Trikuteshwar Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Hubli airport is the nearest airport to the temple, about 57 km away from Gadag. Gadag town, where Trikuteshwar Temple stands, is about 50 km southeast of Hubli-Dharwad, in North Karnataka.

• By train

  Gadag Junction (station code GDG) is a major railway junction under the Hubballi division of the South Western Railway.

• By road

  For travel within Gadag, buses are the best option for getting around the town.

Why devotees come here

Trikuteshwar Temple stands in Gadag town, about 50 km southeast of Hubli-Dharwad, in North Karnataka. It is a Shiva temple whose main shrine has three lingas on one base, representing the Trinity. Gadag is known for its ancient temples, and this is one of them.

Trikuteshwar Temple is a Shaiva temple in Gadag town. Its main shrine has three lingas on one base, which represent the Trinity. Pujas are still offered here. The temple shares one administration trust with the Veeranarayana temple, a Vaishnava shrine, and with the Jumma Masjid mosque.

The temple was built around 1050 to 1200, during the reign of the Western Chalukyas. Gadag is known for its ancient temples, mostly built in the Kalyani Chalukya period. The architect Jakanachari designed and built this temple. Its walls and pillars are carved, some wall panels show finely sculpted figures, and stonework screens add to the look.

The east sanctum holds three lingas for Brahma, Maheshwara and Vishnu. The one to the south was dedicated to Saraswati, but that idol was damaged by vandals at some point and is no longer used.

Tips for your visit

• Look closely at the carved walls, pillars and wall panels with sculpted figures, and at the stonework screens.
• Ask the temple for puja times before you go, since pujas are still offered at the main shrine.

Questions people ask