Shri Nagareshwara Temple, Bankapur

Karnataka, Haveri, Bengaluru

The Nagareshvara Temple also called the Aravattukambhada Gudi (Temple with sixty columns) is a 12th century Western Chalaukya construction located at Bankapura in the Haveri District of Karnataka state. During medieval times, the Bankapura fort was considered one of the most important fortifications in the Karnataka region. The temple suffered much damage when Bankapura fell to the armies of Firoz Shah Bahamani in 1406 CE and later again when it was occupied by the Bijapur Sultan Adil Shah. However, despite much pillage, this large temple still retains some of its original beauty. The temple was built in honor of the Hindu god Shiva based on the two short inscriptions in the temple which begin with a salutation to "Shambu". There are other inscriptions in the temple, two of which are dated 1138 CE and one dated 1091 that record grants to the god "Nagaresvaradeva".

Architecture

The temple is assignable to the 12th century and belongs to the Western Chalukya art. It is constructed with soap stone material and comprises a small shrine and a closed hall that connects to a large open hall or Mahamantapa. The sanctum is connected to the large hall via vestibule and at the end of the large hall, facing the sanctum is an open Nandimantapa. The highlight of the large hall are the bell shaped lathe turned pillars of soap stone. The pillars are so well polished that they sparkle with reflected light. The main decoration on these pillars are the horizontal rings of moldings. The ceiling in the large hall between pillars are highly decorative. The sanctum is now empty. Though this temple has been called a Jain temple, there is no trace of any images directly related to Jainism. On the contrary, there are numerous sculptures in relief of the Hindu gods such as Shiva, Vishnu, Ganapati, Brahma and Kali.

Darsan Info

Temple timings : Morning 6:00 AM Till evening 6:30 P.M

Darsan Dresscode

Clean and conservative clothing is preferred (Avoid shorts).

Famous Festival

Shivaratri

Culture

Haveri district has a very rich culture and tradition. A core area of Western Chalukya architectural activity, Haveri epitomizes the rich culture and heritage of a bygone era with historical temples surrounded the place. A peacock sanctuary, a black buck sanctuary and old tanks all add up to its rich culture.