The Kalleshwara Temple is a lord Shiva Temple located in the town of Hire Hadagali of the Hoovina Hadagalitaluk in the Bellary district of Karnataka state, India. This location is home to a stunning Chalukyan temple dedicated to Lord Kalleshwara. Every detail of the carved work is as meticulously finished as the jewellery in this temple.

Alexander Rea, an art critic, describes this temple in detail in his book “The Chalukyan Architecture”. This temple is known locally as the ‘Katte Basaveshwara’ temple. One of the inscriptions found here also mentions ‘Demeswara’. Demarasa, prime minister (or mahamatya) to Western Chalukya Empire King Someshvara I (who was known as Trailokya Malladeva or “Lord of three worlds”), who reigned from 1042-1068 CE, built the temple.

History of Kalleshwara Temple Hire Hadagali

Art historian Adam Hardy refers to the temple as Kattesvara and classifies it as “close to mainstream” Western Chalukya architecture (also known as Later or Kalyani Chalukya), with the tower over the shrine being a later reconstruction. Soapstone was the primary building material used in the original construction. According to art historian Ajay Sinha, an old Kannada inscription (c. 1057) at the temple refers to Bhimesvara-Demesvara.

The inscription describes the Chalukya dynasty’s genealogy and refers to Vikramaditya VI as a kumara (prince). Another old Kannada inscription (circa 1108) from the reign of Vikramaditya VI provides additional information about Udayaditya’s temple consecration under Demarasa’s orders. A third poetic Kannada inscription (circa 1212) on the premises dates from the reign of Hoysala King Veera Ballala II. The Archaeological Survey of India protects the temple as a national monument.

The Architecture of Kalleshwara Temple Hire Hadagali

The temple plan includes several structures that showcase a variety of architectural styles from different periods. It consists of a main shrine dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, with a sanctum (cella or garbhagriha) facing east, an antechamber (antarala), and a central closed hall (maha mandapa) with south and east entrances.

These structures are believed to have been built during the Rashtrakuta rule in the tenth century. The closed hall is preceded by a large open gathering hall (sabha mandapa) supported by fifty intricately designed lathe-turned pillars that also hold up a decorative ceiling.

In addition, there is a shrine dedicated to the Sun god Surya, complete with an east-west facing hall (Mukhya Mandap), and a small shrine dedicated to Narasimha, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu, located to the north of the gathering hall. These structures are associated with the Western Chalukyan rule.

There are eight small shrines built around the main shrine. Twenty-four of the fifty pillars are positioned above the platform (jagati), which includes a balcony seating area (kakshasana).

The doorways are intricately decorated, particularly the eastern doorway facing the Nandi (the bull, a companion of the Lord Shiva) and the southern doorway that leads to the closed hall. There are several independent sculptures from the late Chalukyan period in the closed hall.

These sculptures depict Shiva, Umamahesvara (Shiva and his consort Parvati), Ganesha, Kartikeya, Surya, Anantasayana (Vishnu seated on a snake), Sarasvati, and Mahishamardini.

Important Facts About Kalleshwara Temple Hire Hadagali

• The Kalleshwara temple is located in the town of Hire Hadagali, Hoovina Hadagalitaluk, Bellary district, Karnataka, India.
• The temple is thought to have been built in the 10th century by the Kalyana Chalukyas.
• The temple was built by Demarasa, prime minister (or mahamatya) to Western Chalukya Empire King Someshvara I.
• The temple is divided into two shrines (dvikuta, though only one has a superstructure or shikhara), each with a sanctum (garbhagriha) and a vestibule (antarala) that connects to a common four-pillared closed hall (navaranga or sabha mandapa, lit “gathering hall”).
• The decorative outer walls of the main shrine, as well as its closed hall, exemplify Chalukyan art.
• Outside the main temple complex, an open hall with a Nandi sculpture has been converted into a shrine.
• The vestibule’s doorway features artistic carvings of dvarapalas, Rati, the goddess of love, and Manmatha, the God of Love.
• The door lintel (lalata) features an image of Gajalakshmi. The eaves above the door feature fine images of Brahma, Keshava, and Shiva.

Best Time to Visit Kalleshwara Temple Hire Hadagali

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple 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 Kalleshwara Temple Hire Hadagali

• 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 in the last week of February – March Begining. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. Priests and the temple committee arrange a Grand Celebration.

How to Reach Kalleshwara Temple Hire Hadagali

Kalleshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Hire Hadagali of the Hoovina Hadagalitaluk in the Bellary district of Karnataka state, India.

By Air: The Nearest International airport is Bangalore which is 334 Km from the Temple. Hubli Airport is the nearest Domestic airport which is 139 Km Away From the Kalleshwara Temple.

By Rail: Harappanahalli is the nearest railway station which is 31 km away from the Kalleshwara Temple. 

By Road:  Kalleshwara Temple is well-connected to major cities and towns via road. Buses and cabs are available from major cities and towns to Hire Hadagali, from which you can take a cab or bus to reach the temple. Hire Hadagali is 334 km from Bengaluru.

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