- Vishnu
Mahakuta Group of Temples
- Mahakuta,Karnataka
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Overview
The Mahakuta group of temples is located in Mahakuta, a village in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka state, India. Mahakuta Group of temples was built in 6th– 8th Century AD. Mahakuta means “Great Group” and this name is given to the place because of a large number of Lord Shiva temples in the same complex. It is a religious place which has been dedicated totally to Lord Shiva This place is just a few kilometers drive from Badami. Mahakuta group of temples has various historical inscriptions over it which tells a lot about the history of the place and religion. The temple shares a Chalukya type which is found commonly in Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami.
About The Temple
Mahakuta Group of temples is a pure reflection of Aihole architectural style buildings. The temples boast a lot about Dravidian and Nagara hybrid style followed by Chalukya. The temples have curvilinear towers over the sanctum. Amongst different temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahakuteshwara temple is the most prominent one out of them all.
Built in Dravidian style, the temple has a Shiva Linga on top of a curvilinear tower. There are other small temples as well around this main temple, like the temple of Nandi in the front. The walls are decorated with amazing unique carvings of Lord Shiva which attracts visitors to its beauty.
Apart from this, the temple also has a natural water spring fed tank known as Vishnu Pushkarini. Owing to its natural beauty and beautiful carving, this temple is also termed as being similar to Mallikarjuna temple which is located on the other side of Vishnu Pushkarini. There are around 7 temples at Mahakuta complex. All the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and we also read that there are hundreds of temples within the vicinity of Mahakuta, all dedicated to Shiva !
The Mahakuteshwara temple is the main one and is still a live temple. Next to the Mahakuteshwara temple is the Sangameshwara temple. Of all the temples, the Mahakuteshwara temple has been renovated and painted.
Legend and Stories
History
Mahakuta is a significant site for historians especially because of the two key inscriptions discovered in the temple. The inscriptions Pillar and Porch depict the history of Chalukya Dynasty. Brief details about the inscription have been stated below;
Pillar Inscriptions
It is also known as Dharmavijayastambha. This inscription records details about Chalukaya achievements and their military expeditions.
Porch Inscription
This inscription, also known as Vinapoti inscription, is recorded on the porch of the temple and tells the tale about a grant of a silver umbrella and rubies (Called Vinapoti) made to the lord, by Vijayaditya, his concubine.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Mahakuta is from September to February when the weather is quite pleasant there.
How to Get to Mahakuta Group of Temples
Airport
The nearest airport is Hubli Airport, about 120 km away.
Railways
Badami is the nearest station, about 14 km away from the temple. Mahakuta can be reached by taking the local bus service from the station.
Road
One can reach Mahakuta by taking local bus service from Badami.
Temple Address
Mahakuta Group of Temples,
Mahakoota, Badami, Bagalkot district,
Karnataka, Pincode - 587201.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Alokya Mathur Mukha Madarena Sthanyam Pibantham Saraseeruhaksham Sachinmayam Devam Anantha Roopam Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami
Meaning -I think of this Balamukundan as the one who looks lovingly at his mother's face while taking milk from her, who has eyes similar to the red lotus, who is the embodiment of truth and intelligence and other forms.
Achutham Keyshavam Rama Narayanam Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhajey
Meaning -Oh Lord who cannot be perished, who also has names like Keshava, Rama, Damodara, Narayana, Sridhara, Madhava, Krishna, Ramachandra the beloved of Janaki, let me say your name regularly.
Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam Devaki Paramanandham Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum
Meaning -I bow to you O Krishna, the ultimate guru, Devaki and Vasudeva's son, and the destroyer of Kamsa and Chanur.
Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram Hridayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram Mathuraa Dhipate Rakhilam Madhuram
Meaning -Meaning - Sweet are Your lips, sweet is Your face, sweet are Your eyes, sweet is Your smile, sweet is Your heart, sweet is Your gait, O Lord of Mathura, everything about You is sweet.
Timings
The temples are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. but it is advisable to visit it during the daytime to see its beauty.