Nagavi Bhramha Vishnu Maheshwara Temples, Karnataka

Address

Nagavi Bhramha Vishnu Maheshwara Temples, Nagavi, Chittapur, Karnataka 585211

Diety

Bhramha Vishnu Maheshwara (Shiva)

Introduction

Nagavi is a historical village near Chittapur town in Kalburgi district of Karnataka state. It is said that India’s second oldest university existed at Nagavi. Today the place is filled with ruins of a fort, and several temples and wells. One of the temples is called as Aravattu Kabhada Gudi (Nagavi Bhramha Vishnu Maheshwara Temples), temple of sixty pillars. The temple is plain on the exterior and its interior is an array of 60 pillars of equal size. The Garbhagudi has a wide pedestal accommodating three Lingas, one each for Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.

Puranic Significance

The temple’s center has an opening on the roof and below it in the floor is a square pit. Probably the pit was to store water. Outside the temple is an obelisk with inscription on its four faces. The script is said to be Nagalipi, one of the oldest scripts of India. This is the famous 60 pillars Bhrama Vishnu Maheshwara temple in nagavi ruins. The temples of Traipurusha near Nandibaavi, built by Madavapparasa appears to be the temple dedicated to Bramha, Vishnu and Maheshwara. The remains of antiquity are scattered over a wide area here which include Naga stones, Ganapati images and pieces of sculptures. it’s a simple structure, built on a platform. The structure measures approximately 50′ x 60′. This east-facing temple has only one entrance. they are about 60 of them hence the name “Aravattu Kambada Gudi.” This temple is said to be built during Chlukyas’ time. This is the Garbhagudi; the pedestal is wide and on it are three Linga; one each dedicated to Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Protector and Maheshwara the Destroyer. Rituals are performed poojas in special days.