Kubatur Kaitabheshvara Temple - Karnataka

Address

Kubatur Kaitabheshvara Temple – Karnataka

Shivamogga, Shimoga district,

Karnataka 577413

Moolavar

Kaitabheshvara

Introduction

Kaitabheshvara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kubatur Village Anavatti in Soraba Taluk in Shimoga District in the Indian state of Karnataka.

Puranic Significance

The temple’s construction can be traced back to the reign of Hoysala King Vinayaditya around 1100 CE. During its history, the temple received substantial patronage and support from various dynasties, including the Chalukyas, Seunas, and Hoysalas.

Lord Shiva, the primary deity of this temple, was referred to as Kotishvara or Kotinatha, as evident from the inscriptions within the temple. The place where the temple is located, Kubatur, has been known by different names over time, including Kuppattur, Kuntala Nagara, and Kotipura, as mentioned in these inscriptions. Furthermore, Kubatur emerged as a significant center for the Kalamukha sect during the 11th century CE. This historical and religious context provides valuable insights into the temple’s cultural and spiritual significance in the region during that period.

Special Features

This east-facing temple is built upon a raised platform and follows an ekakuta (single shrine) architectural style. The temple comprises a sanctum, antrala (vestibule), and navaranga (hall). The navaranga has a unique staggered square plan and can be entered from five sides: two lateral entrances and one each in the north, south, and east directions. It’s a spacious hall with a high ceiling, which is supported by substantial pillars.

The pillars in the navaranga exhibit distinct characteristics. They are circular, polished, and lathe-turned, with the ones on a platform (jagati) being fluted and shorter in height. The ceilings in the navaranga are ornate, featuring the typical Hoysala style. The entire navaranga is enclosed by parapet walls on all sides.

The pillars in the mandapa (hall) are highly decorative and stand at a height of 11 feet. Various niches within the temple house images of deities such as Sapta Matrikas, Ganesha, Naga, and Vishnu. The walls of the shrine and vestibule rest on a base (adisthana) composed of five moldings. Additionally, images of the Ashta Dikpalas (guardians of the eight cardinal directions, including Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirti, Vayu, Varuna, Kubera, and Ishana) are placed at their respective directions, along with other significant depictions like Ugra Narasimha, Varaha, Garuda, Keshava, Bhairava, Harihara, Brahma, Sadashiva, Tandava-Ganapati, Parvati, Uma-Maheshvara, and Surya. These carvings and sculptures add to the temple’s cultural and religious significance.