Timeless Treasures -3

Siddeswara temple-Haveri

Our next destination was Siddeswara temple. Siddeshwara Temple in the town of Haveri city is considered as an ornate example of 12th century Western Chalukyan art & this is one of the rare temples of Haveri District that is well known for the loose sculptures of Hindu deities that exit.

However, inscription evidences suggest that the initial sanctification of the temple was in late 11th century. The temple is rather small and compact. But it is a beautiful representative of the style and the high culture of that time. An interesting aspect about this temple is that it faces west, instead of facing the rising sun in the east –a standard in Chalukyan constructions. Although it is currently used as a Shiva temple dedicated to God Shiva, historians are unsure by which faith or sect this temple was originally consecrated & to which deity. This ambiguity perhaps stems from the many loose sculptures of deities that exit & the dilapidation of primary wall images.

It has a shrine, a front hall and a four-pillared Mandapa with a porch with entrances on three sides. The shrine on the side of the porch enshrines a simple Linga as the main deity.

It also displays gods of the Trinity surrounded by Ganesh and Kartikeya. This temple features delicately carved marvelous pillars and the ceiling is ornate with floral designs.

Mukteswar Temple –Cowdayyadanapura-Ranibennur.

Our final visit was Mukteswar Temple –Cowdayyadanapura-Ranipennur. Cwdayyadanapura is famous for different type of fruits;Chaudayyadanapura is a small village in Ranebennur taluk of Haveri District; in this wonderful place one beautiful temple is situated on the bank of river Tungabadhra. This temple is fully filled by great exterior walls which are beautifully carved.

Mukteshvara Temple is a single cell temple in Jakkanachari style. Similar temples built under the patronage of Kalachuri or Seuna dynasties. This temple is a jewel of architecture of 11th-12th century. It was built during the heyday of the kingdom ruled by the Kalyani Chalukyas and the Seunas of Devagiri. It is dedicated to an Udbhava Linga (spontaneously born) Linga named Mukteshvara.

Tremendous wall designs.

Stunning stone roofs.

The history of Mukteshvara Temple at Chaudayyadanapura is known through 7 inscriptions in medieval Kannada, engraved on large steles. Provide information's on the local rulers, Kings of Guttala (Gupta ascendancy), on some constructions in the temple complex, on diverse donations to the deity.

Some Shasanas found in Chaudayyadanapura, reveal that Mallideva was Mandalika of 6th Vikramaditya of Chalukyas. Jatacholina, under the leadership of Mallideva built the Mukteshwar temple at Chaudayyadanapura.

The dome of the temple is hollow and is closed by the slabs of the stupi. Sikhara of the Mukteshwara temple is 2.20 M in its axis at the base. Stupi is made of 3 beautiful lotiform mouldings diminishing in size and a lotus bud with its base.

Eye-catching arts on the top.