Hangal Tarakeshwara Temple - Karnataka

Address

Hangal Tarakeshwara Temple – Karnataka

Hangal, Hangal Taluk,

Haveri district,

Karnataka 581104

Moolavar

Tarakeshwara

Introduction

Tarakeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Hangal Town in the Hangal Taluk of Haveri District in the Indian state of Karnataka.

Puranic Significance

According to legend, the Pandavas were required to spend their thirteenth year in concealment, known as “Ajnatavas,” as part of their agreement. If they were discovered during this period, they would be subjected to another twelve years of exile in the forest. It is believed that Hangal, known as Virata during the time of the Mahabharata, was the place where the Pandavas spent their thirteenth year in hiding. Hangal was referred to as Viratakote (Fort of Virata) and Viratanagara (City of Virata) in medieval inscriptions.

In Hangal, there is a conical mound known as Kuntina Dibba or the hillock of Kunti, which is a testament to its connection to the Mahabharata. Kuntina Dibba is believed to have been formed by the husks of grain used to feed Kunti’s sons during their period of concealment.

Special features

The temple is constructed with grey-green chloritic schist and incorporates a blend of Chalukyan architectural style with influences from Dravidian and Nagara styles. It is oriented to the east and features an entrance arch. The temple is divided into several sections, including the sanctum, antrala, navaranga, sabha mandapa, and mukha mandapa. A Nandi statue is located in the mukha mandapa, facing the sanctum. This structure is famously known as the “Lotus of Hangal.” It has a diameter of 9 meters, with a massive stone of 6 meters in diameter forming its ceiling. The structure is supported by eight intricately sculpted pillars placed at the corners of an octagon. Additionally, there are eight smaller pillars next to the major eight pillars to provide further support. On the capitals of these pillars, reliefs of the ashta dikpalas (eight directional deities) can be seen.