Chattarki Sri Dattatreya Temple, Karnataka

Address

Chattarki Sri Dattatreya Temple, Chattarki, Vijayapura/Bijapur district Karnataka 586215

Diety

Dattatreya (form of Vishnu).

Introduction

‘Sri Dattatreya Temple’ of Chattarki is one among the few Vaishnava temples built by the Kalyani Chalukyas. Chattarki is a small village in the Vijayapura/Bijapur district of Karnataka state. Vijayapura is a treasure trove of many lesser known temples built during the Kalyani Chalukya period, of which most are dedicated to Shaiva. Only 2 of the many temples built by the Kalyani Chalukyas in Vijayapura are dedicated to Vaishnava. Sri Dattatreya is an east facing ekakuta temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya (form of Vishnu). The temple is protected under the ASI.

Puranic Significance

The Dattatreya temple was built in the 12th century as per one of the inscriptions. This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, and a sabhamandapa with mukhamandapa on three directions. The garbhagriha houses a murti of Lord Dattatreya on a high peetha, while the original murti of Lord Vishnu seems missing. The antarala is open, with two decorated circular pilasters. The sabhamandapa stands on four central pillars and twelve corresponding pilasters set against the walls. The central ceiling here has a carving of an inverted lotus bud with miniature sculptures. This temple has some fine carvings of sculptural beauty on its outer walls. Majority of these carvings depict Madanikas in different moods and action which are comparable to the Hoysala style.