Chandramouleshwara Temple
Chandramouleshwar Temple is very near Unkal circle and Unkal Lake (on Old NH4 between Hubli and Dharwad).
Unkal is an area in the Hubli-Dharwad municipality in Karnataka. It is on old Pune – Bangalore highway NH4, about 3 km north of Hubli city centre. It has Unkal Lake, beautiful natural scene with water, cool breeze and joyous tourists. It is good picnic spot and must-visit place.
History
Chandramouleshwar is a 900-year-old temple from the Badami Chalukyan era.[1] It was built on the lines of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal temples, is a Monument of National Importance, and is designated as a Protected Monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites (Act (1958)) by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Chandramouleshwar Temple at Unkal[2][3] (probably the historical name was Unukallu[4][5][6]) is a Chalukya architectural monument in the suburbs of Hubbali;[7] it is an example of Chalukya architecture.[8][9]
Details
- Unlike other Shiva temples in the North Karnataka region, the Chandramouleshwar Temple has four doors in as many directions, altogether accounting for twelve doors in the temple besides two Shivalingams and two Naandi statutes at the entrance. One of the two lingams is the 'Chaturmukha Lingam', a four-faced Shiva lingam, which is the speciality of the temple.
- The temple has sculpted walls and pillars of black granite stones. Images of dancing Lord Ganesha and jaalandhra at are a visual delight.
The architectural style that developed in this part is known as the Chalukya style.
Inscriptions
The presence of two 12th-century stone inscriptions in Unkal village show that the temple belongs to 11th or 12th century.
Conservation and restoration
There is an urgent need of conservation and restoration of the Chandramouleshwar temple at Unkal.[10][11]
The temple premises serve as a playground for children and youngsters to play cricket. It has become a victim of government apathy and urbanization. There is virtually no approach road to and encroachments on all the four sides of the temple. The roads leading to the temple are very small with arrack shops and other illegal trades. One has to cross rows of houses and narrow lanes to reach Chandramauleshwar temple.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun work very long back, started work on a compound wall to prevent further encroachments, but the work is half done.
Unkal Lake
Unkal Lake is one of the water sources of Hubli-Dharwad and a picnic spot. Unkal Lake has a boating facility.
See also
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Gallery
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References
- ↑ "Tourist spots in Hubli-Dharwad". Hubli Dharwad Municipal Corporation.
- ↑ "Alphabetical List of Monuments - Karnataka - Dharwad, Dharwad Circle, Karnataka". Retrieved 2009-03-13.
- ↑ "History of Goa". Retrieved 2009-03-10.
- ↑ "CHAPTER 9. THE CALUKYAS AND THE KALACURYAS OF KALYANI. HISTORY – ANCIENT PERIOD, Chalukya" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-03-10.
- ↑ "Chandramouleshwar Temple at Hubballi". Retrieved 2008-08-14.
- ↑ "PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE TOWN OF HUBLI, Chandramouleshwar Temple at Hubballi". Retrieved 2008-08-14.
- ↑ "History of Karnataka, The Chalukyas of Kalyani". Retrieved 2008-08-14.
- ↑ "The Chalukyan magnificence". Retrieved 2008-08-14.
- ↑ "THE CHALUKYAN ARCHITECTURE". Retrieved 2008-08-14.
- ↑ "900-yr-old temple turns playground, Architectural Marvel Is Victim Of Govt Apathy, Times of India Bangalore, November 25, 2008; Times Region, Page: 7". Vincent D’Souza, TNN. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
- ↑ "Encroachments threaten 900-year-old temple". TNN. 2001-05-13. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
External links
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