Nov 18, 2013

Neglected Past- Temples of Karnataka, Nadkalsi



Nadakalasi twin temples are fine examples of non-ornate Hoysala temple architecture. Located near the Sagar-Sorab road these temples attract very few and genuinely interested visitors only. That could be because they are remote, away from the public transport and there are no autorikshaws. I happened to visit these when I visited Jog Falls in the month of August this year. 

Mallikarjuna and Sadashiva temples in Nadakalasi

Nadakalasi was a town formed as a part of Banavasi, a Kadamba Capital. Later was ruled by Kalyani Chalukyas and Hoysalas. These 12th century twin temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva- Mallikarjuna and Rameshwara. Mallikarjuna temple is more ornate with polished pillars and a Nandi which is sculpted out of soapstone. The linga in Mallikarjuna temple is flat. 

Mallikarjuna and Sadashiva temples in Nadakalasi
Nandi and Sadashiva Temple

Rameshwara temple is locally known as Sadashiva temple and has few unique features that are uncommon in Hoysala architecture. It seems the Sadashiva idol has a crown jewel which is not visible due to the flowers used for the daily worship.

Mallikarjuna and Sadashiva temples in Nadakalasi
Nandi in Mallikarjuna Temple

How to reach: One could go to Sagar, a nearest town with good road connectivity, from here reach the temples with a private vehicle. I didn't find any sign of public transport or autorikshaws near these  temples. Sagar is 170KM from Hubli and 350KM from the state capital Bangalore. I drove in a private car from Hubli which was convenient. During the rains check for road conditions prior to the trip.

The temple towns of Ikkeri and Keladi are nearby within 15KM distance. Ikkeri Aghoreshwara temple is very well known. Keladi Rameshwara temple is very well known too and beautiful. This temple trio with majestic Jog Falls makes a great day-long trip from Hubli! 
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Related articles-
Rameshwara Temple, Keladi
Hampi, The ruins f Vijayanagara Empire
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Trikuteshwara Temple, Gadag
Madhukeshwara Temple in Beautiful Banavasi

If you want pictures please ask me :)
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Scrapbook- A Travel Blog by Kusum Sanu is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

12 comments:

  1. Your temples are so beautifully ornate .. and always so hard to realize how old they are and how talented and advanced the artists and craftsmen were so long ago..

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    1. Actually Sallie, these are non-ornate Hoysala temples. The ornate ones are unbelievably beautiful and we just cannot imagine how they might have looked those days.

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  2. A lovely place indeed Kusum! Back after a break:)

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    1. Thanks Bhatia Ji. Being back after a break is always exciting!

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  3. and this is considered non-ornate? amazing.

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    1. Yes, the pillars, halls, ceilings of Hoysala temples mesmerize the visitor!

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  4. Wonderful shots of the temple. I shall visit this place when I am nearby.

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  5. Great idea to plan a trip to Hubli.
    Thanks for this info.

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  6. Wow - this is gorgeous! So beautiful.

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  7. Great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  8. Beautiful architecture. Never heard about this temple. Thanks for sharing this.

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  9. Great pictures - and I love the colors!

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