Thursday, December 22, 2011

Aghoreshwara Temple, Ikkeri

Aghoreshwara Temple of Ikkeri is a well proportionate structure, built of granite. It was built by Keladi Nayaks in the 16th century. The architecture of the temple is a unique mix where Dravidian style is combined with style from the Deccan.

The temple has ornamental doorways in three directions North, West and East with North as main entry point. The sculptures on either side of the huge doorways are striking. The temple is reddish pink in color all around.

The carvings and lattice work on the windows of the temple are simple and quiet unique. The carvings on the stone walls of the temple are intricate. In contrast to the temple color there are two small black stone elephant sculptures at the entrance.

The Garbhagriha, which is built of huge stones, houses Shiv linga. Outside the Garbhgriha doorway there are two niches, those to the right containing the figures of Ganesha and Subramanya and those to the left figures of Mahishasuramardini and Bhairava.

The huge stone Nandi is housed opposite to the temple in open stone mantapa. The surface of Nandi is very smooth and appears as if it has been polished.


47 comments:

magiceye said...

beautiful temple

Al said...

That is some of the most impressive stonework I've yet seen, great shots.

Teamgsquare said...

Nice temple .

Urmi said...

I was not aware of this temple. Very nice, ancient and gorgeous temple.

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Very interesting place....... the structure is unique and rich in fine architecture. Thanks for sharing.

Travel France Online said...

Another great temple!

joo said...

Every time I think that you showed us the most beautiful place in your country, even more beautiful photos appear in your blog!

Anonymous said...

Marvellous shots of the temple.

sappy said...

Great detail of the very less known Aghoreshwara temple.

Lowell said...

A most interesting place. Massive, too. Thanks for putting the women and child in the doorway as it gives a good sense of scale.

Pietro Brosio said...

Thanks for sharing this marvellous temple, Rajesh. Wonderful sculptures and details indeed, the images are so nice.

Carver said...

Great tour and I particularly love the elephant statue.

Steffi said...

Wonderful photos of India and thank you for your interesting post!Merry Christmas to you & your family!

Kim, USA said...

Beautiful temple!

SWF

RNSANE said...

What a beautiful temple...I am loving your blog all the more now that I am actually in India ( going on three weeks now - am in Mumbai till after the holidays when I will start traveling about a bit ). I am here almost three weeks already and will remain until the 5th of April.

P.N. Subramanian said...

It seems I have fallen in love with this structure. The elephants at the entrance are fantastic. Recently I came across Ganapathi with a straight trunk in an ancient temple at Kodungalloor (Kerala).

Pearl Maple said...

That is a fabulous temple and interesting that it is pink. Thank you for sharing your photos with us this year.

Liz said...

Oh wow, this is an amazing structure.

Happy sky watching.

Skywatch

thomas said...

Looks special because it's build from granite.

Leovi said...

A wonderful temple, I love these magnificent sculptures of elephants. Greetings.

Ramakrishnan said...

Lovely pics.

LifeRamblings said...

thanks for the beautiful journey. such a lovely temple.

Elettra said...

We have proposed to the beautiful images

Pat said...

Amazing intricate carvings in stone!

Aakash @ Love poems said...

Wonderful pics, Rajesh :-)

eden said...

Beautiful carvings. Great shots.

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

I like those stalwart elephants guarding the temple entrance!


IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR

It’s that time of year,
The shadows make merry;
Fear not to draw near,
They’re no longer scary!


© 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher

Desolate Places

Gemma Wiseman said...

The intricate architectural detail and the wonderful carvings are amazing on this temple! And the colour of dusky pink surprises me and it seems to work letting the whole structure be quite unique!

May your Christmas be a wonderful time!

LV said...

Such a grand work of architecural work.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Beautiful details!

Shadow, have a joyful Christmas celebration.

Liz said...

It's a beautiful temple. Happy New Year!

Liz @ MLC
Liz @ MCN

Cheryl said...

Lovely post today. I love your photos. India is beautiful.

Linda said...

Very neat shot for Ruby Tuesday!! Happy holidays to you!

Maria @ LSS said...

Such an amazing structure. Happy RT!

Light and Voices said...

Enjoyed this cyber tour. Amazing place.
Joyce M

Unknown said...

Beautiful Post Happy New year!

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this beautiful temple.

Jessica said...

what a beautiful temple :-) beautiful family too :-) Thank you for sharing MYM with us, hope that you can return the favor too.

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Leah H. said...

That is one interesting temple..Wish could visit it one day:)

Visiting for RT! Here's mine- hope you can visit too:)

http://www.sweethomephilippines.com/2011/12/red-hot-piggy-bank.html

Leah H. said...

Truly magnificient!!!

Visiting for MYM! Here's mine- hope you can visit too:)

http://www.heavenly-dreams.com/mr-m-m-on-halloween/

KB said...

Beautiful. My SS is up too.

Happy New Year.

Red Nomad OZ said...

That's what I LOOOOVE about blogging! Nothing quite like this downunder in OZ - but I get to see it anyway!!!

Happy New Year!

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this beautiful temple.

Jayashree Srivatsan said...

That was so beautiful...In which state of India is this situated? You clicked the photos immed after a downpour is it? Looks beautiful

Rajnish said...

great pics.
www.rajnishonline.blogspot.com

Panchali said...

Rajesh this looks like the terracota temple of Bishnupur....beautiful carvings. And as usual some nice shots!! Thanks for sharing..

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this beautiful temple.