This ancient temple of Trikuteshwara dates back to the Kalyani Chalukyas who ruled this region during 1050 to 1200 CE.
Picture1 – Entrance to Trikuteshwara Temple
This temple is situated in Gadag, North Karnataka 60 kms from Hubli. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva and there are three Lingas / representation of lord Shiva installed in the sanctum sanctorum facing the east, and three lingas together is known as Trikuteswara, “Tri” means “three”.
Picture2 – Shiva Lingas
The lingas also represent Brahma the creator, Vishnu the protector and Maheshwara / Shiva the destroyer. This temple reflects the remarkable architecture of Kalyani Chalukyas. Ornate panels, intricately carved stone partitions, stoic stone pillars, slanting rooftop make this proportionate temple complex a marvel.
Picture3 – Temple from outside
Another sanctorum to the south is dedicated to the goddess of learning Saraswathi. A visit to the temple will make you gape with astonishment at the ornately carved pillars and the door leading to the sanctum sanctorum. Time is insufficient to soak in the beauty of the carved stone pillars. My heart bled to see the beautiful idol of Saraswathi ruined by either invaders or miscreants.
Picture4 – Goddess Saraswathi
Though the idol is desecrated, I can just visualize how beautiful the imagination of the sculptor was about the goddess of learning. The temple gives the impression that the skilled and blessed sculptors were giving back what they learnt as a Guru dakshina (fees for teacher) to the goddess by creating this temple.
Picture5 – One of the pillars
In another ancient shrine a new idol of goddess Saraswathi is installed along with the idol of Adi Shankaracharya.
Picture6 – Saraswathi Temple from outside
There is a holy tank called “Rudra Theertha” at the back of the temple.
Picture7 – Rudra Theertha
I will leave you with these images as no words can match the beauty of the temple.
Other interesting places to visit nearby are the Veeranarayana Temple at Gadag, Lakkundi – 12 Kms, Doddabasappa Temple at Dambal – 20 Kms, Amriteshwara temple at Annigeri – 30 Kms and Mahadeva Temple at Itagi -37 Kms.
Place Statistics:
Type of Place: Ancient temple
Situated: Gadag
Distance: 450 Kms from Bangalore, 50 Kms from Hubli
Transport: Gadag is well connected by rail and road. Can drive up to the entrance of the temple complex
Facilities: Restaurants and staying options are available in Gadag
