Lakkundi Manikeswara Temple - Karnataka

Address

Lakkundi Manikeswara Temple – Karnataka

Lakkundi, Gadag Town,

Gadag District,

Karnataka 582115

Moolavar

Manikeswara

Introduction

Manikeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Lakkundi Village near Gadag Town in Gadag District of Karnataka. The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Lakkundi Bus Stop.

Puranic Significance

The Manikeswara Temple, dating back to the Chalukyan era in the 11th century AD, is a Trikuta temple, meaning it has three cells, each of which originally had its own shikhara (tower). Unfortunately, the shikhara of all the cells has been lost over time.

The primary cell of the temple houses a Shiv Linga made from Saligrama Stone. The temple has a common mandapa (hall) that is fronted by a porch supported by four front pillars. Perforated panels are present on either side of the antarala (vestibule) door-jambs of all the cells. The external walls of the temple are devoid of sculptures. Adjacent to the Manikeswara Temple, there is a stepped well known as Muskina Bavi, or the Veiled Well, which also dates back to the Chalukya period. This well is artistically constructed and features small canopied niches inside the walls of the well, enshrining lingas. The well actually begins beneath the temple and extends outward, with an entrance to the well located next to the temple. The steps on three sides of the well and the approach to the mandapa of the temples form a bridge on the fourth side.