Lakkundi Naganatha Temple - Karnataka

Address

Lakkundi Naganatha Temple – Karnataka

Lakkundi, Gadag Town,

Gadag District,

Karnataka 582115

Moolavar

Naganatha

Introduction

Naganatha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Lakkundi Village near Gadag Town in Gadag District of Karnataka.

Puranic Significance

The Naganatha Temple, dated to the Chalukyan era and constructed in the 11th century AD, was originally dedicated to Parshwanatha, who is depicted above the shrine doorway with a snake hood over him. This is why it is commonly referred to as the Naganatha Temple, as it has been repurposed as a Naga (snake) temple due to the carving of the snake over the Jain figure.

The temple consists of several components, including a front porch, a closed mandapa (hall), an antarala (vestibule), and a garbhagriha (sanctum). The porch is supported by two front pillars, and the doorway lintel of the mandapa features an image of Gaja-Lakshmi. The mandapa itself is upheld by four central pillars. Within the garbhagriha, there is an image of Parshwanatha on the Lalatabimba (forehead), and the original image’s snake canopy and pedestal remain intact. However, a Shivalinga has been placed over this pedestal in more recent times, suggesting a change in the temple’s dedication over the years.