Thank you for joining me from Part III
The Sri Vaidyanatheshwara temple has seen many additions and expansions between the 8th and 14th centuries during the rule of the Gangas, Cholas, Rashtrakuta, and Hoysalas. And, therefore, one can see the footprints of these dynasties in many temple sculptures and carvings.
The Sri Vaidyanatheshwara temple has seen many additions and expansions between the 8th and 14th centuries during the rule of the Gangas, Cholas, Rashtrakuta, and Hoysalas. And, therefore, one can see the footprints of these dynasties in many temple sculptures and carvings.
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| A plethora of intricate works. |
The ancient temple is situated between the dunes and the central point of Talakadu. The temple walls are covered by depictions of various forms of Shiva and Vishnu. All the avatars of Vishnu have been carved on the outer walls of the temple which are interspersed with Shiva, Ganesha, etc with every sculpture standing on a floral design. The walls are dressed with large sculptured panels of Shiva in his many avatars.
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| The interlinked rings |
On the north-eastern side of the temple, one notices two attractive interlinked rings made of solid granite. They look like earrings and are called 'Naaga-Karna-Kundala.' This is a beautiful chain of granite rings and it is sculpted at one end of the outer roof.
These stone rings hang down from the roof that has no joints. It is considered a magnificent piece of workmanship as, during those days, artisans had nothing but a chisel and hammer to work with. Sri Vaidyanatheshwara temple is one of the most carved temples out of the 8-9 excavated temples and is said to have the most detailed structure. Completely made out of granite, the temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture.
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| Fine Carvings |
This temple is a famous pilgrimage in South India and is one among the Panchalinga sthalas (places) for darshan. According to the temple priest, one who takes the darshan of all the five Lingas (Lord Shiva), they will be forgiven of all their sins. The five Panchalinga temples in Talakadu include – Sri Vaidyanatheswara, Pataleshwara, Maraleshwara, Arekeshwara, and Mallikarjun temples. The five lingams are significant as they represent the five faces of Lord Shiva, the priest informs us.
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| More carvings |
Panchalinga Darshana is held once in 12, 7, 5, or 3 years at Talakadu which is as per astrological calculation. But the 12-year cycle is broken as per astrological calculation and with darshan due any time, devotees throng Talakadu whenever the event happens. It is believed that the darshan of the five Shivlings on a single day during the special occasion helps in attaining peace and prosperity. People also undertake the darshan to fulfill their desires. The festivities spread over five days; it begins at the same minute in all the five temples. However, devotees take a ritual dip in the holy lake that is situated next to the Vaidyanatheshwara temple.
Even as we move from one part of the temple to another, we notice a lot of stone structures lying indifferently in the temple's outer areas which include square bases and pillars. And this can be seen in other temples too. The temple town with its much-hidden past lies waiting to be discovered as there are still more than 20 temples that lie buried for centuries in the sands of time.
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| A view of the lower section of the temple |
Location map:
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