The numerous drives that we had undertaken between Hubli and Hyderabad in the last 10 years, never had we noticed this tiny village- Lakkundi until last year. It can easily be missed as there are no special sign posts that would guide you to these temples and step wells.
Located just 11 kms away from Gadag district in North Karnataka, Lakkundi is home to several temples and step- wells belonging to the Chalukyan period. The main temples are: Mallikarjuna temple, Veerabhadra temple, Lakshminarayana and even a Bramha Jinalaya. All the temples are located at different locations, scattered throughout the village. We had to drive through narrow by lanes to reach these temples that were almost desolate.
The first temple we visited was the Bramha Jinalaya. The ASI has established a museum right in front of the Jinalaya so we decided to visit the museum before entering the temple. Apart from few sculptures the museum doesn't hold anything much.
The museum
Early monsoon showers welcomed us as we entered the temple. It was good to see that there was no one around the whole temple except us. This Basadi/ Jinalaya was built by Danachintamani Attimabbe and is dedicated to saint Adinatha of Jainism. Under Attimabbe's patronage lot of other temples were constructed and she is said to have sheltered famous Kannada poet Ponna.
The Basadi was built using textured chloritic schist that differed in material and texture from the sandstone that was available in the region. Due to this, the architecture and carvings of this temple is said to be almost near perfection. The pillars are ornate with intricate carvings and an Old Kannada inscription can also be seen just before the Garbhagriha. The Garbhagriha of the Basadi has the idol of Neminatha Thirthankara and is worshiped even today.
Jain Basadi
Carving on the pillars
With the help of some locals, we then drove towards another temple- Kashivishwanatha temple. Though locked, a lady generously came forward to open it for us. This temple has strikingly beautifully carved pillars and entrances. The Southern direction too has a door with elaborately carved panels. They have carvings of leaves, flowers, animals and birds.
One important feature that amazed us about pillars is the carving of 12 star signs covering the pillars. Dancers, musicians and Darpanasundaris (dancers holding a mirror) can also be seen in other pillars.
Kashivishwanatha temple
The Southern door with carved panels...
The carved pillars...
The Nanneshwara temple that was behind Kashivishwanatha temple was closed and nobody had access to the keys. So decided to head towards Manikanteshwara temple that also had a stepped well right in the front. There was poojari in the temple who was more than happy to show us around the temple and the step well.
The temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva mostly has geometrical designs around the panels of the doors. The temple is very simple as compared to others but visitors never miss this place because of its' Kalyani (step well). This step well is popularly known as Musukina Bavi as for many years the well was hidden among thick canopy of trees. As we descended the steps, a whole new world was thrown open before us- rows and rows of steps leading to the well that was dry. We walked on the narrow steps, went around the whole well and were ready to head out thoroughly satisfied.
Manikanteshwara temple
Complete view of the temple and step well
We must have spent around 2 hours in this little village but were totally refreshed before heading out for another 10 long hours of drive!
Located just 11 kms away from Gadag district in North Karnataka, Lakkundi is home to several temples and step- wells belonging to the Chalukyan period. The main temples are: Mallikarjuna temple, Veerabhadra temple, Lakshminarayana and even a Bramha Jinalaya. All the temples are located at different locations, scattered throughout the village. We had to drive through narrow by lanes to reach these temples that were almost desolate.
The first temple we visited was the Bramha Jinalaya. The ASI has established a museum right in front of the Jinalaya so we decided to visit the museum before entering the temple. Apart from few sculptures the museum doesn't hold anything much.
The museum
Early monsoon showers welcomed us as we entered the temple. It was good to see that there was no one around the whole temple except us. This Basadi/ Jinalaya was built by Danachintamani Attimabbe and is dedicated to saint Adinatha of Jainism. Under Attimabbe's patronage lot of other temples were constructed and she is said to have sheltered famous Kannada poet Ponna.
The Basadi was built using textured chloritic schist that differed in material and texture from the sandstone that was available in the region. Due to this, the architecture and carvings of this temple is said to be almost near perfection. The pillars are ornate with intricate carvings and an Old Kannada inscription can also be seen just before the Garbhagriha. The Garbhagriha of the Basadi has the idol of Neminatha Thirthankara and is worshiped even today.
Jain Basadi
Carving on the pillars
With the help of some locals, we then drove towards another temple- Kashivishwanatha temple. Though locked, a lady generously came forward to open it for us. This temple has strikingly beautifully carved pillars and entrances. The Southern direction too has a door with elaborately carved panels. They have carvings of leaves, flowers, animals and birds.
One important feature that amazed us about pillars is the carving of 12 star signs covering the pillars. Dancers, musicians and Darpanasundaris (dancers holding a mirror) can also be seen in other pillars.
Kashivishwanatha temple
The Southern door with carved panels...
The carved pillars...
The Nanneshwara temple that was behind Kashivishwanatha temple was closed and nobody had access to the keys. So decided to head towards Manikanteshwara temple that also had a stepped well right in the front. There was poojari in the temple who was more than happy to show us around the temple and the step well.
The temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva mostly has geometrical designs around the panels of the doors. The temple is very simple as compared to others but visitors never miss this place because of its' Kalyani (step well). This step well is popularly known as Musukina Bavi as for many years the well was hidden among thick canopy of trees. As we descended the steps, a whole new world was thrown open before us- rows and rows of steps leading to the well that was dry. We walked on the narrow steps, went around the whole well and were ready to head out thoroughly satisfied.
Manikanteshwara temple
Complete view of the temple and step well
We must have spent around 2 hours in this little village but were totally refreshed before heading out for another 10 long hours of drive!
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