Glimpses of Badami Dynasty Mahakuta Temple Complex

Mahakuta is a group of temples which lies within the ancient Mahakuta. These are fine piece of architecture made with Dravida style Architecture, admiring the great Chalukya dynasty of Badami. All the constructions were made in 6th and 7th centuries, and all of them were build with Dravida and Nagarra style. Both of these styles are unique and irrelevant to each other, which make them unique of its own kind. These temples are build by early sovereign of Chalukya empire. During this construction the architectures combines the basic plan of one style with characteristics of other style.

A natural spring is flowing through mountains also flows though this temple complex. This natural mountain spring brings fresh water into the Vishnu Pushkarni water tank. This water tank is well known as the Papavinasha Tirth means the ablution tank. Many shrines takes a holy deep in this tank for Papamukti. In all temples here Mahakutesvara temple and Mallikarjun temple largest amongst all of them. There is also one small construction which is present at the centre of Pushkarni tank, there is a Shiva Ling in it, well known as a Panchamukhi Shiva ling (Shiva ling with five faces). Each face of this Shiva ling facing to all directions. This temple has a ancient script written on a pillar of Mahakuta temple. This was written in 7th century by the queen of Pulakesi I, Durlabhadevi. The pillar which has inscription written on it is well known as a Dharma Jaystambha, means pillar which makes the statement of victory of religion. This Stambha is now has been placed in exhibition at Bijapur Archaeological Museum.

Best Time to Visit Badami

You can visit this place at any time of year but in winter temperature becomes low. Winter occurs in January and lasts till March. This is the best time when you can enjoy the pleasant whether condition, which suits you well.

During summer the mercury level reaches 45 degrees, and humidity is at its highest level. That's why it is better to avoid such extreme whether conditions. The summer season lies between the month of march and last till June.

In this part of the country monsoon brings the rainy season in July and keep bringing showers till the month of September. Sometime brings flood situations which might be dangerous sometime.

 

Varah at Mahakuta

How to Reach

By Road

This place is well connected by road you can easily get public transport to Badami which is further connected by rail and by road also.

By Air

If you choose the by air option, you can get direct flights from Hubali which is at minimum distance from this place. 

Halebidu, Beautifully Carved Hoysaleswara Temple in Karnataka

Halebidu is a small town located in Hasan district of Karnataka. This place was the capital city of Hoysala Empire during 12th and 13th centuries. This temple complex contain most beautiful carved temples in India. The word Halebidu, which is the name of this town, has special meaning as “ruined city” because this place was attacked in early 14th century by Mughuls from North India and Malik Kafur. Many beautiful temples are situated in this village; these beautiful temples are build as per Hoysala architecture. Halebidu was previously known as “Dwarasamudra”, and it was also known as the capital city of Hoysala Empire. The temples in this town were built during 11th century and was constructed by Katamala for King Vishnuvardhan and Queen Shantala Devi. These temples took more than hundred years to complete.

Dancers and Musicians Depicted on the walls of Temple

The famous Laxmi Narayan Sculptor

Shantala Devi was considered to be an ultimate sign of beauty. Many historians believe that she was a musician  and a great Bharatnatyam dancer. Many sculptors were inspired by Shantala Devi and other courtesans. Historians suggest that Shantala Devi had a great influence over the Hoysala administration and religious reforms during Visnuvardhans Empire. The King was influenced by Saint Ramanuja Charya, who was the devotee of Vaishnaism, and the queen herself was influenced by Jainism.
India features many temples like Halebidu, those are not much popular amongst people. These destinations has great importance in Indian history.

Hoysaleswara Temple

This is one of the temples located in this village. This temple is constructed with monolithic soapstone. This temple is located on the Southern side and is dedicated to “Hoysaleshwara”. Walls of this temple depict endless Hindu mythology (scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata), animals, Shilabalikas and birds.

 Scenes of Mahabharata Depicted on the Walls

Shantaleswara Temple

This temple is located on the northern side and stands on black shining soft stone, covered with dancing girls, god, goddesses and animals. This temple was built after the death Shantala Devi. It took 200 years to build and was built by more than 20k skilled laborers.

Animals and Birds

Other Details

Map of Halebidu, Karnataka

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• Town Area: 2.248 sq kms

Climate:

• Summer: 20-35°C.
• Hottest Month: April
• Winter: 14-22°C.
• Coolest Month: December

Ideal Time to Visit

• October to February

How to Reach

By Road

• From Belur 6 km,
• From Hassan 32 km
• From Mysore 149 km,
• From Bangalore 226 Kms (4.5 hours drive)

Getting Here:

• Nearest Railway: Hassan
• Nearest Airport: Bangalore International Airport, Bangalore