The Itagi Mahadeva Temple is located in the town of Itagi in the Yelburga Taluk of Karnataka’s Koppal District. It is approximately 7 kilometres from Kuknur and 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Lakkundi. The Itagi Mahadeva Temple was designed after the Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri (which served as a prototype). The architectural components of the Mahadeva Temple are the same; the articulation is different.

The Itagi Mahadeva Temple in Itagi was constructed in or about 1112 CE by Mahadeva, a commander (dandanayaka) in the army of Western Chalukya King Vikramaditya VI. Itagi is located about 35 kilometres east of Gadag and 64 kilometres west of Hampi. The temple honours the Hindu god Shiva.

Significance of Itagi Mahadeva Temple

The carvings, sculptures, pillars, and towers of the temple attest to the immense talent of Chalukyan artists. One of the inscriptions on the temple’s walls refers to it as Devalaya Chakravarti (Emperor Among Temples). The Archaeological Survey of India protects this temple.

The temple honours the Hindu god Shiva. The finely crafted carvings on walls, pillars, and the tower make it a good example of complete Western Chalukyan art, which speaks volumes about the Chalukyan artisans’ taste. The Archaeological Survey of India has designated the Mahadeva temple as a national monument.

History of Itagi Mahadeva Temple

An inscription in the temple from 1112 CE refers to it as “Emperor Among Temples” (Devalaya Chakravarti). This monument was dubbed the “finest in Kannada country after Halebidu” by art historian Henry Cousens. The Karnata Dravida tradition was defined by these Western Chalukya monuments, which were regional variants of existing Dravida (South Indian) temples.

The Architecture of Itagi Mahadeva Temple

The temple plan consists of a shrine (cella) connected to a closed mantapa (hall) by a vestibule (antechamber). The closed mantapa leads to an open pillared mantapa, with the temple facing east as a whole. Some parts of the temple are missing, including the cornice and parapet over the outer edge of the open mantapa’s roof.

The main temple, which has a linga (symbol of Shiva) in its sanctum, is surrounded by thirteen minor shrines, each with its own linga. There are two other shrines in the temple, one for Murthinarayana and one for Chandraleshwari, the parents of Mahadeva, the Chalukya commander who consecrated the temple.

Each side of the closed mantapa has a doorway, with the eastern doorway leading to the open mantapa and the western doorway leading to the sanctum. The door panels are beautifully crafted, and the porch ceilings feature a ribbed design. The exterior walls are decorated in the same manner as the shrine. The great open mantapa is supported by 64 pillars, 24 of which are full pillars that begin at the floor and extend to the main ceiling. The remaining half pillars (or “dwarf pillars”) support the sloping eaves and begin from the bench (parapet wall) that surrounds the mantapa.

The pillars in this hall are similar to the porch pillars at Dambal’s Dodda Basappa Temple and the lathe-turned pillars (whose rounded sections are lathe-turned) at Lakkundi’s Kasivisvesvara Temple. The open mantapa’s square ceiling, which is supported by four central pillars, has interesting fretted stonework. The ceiling is decorated with arabesque foliage and makaras that flow from the mouth of a Kirtimukha (gargoyle or demon face).

This type of stonework is just as good as any other. The interior of the closed mantapa and the sanctum, on the other hand, is plain and simple. The bracket figures that once adorned the outside pillars are thought to have vanished. These forward-leaning bracket figures (Salabhanjika), which normally depict female forms in various poses (such as dancing or adorning themselves), would have rested on small blocks on the shaft of the pillars (capital), receiving support from the underside of the overhanging cornice via a slot in their upper end.

Important Facts About Itagi Mahadeva Temple

• Itagi Mahadeva Temple is an ancient temple located at Itagi in the Koppal district of Karnataka, 26 kilometres from Koppal, 43 kilometres from Gadag, 70 kilometres from Hampi, and 79 kilometres from Badami.
• It is one of Karnataka’s most popular heritage temples and one of the most popular places to visit near Hampi as part of Hampi Tour Packages.
• The Archaeological Survey of India has designated the Mahadeva temple as a protected monument.
• The Itagi Mahadeva Temple features Dravida articulation with a Nagara superstructure.
• A vestibule (antechamber) connects a shrine (cella) to a closed mantapa (hall) in the temple plan. The closed mantapa gives way to the open mantapa.
• This open mantapa has 64 pillars, 24 of which are full pillars supporting the main ceiling and the remaining half pillars supporting the sloping eaves. The open mantapa’s square ceiling, which is supported by four central pillars, features interesting fretted stonework.
• The main temple, which contains a linga, is surrounded by thirteen minor shrines, each of which contains a linga.
• There are two other shrines in the temple, one for Murthinarayana and one for Chandraleshwari, the parents of Mahadeva, the Chalukya commander who consecrated the temple.

Best Time to Visit Itagi Mahadeva Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. The best time to visit this temple, however, is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

Famous Festivals In Itagi Mahadeva Temple

• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual that takes place in the last week of February. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. A Grand Celebration is arranged by priests and the temple committee.

How to Reach Itagi Mahadeva Temple

By Air: The nearest airports are Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (72.3Km) and Hubli Airport (123.4Km).

By Rail: The Nearest Railway stations are Koppal, Banapur, and Bannikoppa. You Can Take a Taxi/Local Vehicle To Reach the Itagi Mahadeva Temple.

By Road: Two important National Highways NH50, NH67 and Four State Highways SH36, SH130, SH59, and SH63 intersect at Koppal.

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