Ambali Kalleshvara Temple – Karnataka

Address

Ambali Kalleshvara Temple – Karnataka

Ambli, Bellary district,

Karnataka 583134

Moolavar

Kalleshvara

Introduction

• Location: Situated in Ambali Town, Bellary District, Karnataka, India.
• Proximity: Ambali is located off the Kottur–Hadagali main road, about 12 km from Kotturu towards Hadagali.
• Dedication: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Puranic Significance:

• Historical Context: An Old Kannada inscription found in the Sabha Mandapam links the construction of the temple to the reign of King Vikramaditya VI of the Western Chalukya dynasty, dating back to the 12th century.
• Architectural Style: Built in the Western Chalukya architectural style.

Special Features:

• Material & Structure:
  • The temple is primarily constructed using soapstone.
  • The original superstructure above the shrine is no longer present, but the temple maintains a simple yet elegant appearance, especially in the interiors.
• Temple Layout:
  • The temple faces east and consists of:
    • Sanctum (Garbagriha): Houses a Shivalinga.
    • Antechamber (connecting the sanctum to the gathering hall).
    • Sabha Mandapam (gathering hall).
    • Mukha Mandapam (main hall).
• Interior Features:
  • Pillars in the Sabha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam have square bases adorned with relief decorations depicting deities like Surya, Bhairava, and Durga.
  • The Garbagriha features a pancha-shaka (five-jamb) door frame with intricate patterns of lozenges, creepers, musicians, dancers, birds, lions, and elephants.
  • Dwarapalakas (doorkeepers) guard the entrance, attended by Rati and Manmatha.
• Liminal Features:
  • The lintel of the Garbagriha displays a sculpted Gajalakshmi flanked by elephants.
  • Threshold of the front door is adorned with a moon-stone or semi-circular stone slab (chandrasila).
  • The antarala (vestibule) features perforated screens adorned with lozenge flowers, and the door jambs display sculptures of Dwarapalakas.
• Depictions in the Lintel:
  • The lintel of the antarala features a carving of Nataraja (Lord of Dance), accompanied by Parvati and attendants, including Vishnu, Lakshmi, Brahma, and Saraswathi.
  • Ashtadik-palakas (guardians of the eight directions) are depicted on their respective vahanas (mounts).
  • The lintel is completed with stylized makaras at the ends.
• Exterior Features:
  • The sanctum’s exterior walls are decorated with friezes featuring miniature carvings of lions, elephants, and makaras, along with strings of pearl tassels.
  • Three miniature shikaras are finely carved on the three walls of the Garbagriha.
  • The adhisthana (base) is moulded with indentations, leading into a manch-bandha pattern with projections that support niches. These niches are adorned with Dravida turrets and slender pilasters.

References

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2019/01/kalleshvara-temple-ambali-karnataka.html

Century/Period

12th century

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Ambali

Nearest Railway Station

Kotturu Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Bangalore

Location on Map

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