- Shiva
Tripurantakeswara Temple
- Tripurantaka,Karnataka
- View on map
- Tell us about this temple
Overview
The Tripurantaka Temple (also called Tripurantakesvara or Tripurantakeshwara) was built around 1070 CE by the Western Chalukyas. This temple, which is in a dilapidated state, is in the historically important town of Balligavi (also called Balagamve), modern Shivamogga district, Karnataka state, India.
About The Temple
The exterior walls of the temple have suggestive sculptures on friezes. These depictions are considered exceptional in Chalukyan art. Being small in size, these are observable only upon close scrutiny. During the medieval period, Balligavi was a seat of knowledge to various faiths and was the home to numerous shrines and edifices constructed by the Chalukyas. Over 80 medieval writings have been revealed in Balligavi. These inscriptions belong to various faiths including Shaiva, Vaishnava, Jain and Buddhist . These inscriptions elucidate, among other things, the rules for building temples. Right on top of the entrance to the temple is an ornamental architrave with statuettes of the deities Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, with Shiva being represented in his Bhairava form. Other figures that can be seen here are the dikpalas (the guardians).
One more rare sculpture near the temple in the centre of the town is the Ganda-Bherunda Stambha , a column of two-headed bird. The height of the pillar on which the sculpture stands is about 30 feet tall and about 15 inches in diameter. The top of the pillar has an octagonal capital surmounted by a broad piece of stone. Upon this is fixed the statue of the mythical two-headed bird Ganda-Bherunda. In fact this is also said to be one of the roopa of Lord Narasimha. The statue has the body of a human standing upright with two birds like heads, looking in opposite directions. In its hands, it holds the quarry that it feeds on.
About The Deity
The chief deity of this shrine is Lord Shiva. He in this temple is known as Tripurantakeswara.
Accessibility
Airport
Nearest Airport : Hubli Airport
Railways
Nearest Railway Station : Shivamogga
Road
Tripurantaka temple, located in Balligave, is at a distance of 72 km from Shivamogga. It is well connected to Shikaripur, Sagar and Shimogga by road.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To be relieved of evil effects
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 6 A.M to 9 P.M