Mahadeva Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Jindal Vijaynagar Airport, 92.4 km, is the nearest. Hubli Airport is 112 km away.

• By train

  The nearest stations are Kukanur, Banapur, Bannikoppa and Koppal.

• By road

  From Koppal town it is 27 km, about 35 minutes, via NH67 and NH367. The two highways intersect near Itagi village.

Why devotees come here

The Mahadeva Temple stands in Itagi village in Koppal district, Karnataka. Its own inscription calls it the emperor of temples, and its carvings are a good example of Western Chalukyan art. The temple was finished in 1112 CE and is built in the Vesara style of the Kalyana Chalukya period.

The Mahadeva Temple in Itagi village is dedicated to Shiva. Its own inscription calls it the emperor of temples. The carvings on its walls, pillars and tower make it a good example of Western Chalukyan art.

Mahadeva, a commander of the sixth Vikramaditya of the Kalyana Chalukyas, built the temple, and construction was completed in 1112 CE. It is built in the Vesara style of the Kalyana Chalukya period, on a six-foot foundation. The temple is 120 feet long and 99 feet wide. Its general plan follows the Amruteshwara Temple at Annigeri, which served as the prototype.

The main shrine is surrounded by thirteen minor shrines, each with its own lingam. The front hall, the Navaranga, the Nandimantapa, the main gate and the garbhagudi were built in stages, and each has fine carvings. The source lists two more built-in-stages parts, Rangasajjike and Makaratorana, and describes the whole set as very beautiful. Each of the thirteen minor shrines holds its own lingam around the main shrine.

Tips for your visit

• Kukanur is about 7 km from the temple and Lakkundi is about 20 km away.
• Four railway stations are listed as nearest: Kukanur, Banapur, Bannikoppa and Koppal.

Questions people ask