Nilagunda Bhimesvara Temple – Karnataka

Address

Nilagunda Bhimesvara Temple – Karnataka

Nilagunda, Davangere district,

Karnataka 583213

Moolavar

Bhimesvara

Introduction

Bhimesvara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nilagunda Town in Davangere District of Karnataka state, India. Presiding deity is called as Bhimeshvara in the form of lingam. The temple is situated on Harpanahalli to Harihar route

Puranic Significance

The temple was built during the last quarter of the 11th century CE by the Chalukyas of Kalyani. It follows a Chaturkuta style of architecture, which means it consists of four sanctums, with one located on each cardinal direction: north, south, east, and west. This architectural style is characteristic of Chalukyan temples and contributes to the temple’s unique design and layout.

Special Features

The temple complex comprises multiple shrines, with the eastern shrine being the main focal point. This main shrine faces west and is distinguished by its shikara (tower) over the sanctum. In contrast, the other shrines within the complex have lost their shikaras over time. Each shrine consists of a sanctum and an antarala (vestibule), and they all share a common Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall). The Sabha Mandapa opens to a Mukha Mandapa (front hall) in the east, where the fourth minor shrine is situated.

Within the Sabha Mandapa, you’ll find four ornate pillars on a raised floor at the center. The interior walls of the Sabha Mandapa are adorned with sculptures of Ganesha, Mahishamardini, Saptamatrikas (seven mother goddesses), and a seated Yaksha. A Nandi (the bull, a companion of Lord Shiva) is positioned in the Sabha Mandapa, facing toward the main sanctum. The reliefs on the lintel and door jamb of the shrines are intricately carved with great attention to detail. The sanctum doorway is adorned with five bands, featuring Dvarapalas (guardian deities) at the base, flanked by female Chauri bearers. Within the sanctum, the presiding deity, Bhimesvara, is enshrined in the form of a Linga.

The Vimana (tower) over the main shrine is composed of three tiers. Each tier of the shikara has a kirtimukha, a decorative motif often representing a demon face. Below each kirtimukha, you can observe reliefs of Nataraja (the dancing form of Lord Shiva) and Mahesvara. The exterior walls of the temple display projections and recesses that are embellished with Vesara turrets on double pilasters and Dravida turrets on single pilasters. These architectural elements contribute to the temple’s overall artistic and aesthetic appeal.