Galaganath Galageshwara Temple - Karnataka

Address

Galaganath Galageshwara Temple – Karnataka

Galaganath, Haveri Taluk, Haveri district,

Karnataka 581108

Moolavar

Galageshwara

Introduction

The Galageshwara Temple, also known as the Galaganatha Temple, is a significant place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Historical Significance:

The Galageshwara Temple is believed to have been constructed during the 11th century CE by the Western Chalukyas. It holds cultural and historical importance and is associated with Sri Venkatesh Galaganath, a prominent literary figure known as Kadambari Pitamaha. He is said to have worshipped at this temple and composed his novels on its premises, further enhancing its cultural heritage.

Location:

The temple is situated in the village of Galaganath in Haveri Taluk, Haveri District, Karnataka. It is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, making it a picturesque and spiritually significant site.

Architectural Features:

The temple is oriented to the east and consists of several sections, including the sanctum (garbhagriha), vestibule, navaranga, and mukha mandapa.
The mukha mandapa has entrances on its eastern, northern, and southern sides, providing access to the central temple complex.
Within the sanctum, the presiding deity is Galaganath, also known as Galageshwara. The deity is represented in the form of a Sparsha Linga, a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva.
An unusual pyramidal basement surrounds the sanctum, which may have been added during construction to address stability issues. The tower above the sanctum is relatively plain in terms of architectural embellishments.

Decorative Elements:

The exterior walls of the navaranga feature fine decorative elements, adding to the artistic beauty of the temple.
The interior of the temple is adorned with numerous niches containing figural sculptures, including depictions of Lord Ganesha.

Historical Inscription:

A significant historical inscription slab is located in the mukha mandapa. This inscription dates back to the reign of Chalukya King Vikramaditya VI in 1080 CE.
The inscription records a grant made to the god Galageshwara and provides insights into the rich tradition of dance and music during that era. It highlights the musical expertise of Mokhari Barmmayya, a renowned musician known for performing 32 different ragas.
This inscription is valuable for understanding the cultural and musical heritage of the time.

The Galageshwara Temple stands as a testament to the architectural, cultural, and historical heritage of the region and continues to be a place of reverence and cultural significance.