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| View of Amriteshwara temple |
While Tharangini and I were exploring the rich heritage of Lakkundi, our
guide recommended a visit to Annigeri, which lies approximately 25
kilometers from Gadag city. Annigeri holds a special place in history as
the final capital of the formidable Western Chalukyas, also known as the
Kalyani Chalukyas. Their relocation to Annigeri came about due to their
displacement from their former capital, Kalyani (now known as Basavakalyan
in the Bidar district), following a conflict with the Kalachuris under
King Bijalla-II.
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| Amritheshwara temple from a side profile |
Therefore, no visit to Gadag can be considered complete without a detour
to Annigeri, especially to witness the renowned Amriteshwara temple, the
sole surviving testament to the fading era of Western Chalukyan rule. In
fact, the Chalukyas had a brief reign of four years in Annigeri, spanning
from 1184 to 1189 CE.
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| The Evolution of ornamental architecture in Tungabhadra region |
Situated in close proximity to the Hubli highway, the black stone Amrutheshwara temple is an architectural marvel and an unmistakable landmark of Western Chalukyan craftsmanship.
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| The Western Chalukyan symbol - the demon faces of Kirthimukhas |
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| Entry to temple, one has to pay obeisance by bending |
Upon entering the temple premises, visitors encounter a boundary wall that
encircles the outer area. At the entrance, a low stone platform serves as
a barrier, requiring visitors to stoop slightly in reverence before
proceeding to pay homage to the presiding deity.
To gain deeper insights into the temple's history and architecture, the
temple priest and a few local residents eagerly share forgotten details of
this monument, which dates back to 1050 CE.
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| Carvings of dancers, goddesses on the outer walls |
What makes this temple truly unique is its portrayal of the evolution of
ornamental architecture in the Tungabhadra region, a style distinctly
attributed to the Western Chalukyas.
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| Temple is supported by 76 pillars, some simple, some ornate |
The Amrutheshwara temple boasts the distinction of being the first temple
constructed from black soapstone. In their distinctive fashion, the
Chalukyas not only pioneered lathe-turned pillars but also employed
soapstone as the primary building material for the temple's structure.
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| Some pillars on the outside have beautifully carved female figures |
The temple's roof is supported by approximately 76 pillars, some of which
feature exquisitely carved female figures in their lower halves. Unlike
other Chalukyan temples, the pillars within this temple lack intricate
carvings, with some showing signs of wear and tear, while others have been
meticulously restored.
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| Inscription in Kannada giving details about the temple construction |
One distinctive feature setting this temple apart from others in Karnataka
is its separate entry and exit points.
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| The temple having a distinctive boundary and a separate entry and exit to the temple |
How to Reach Annigeri:
Annigeri town is conveniently located near the Gadag-Hubli national
highway-63, a mere 25 kilometers from Gadag and approximately 35
kilometers from Hubli. The Amrutheshwara temple is situated in Annigeri,
Navalgund taluk, Dharwad district, Karnataka.
Stay tuned for more details on the remarkable carvings of the Western
Chalukyas in the second part of our journey.
Location map:
Location map:
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