Malshiras route.

Location

Wadeshwar Temple, Ambhai – The Temple

Wadeshwar Temple, Ambhai – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west. All the shrines connects to the common sabha mandapa through their respective vestibules. Nandi can be seen in the sabha mandapa facing towards the central shrine. The western shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The southern shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The northern shrine is dedicated to Saptamatrikas.

The western shrine is the central and the prominent shrine. The antarala of the central shrine has niches on its lateral wall, which are empty at present. The doorway of the central shrine has three bands of decoration. The first band has scroll design, middle band has images of musicians and the third one has images of animals. The doorway is flanked by pilasters with the bases left uncarved. The doorway appears incomplete as the usual figures of dvarapalas, and attendants are missing over the bases.

The doorways of the other two subsidiary shrines are complete with respect to the carvings. The lalata bimba of the doorway has a carving of Ganesha. The architrave above the lintel has a frieze of five niches made of pillared shrines. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Wadeshwar, in the form of Shiva Linga. The southern shrine is more decorated than the central shrine.

The doorway has three bands of decoration similar to the central shrine. The lalata bimba of the doorway has a carving of Ganesha. The lintel has an image of Vishnu in the center with Lord Shiva and Brahma over the terminals. The recessed space is occupied by standing figures of Navagraha. The presence of Vishnu in the center suggests the shrine was dedicated to him.

The antarala has niches on its lateral walls, occupied by Brahmi and Vaishnavi. The northern shrine is also more decorated than the central shrine. The doorway has three bands of decoration similar to the central shrine. The lalata bimba of the doorway has a carving of Ganesha. The lintel has seven figures of the Saptamatrikas. The presence of Saptamatrikas in the upper lintel suggests that the shrine was dedicated to some goddess.

The antarala has niches on its lateral walls, occupied by Brahmi and Vaishnavi. The superstructures over the shrines and the mandapas are of recent additions. The base of the temple has five moldings. The exterior walls of the southern and northern shrines have two bands of decoration. The lower band is decorated with sculptures of dikpalas, and surasundaris and the upper band has multiple moldings devoid of any sculptures.

Images of Chamunda, Kartikeya and Natesha can be seen on the bhadra niches of the northern shrine. Images of Varaha, Narasimha and Surya can be seen on the bhadra niches of the southern shrine. The eaves run around the shrines where the superstructure meets the wall of the shrine. The eaves carries chaitya motifs on the top. The exterior walls of the main shrine has been reconstructed with plain blocks.

Wadeshwar Temple, Ambhai, Maharashtra

Wadeshwar Temple, Ambhai, Maharashtra

Wadeshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ambhai Village in Sillod Taluk in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar District in Maharashtra, India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Maharashtra declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to have been built in 12^th century CE by the Western Chalukyas.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2025/01/wadeshwar-temple-ambhai-temple.html

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 14 Kms from Bharadi, 26 Kms from Sillod, 57 Kms from Pachora, 61 Kms from Pachora Junction Railway Station, 89 Kms from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and 92 Kms from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Airport. The temple is situated at about 14 Kms to the north of Bharadi on the Sillod to Pachora route.

Location

Siddheshwar Temple, Akole, Maharashtra

Siddheshwar Temple, Akole, Maharashtra

Siddheshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Akole City in Akole Taluk in Ahmednagar District in Maharashtra, India. The temple is situated on the southern bank of Pravara River. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Maharashtra declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 13^th century CE by the Shilahara dynasty. The temple was buried till 1780 CE under the deposits of Pravara River and then was excavated and cleaned.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. Nandi can be seen in the mukha mandapa facing towards the sanctum. The sabha mandapa has entrance porches on the southern and northern sides. However, these entrance porches are closed by parapet walls. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Siddheshwar, in the form of Shiva Linga within circular yonipitha.

The sanctum can be entered from the back side through a mukha mandapa. This mukha mandapa is reconstructed with typical Peshwa style cusped arches and stocky cypress pillars. The niches on the northern and southern walls of the sanctum have dilapidated images of Chamunda and Nataraja. The pillars of the temple are intricately carved with figures of Hindu deities, dancers, floral motifs, and geometric patterns.

The doorframes of the sabha mandapa, eastern and western entrances of the sanctum are intricately carved. The exterior of the temple is decorated with figures of Hindu deities, dancers, animals, kirtimukhas, Samudramanthan, floral motifs, and geometric patterns. Sculptures of camels can be found rarely in Maharashtra, but it is found in this temple. Shrine for Hanuman, Lingas, Nandis, Loose sculptures of Hindu deities, Hero stones and architectural fragments can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Akole Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Sangamner, 35 Kms from Bhandardara, 72 Kms from Nashik, 86 Kms from Nashik Airport, 118 Kms from Ahmednagar and 161 Kms from Pune Airport. The temple is situated at about 1 Km to the north-east of Akole Bus Stand on Bhandardara to Sangamner route.

Location

Gangadhareshwar Temple, Akole, Maharashtra

Gangadhareshwar Temple, Akole, Maharashtra

Gangadhareshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Akole City in Akole Taluk in Ahmednagar District in Maharashtra, India. This temple is a privately owned temple by the Potnis family. The temple is situated on the southern bank of Pravara River.

History

This temple was built in 1782 CE by Sardar Madhavrao Malharrao Potnis from Gwalior. This temple was built on a plot of land given as a gift by the ruler of Gwalior state.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple follows Hemadpanti style of architecture. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The super structure over the mukha mandapa and sabha mandapa are of pyramidal style. Nandi can be seen in antrala facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum doorway is intricately carved.

Images of river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna along with their attendants can be seen at the base of the doorjamb. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Gangadhareshwar in the form of Shiva Linga within circular yonipitha. The interior of the temple is decorated with various Hindu deities, animals, floral motifs and geometrical patterns. The exterior of the temple is devoid of any decoration except the floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 500 metres from Akole Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Sangamner, 35 Kms from Bhandardara, 72 Kms from Nashik, 86 Kms from Nashik Airport, 118 Kms from Ahmednagar and 161 Kms from Pune Airport. The temple complex is situated at about 500 metres to the north of Akole Bus Stand on Bhandardara to Sangamner route.

Location