Beautiful stone pillars, exquisite architecture, elaborate ceilings and remarkable sculptures were just some of the things that had me totally awe inspired when I visited the Tarakeshwara temple in Hangal.
The town ruled by the Kadamba dynasty till the 11th century was later controlled by the Hoysalas and then the Chalukayas in the 12th century.
Dating back to the 12th century, the Tarakeshwar temple is a symbol of the fine craftsmenship and splendid stone architecture prevalent during the Chalukya reign. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple however, has influences of the Dravidian, Kadamba and Nagara schools of architecture as well.
A typical example of the Kalyana Chalukya style of architecture, the temple consists of a “Garbhagriha” (Sanctum sanctorum), ‘Antarala’, ‘Navarnaga’, ‘Sabhamandapa’ and ‘Mukhamandapa’.
The sanctum encloses the main deity of Shiva which is in the form of a Linga and is called “Tarakeshwara”. Along with it are sculptures of Vishnu, Brahma, Karthikeya and Nandi. There are other lingas as well in the premises apart from that in the sanctum.
The outer walls of the temple has miniature shikaras or towers that have some intricate carvings and also have the scenes depicted from the Ramamyana.
The lathe turned pillars of the temple are yet another striking feature which is an astonishing indication of the level of advancement in the methods of construction way back in the 12th century! The carvings and sculptures on the pillars are truly magnificent and exquisite.
If you are a lover of artistry and architecture, do not miss the mind blowing ceilings and elaborate door columns.
Extremely well crafted and simply stunning, they are sure to keep you engaged in the premises for long!
The temple can do with more maintenance and restoration as, sadly, some parts are damaged.
The town of Hangal, also spelt as Hanagal, is located about 75 km from the Hubli, which is the second largest city in Karnataka. The temple is easily accessible by road from Bangalore that is 375 km away.
Rashmi Mam Congrats for giving us a wonderful travelogue..I appreciate the hard work you had put in for this article…snaps were really good..
Thank you so much Indranil:)
An architectural marvel indeed…nice
Thanks Sunita!
The title is so appropriate for the place! Beautifully covered.
Thank you Alok; appreciate you reading:)
Beautiful Rashmi…you’ve enlightened us with a detailed description of this sacred place. I’m always in awe of the intricate carvings of these temples
Thanks Divya so much!
Such intricate carvings amaze me what history holds for us, behind those paintings, those sculptures, the rotundas, and pillars. Such lovely pictures, Rashmi. A bow to Lord Shiva.
Thank you so much Asha! Appreciate you reading the post:)
Beautifully captured!
Thank you!
Thanks for this post Rashmi.. u just took me back to my childhood.. old memories 🙂
Thanks so much; am glad you liked it:)
Wonderful decoration, intricate and inspiring.
Thank you so much! The ancient temples of India are true “treasures” in terms of craftsmanship.
Karnataka has some beautiful ancient places. I haven’t been to Hangal though but have seen temples in Badami and Hampi. I love the intricate designs, great photos !
Thanks Atul:)
12th century….so rich and intricate…loved the pictures and the write up Rashmi 🙂
Thank you Shweta!
Beautiful pics and the post. really, i missed visiting this one.
Thanks Jyotirmoy!
That is impressive! Loved the detailed captures. I have to visit this temple… hopefully soon.
Thanks Indrani; hope you can visit soon:)
Great photos and beautiful writing Rashmi!
Thank you so much Joanna and Jeremiah!
What intricate carvings and statues – amazing! Very interested to read all about the history of the temple too 🙂
Thanks Rosemary:)
Appreciate your efforts for this amazing post,presenting the architectural gems which is yet to be checked in and nice clicks.