Ittagi/Itagi/Itgi, situated in Yelburga Taluk of
Koppal district is well known for its 12th century Mahadeva temple belonging to
the later Chalukyan period and is regarded as one of the finest of temples in
the country. An inscription in medieval Kannada present inside the temple
premises states that the temple was built by Mahadeva, a Dandanayaka (army
general) of the Chalukyan king Vikramaditya VI in 1112 A.D. The temple has been
rightfully described as “Devalaya Chakravarti”, meaning ‘Emperor among
temples’.
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| The Mahadeva Temple, Itagi |
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| The Mahadeva Temple Complex |
The temple facing east is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It has a garbagriha which houses the Shivalinga and an antarala (ante-chamber).
In front of the ante-chamber is a closed navaranga having porches with doorway
and mantapas, towards its north and south. The ceilings are exquisitely carved.
An open navaranga or pillared hall at its front is huge, having about sixty
pillars out of which twenty six large pillars stand on the floor supporting the
main roof, and the remaining shorter pillars stand on the stone bench
(kakshansana) around the hall supporting the sloping overhangs of the roof. The
pillars are sculpted at its base and carry various designs while the central
four are geometrically carved exhibiting angular patterns throughout. The
original shikara of the garbagriha is partly damaged at the top and has been
replaced by a modern element. The outer walls of the temple are almost plain,
devoid of any sculptures and carry niches and pilasters with geometric designs,
and friezes with minimal carvings.
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| Pushkarni Right Opposite to the Temple Complex |
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| Stepped Well |
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| Entrance |
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| Murthinaryana Temple |
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| Opened Pillar Porch at the Front |
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| Nine Banded Door Frame |
There are two shrines dedicated to Murthinarayana
and Chandraleshwari, the parents of Mahadeva and 13 small shrines having a
Shivalinga each, surrounding the main temple. The temple has a pushkarni
(theertha) in its front and behind the temple is an open stepped well which has
an entrance, and sloping walls on its other three sides. It was a treat to see
them both filled with water.
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| Intricate Carved Ceiling |
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| Decked Lintel |
The Mahadeva Temple of Ittagi is magnificent and
stands as a proof to the greatness and grandeur of the Chalukyan style of
architecture.
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| Inspiring Traveller |
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