Located in the town of of Gadag, 50 km southeast of Hubli-Dharwad, in Karnataka, Trikuteshwara temple Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva is a treasure trove of architecture and amazing ornate pillars. What is unique is three Shiva lingas are mounted on the same stone. Also present is a shrine dedicated to goddess Sarasvati. The temple dates back to the Kalyani Chalukyas(?). He ruled this region from 1050 to 1200 CE and is said to have built as many as 50 temples during his reign. The architect of this temple was Amara Shilpi Jakanachari(?). The Badami Chalukyas were builders of amazing temples of architectural beauty and splendor in the Deccan region. Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal are said to have been their veritable centers of art and culture. They were succeeded by the Rashtrakutas and the Kalyani Chalukyas. |
| Trikuteshwara_Temple,_Gadag,KA en.wikipedia.org |
The temple is known for richly ornate pillars with stone carvings and beautiful carved figurines. Inside the hall, the columns have shallow niches displaying figures. Enshrined in the sanctum on the east side are three lingas representing Brahma, Maheshwara and Vishnu; the one to the south is dedicated to the goddess.
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| Trikuteshwara_Temple,_Gadag,KA en.wikipedia.org |
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| Trikuteshwara_Temple,_Gadag,KA hindutemples-india.blogspot.com |
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| Trikuteshwara_Temple,_Gadag,KA .itslife.in |
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| Nandi (bull),Trikuteshwara_Temple,_Gadag,KA thechinasociety.org |
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| ornate pillars, Sarasvati temple, Gadak, KA.commons.wikimedia.org |
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| Saraswati temple, Gadak, KA.commons.wikimedia.org |
The balcony seats with incline slab are decorated with figurative panels and are overhung by steeply angled eaves. Yet another shrine in the complex is dedicated to three devis — Saraswathi, Gayathri and Sharada. No puja is done at Saraswathi temple because it had been vandalised in the early age, but the architecture is mre or less intact. |
Trikuteshwara_Temple, tank Gadag, KA en.wikipedia.org
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A number of late Chalukya monuments (11th-12th centuries) exist here that include many temples. The historical temples in Gadag worthy of mention include those that are dedicated to Someshwara Veera Narayana and the Someshwara Temple. Though abandoned and now in a dilapidated state, its intricate carvings are preserved. The doorways to the hall have densely carved figures and foliation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_North_Karnataka_historical_sites
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trikuteshwara_Temple,_Gadag
