The Nannesvara Temple is an 11th-century famous lord Shiva temple of Kalyan Chalukyas in the southern part of Lakkundi of Gadag District in Karnataka. It is notable for being the first known imperial-style temple of the Kalyana Chalukyas, with influences from North Indian and South Indian schools of Hindu architecture. It is located directly west of the much larger and more ornate Kasivisvesvara twin Temple, which is also built in this style. The Archaeological Survey of India has declared the temple a monument of national importance.

It is notable for being the first known imperial-style temple of the Kalyana Chalukyas, with influences from North Indian and South Indian schools of Hindu architecture. It is located directly west of the much larger and more ornate Kasivisvesvara twin Temple, which is also built in this style. The temple has some similarities with the nearby Kashi Vishwanath temple (Kasivisvesvara). Its alignment suggests that it was a smaller shrine to the southwest of a much larger temple complex centred on Kasivisvesvara.

Significance of Nannesvara Temple Lakkundi

Lakkundi is about 12 kilometres from Gadag-Betageri, a twin city located between Hampi and Goa and connected by India’s National Highway 67. Lakkundi, home to numerous ruins of historic Hindu and Jain temples, is geographically located in a region with many major temple groups from the Kalachuris, Chalukyas, Yadavas-Seunas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara eras.

History of Nannesvara Temple Lakkundi

There is no surviving foundation inscription at Nannesvara temple. All estimates are based on secondary inscriptions mentioning this temple, the architectural style, and iconographic details within the context of the historic Lakkundi school, as well as the assumption that more complex and elaborate versions build on and follow simpler versions. Dhaky and Meister, scholars who have written numerous articles and books about historic architecture on the Indian subcontinent, date this temple to the 1020s CE. Adam Hardy, an architecture scholar and historian of Indian temples, dates it slightly later, in the second half of the eleventh century.

In 1192 CE, after many of the remarkable temples of Lakkundi had already been built, Hoysala king Ballala II’s Sanskrit inscription reaffirmed Lakkundi’s continued importance and its designation as his capital. After the 13th century, there is no trace of new public works, temples, inscriptions, or other indirect signs of economic prosperity in Lakkundi.

The Architecture of Nannesvara Temple Lakkundi

The Nannesvara Temple is a small but stunning temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to art historian Adam Hardy, it dates back to the 11th century and is constructed in the Lakkundi school’s traditional style.

The temple is built on a raised platform, or jagati, and includes an open mandapa with beautifully decorated pillars, a small covered mandapa, and a Garbhagriha. A single Linga has been installed in the Garbagriha. This temple was built primarily out of soapstone.

The Nannesvara Temple features a large, open pillared ranga-mandapa, a closed gudha-mandapa, and a Garbhagriha (sanctum). The plan is similar to that of the earlier Brahma Jinalaya Jain temple in Lakkundi and the even older Shiva temple in Kukkanur, but the Nannesvara temple features several innovations with grander execution and style than these earlier versions.

Furthermore, the floor plan’s relative proportions demonstrate that the architect was open to new ideas and incorporated the Nagara style from the subcontinent’s central and western regions, particularly Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

The Nannesvara Temple is situated on a raised platform (jagati). According to historian Kamath, these characteristics are common in typical Later Chalukya temples. Soapstone, a Chalukyan architectural innovation, was popular in 12th and 13th-century Chalukya and Hoysala constructions.

Important Facts About Nannesvara Temple Lakkundi

• The Nannesvara Temple is located in the southern part of Lakkundi, directly west of the Kasivisvesvara temple. It is located approximately 12 kilometres southeast of the Gadag-Betageri twin city, between Hampi and Goa.
• Lakkundi is a small, village-like town. Before the 14th century, Lakkundi was a large, historic city known as Lokkigundi in pre-14th century texts and inscriptions, and it served as the Hoysala dynasty’s capital.
• The Nannesvara Temple has two entrances: one east and one south. The southern entrance is plain, whereas the eastern entrance is more elaborate.
• The eastern entrance to the mandapa and temple is embellished with three sakhas (parallel layers) of intricate carvings, albeit far less elaborate than the Kasivisvesvara.
• The Nannesvara Temple in Lakkundi is a shining example of Chalukya’s architectural genius and artistic expression.
• The Nannesvara Temple, like many historical structures of great significance, has weathered the test of time and environmental conditions.
• It is an important heritage site that requires ongoing conservation efforts to maintain its structural integrity and artistic charm.
• The Archaeological Survey of India recognises the temple’s historical significance and has worked to preserve and restore the site for future generations.

Best Time to Visit Nannesvara Temple Lakkundi

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 Nannesvara Temple Lakkundi

• 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 Nannesvara Temple Lakkundi

By Air: The Hubbali airport is approximately 75 kilometres from the Nanneshwara Temple. To get to the temple, take a state bus, a private bus, or a private taxi from the airport.

By Rail: The closest railway station is Gadag Junction. From here, a private taxi or bus can transport you to the Nannesvara Temple, which is 25 kilometres away.

By Road: Lakkundi village is well connected to other towns and cities in the Gadag district via roads. The closest town is Mmulgund, which is 45 kilometres away.

Also Read – Amruteshvara Temple Amruthapura