Dambal Doddabasappa Temple - Karnataka

Address

Dambal Doddabasappa Temple – Karnataka

Dambal, Mundargi Taluk,

Gadag District,

Karnataka 582113

Moolavar

Mailabesvara

Introduction

Doddabasappa Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Dambal Village in Mundargi Taluk in Gadag District, in the Indian state of Karnataka.

Puranic Significance

The Temple was built in early 12th century CE by Western Chalukyas.

Special Features

The Mailara Linga Temple, also known as Doddabasappa Temple, is located in Dambal, Karnataka. The presiding deity of the temple is called Mailabesvara. Initially known as the Ajjameshvara temple, it was later named Doddabasappa Temple due to the massive Nandi (bull) statue placed at its entrance. Dambal was referred to as Dharmavolal and Dharmapura in inscriptions. It is said that Queen Lakshmi Devi, the wife of King Vikramaditya VI of the Western Chalukyas, ruled from Dambal, which served as a provincial capital.

The temple faces east and comprises a sanctum, vestibule, and navaranga. The navaranga has entrance porches on the eastern and southern sides. The eastern entrance porch has been converted into a Nandi mandapa, housing a massive Nandi statue, giving rise to the temple’s name, Doddabasappa. The eastern entrance doorway is adorned with seven bands of decorative carvings, and Gajalakshmi can be seen on the lintel. Inside the sanctum, there is a Shiva Linga. The vimana (tower) is based on a 24-pointed stellate (star-shaped) plan, while the hall follows a 32-pointed stellate plan. This stellar plan is continued with the shikhara (tower) of the temple, which consists of seven tiers. The upper tiers of the shikhara resemble cogged wheels with 48 dents. The exterior walls of the temple are decorated with pilasters and turrets placed at regular intervals, adding to the architectural and aesthetic appeal of the temple.