Lakkundi was an ancient Agrahara and a great centre of
educational and religious activities, particularly during the rule of the
Chalukyas of Kalyana. It was also a provincial capital during the period. It
was also associated with the famous woman Attimabbe who was a patron of the
famous Kannada poet Ranna. Attimabbe is said to have built many Jaina temples
at Lakkundi of which Brahma Jinalaya is well known.
After building the Brahma Jinalaya she requested the
Chalukya King Satyasraya (997-108 A.D.) to make gifts. Thus her name is
associated with this temple. Though there are many Jaina temples at Lakkundi,
Brahma Jinalaya is the earliest of them all.
This Jaina temple
is a good example of the Kalyana Chalukya architecture. The temple consists of
Garbhagriha, Antarala, Navaranga and a Mukhamntapa. The square Garbhagriha
contains in the centre a fine black stone image of Tirthankara Mahavira on a
lion pedestal. He is flanked on both sides by Chamara bearers an there is a
triple umbrella above. There is also a low relief sculpture of Padmavathi Yakshi. In the Garbhgriha are sculptures of Brahma
and Sarasvati on both side and the latter is broken now.
There
is also a museum in Lakkundi, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI). The museum has a collection of diverse artworks along with gold coins
that were issued under the reign of various kings.
The exterior of the
temple consists of basement with mouldings and walls with pilasters and niches
in between. The upper portion has a decorated eave. Over the Garbhagriha is a
five tiered of the Dravida type. There are two more chambers at the floors over
the sanctum. This on the whole Jaina Basadi is not only big but also beautiful
and is a good contribution of the later Chalukyas to Jain architectural heritage
of Karnataka in general and that of celebrated Attimabbe in particular.
3 comments:
Very useful blog. The govt of Karnataka should pay you :)
Well maintained temple.. Hats off to Archaeological Dept..
Hi Rakesh!
This temple is a wonderful choice for many architectural freaks like me. Never knew such a temple existed until reading this blog. The temple makes me spellbound with its rich and long- lasting heritage and the intricate designs revealing artistic beauty without compromising the sacredness of the Gods. Good job compiling it all in one blog!
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