Chalukyan Temple of Hire-Hadagali /ಹಿರೇ ಹಡಗಲಿ

Hire-Hadagali Temple 

 "ಹಿರೇ ಹಡಗಲಿ " is a busy village located on the State Highway SH 40 which is a link between Hoovina Hadagali  and Ranebennur. Thanks to the ASI staff  for insisting us to visit this temple. This place is home to a beautiful Chalukyan temple dedicated to Lord Kalleshwara. The Art critic Alexander Rea has described this temple completely in his book titled "The Chalukyan Architecture". He summarizes in his book that 'every detail of the carved work is as minutely finished as jewellery'. This temple is locally known has 'Katte Basaveshwara' temple. One of the inscriptions found here also calls it 'Demeswara'.

The South Doorway

Dwarapalakas

Interiors of the Kalleshwara Temple

Goddess Uma-Maheshwari's unique Hair-Do

 Lintel Carving of the Garbhagriha

   The temple is believed to have been built during 10th Century by the Kalyana Chalukyas. It is undoubtedly one amongst the most beautiful temples of Karnataka.There are two entrances to temple (one  facing  east and the other facing south).  The unique feature of this temple is the embossed carvings on the pattikas. The outer walls of the temple are extremely beautiful, carrying heavy carvings of unusual styles and designs.The main temple  houses idols of Ganesha, Sapthamatrikas, Uma-Maheshwari and Bhairava. All the doorways and the pillars are of classical Chalukyan type.  There is a small idol of Nandi inside the temple. Another temple situated opposite to this temple is dedicated to the Sun God Lord Surya and has a huge Nandi in its front, facing the Kalleshwara. 

Heavily decorated Pillar 

Lion capturing a Three Headed Snake

Embossed Carvings on the Pattikas

Goddess Paravathi

Lord Surya Temple

Nandi

Carvings on the outer wall

   The ASI has maintained this temple and its surroundings well and has appointed full time care takers.

Kalleshwara Temple

Natures' Gem with Man made Gem

    Directions from Bangalore: Bangalore -NH4 - Ranebennur - Right Turn  towards SH 40 -

                                                  Hire-Hadagali

    Distance from Bangalore: 370 km

  Places to visit Around: Mylara, Devaragudda, Galaganatha, Chaudayyadanapura, Haveri, Ranebennur,   Bagali, Harapanahalli, Hoovina Hadagali, Kuruvatti, Harlahalli, Dambal, Magala and many more

Reference :  Ourtemples.in