This is thirty first in the series on the rich cultural heritage of temples in India. The ancient temples of India are richly carved and they behold ones attention for their craftsmanship.
In the Chennakesava Temple of Belur there are several beautiful sculptures created in 1175 A.D. Here one can see beautiful carving of Lord Vishnu in a reclining position over the Adi Sesha with Laksmi near the feet on the external wall of the temple. This pose is known as Vishnu Anathashayanam.
A beautiful sculpture in black stone at 12th century Airavateswarar Temple of Darasuram.
A sculpture of Lord Hanuman on the external wall of 13th century Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Bhadravati. Not so elaborate carving of Vishnu Anathashayanam on a pillar at
Panchalingeshwara Temple in Barkur. A simple carving of 2 people on a animal at Mallikarjuna Temple, Basaralu.
One of the prominent structure of ancient times in Barkur is Kathale Basadi. In the same complex one can also see Hindu temples proving that Jainism and Hinduism were all together.
These structures dating back to 12th century located just behind the basadi. There are twin temples that are 30 mts apart from each other.
In front of one of them is Nandi, that tells us that it was a Shiva temple. On plan they are almost similar and have a garbhagriha, sukhanasi and pillared mukh mantapa. The pillars in the mukhamantapa are moderately ornamented.
The exterior walls are plain with very few carvings there are few carvings on the temple.
One of the prominent structure of ancient times in Barkur is Kathale Basadi. Even though it is in dilapidated state it definitely worth a visit.
Built by the Alupa rulers the structure dates back between 8th to 12th centuries. It is named so as it is made of black granite that gives the temple a dark appearance.
The sanctum is surrounded by stone walls with sloping pillars over them. This temple originally had the idol of Mahavir and after its destruction, it has been replaced by stone tablets.
This is one of the oldest temples in the Barkur region. The Temple is identified as Bairagi Ganapathi Temple, as the idol here was installed by a monk.
This temple is also known by the name Chowlikeri Temple as it build during the Chola period in the 7th century A.D. Like every temple in the region this temple also has a unique sloping roof.
The entire temple including the walls and ceiling is hewn out of stone and undamaged it has stood the test of time across the seasonal changes.
Exquisite corridor with pillars etched out of stone is in front of this beautiful temple. There are beautiful carvings on these pillars.
The rulers from Alupas kingdom in Barkur built many temples in this place between 7th and 16th century.
One such temple is Panchlingeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at the southern part of this village. The temple has beautiful double storey gateway with pillared veranda on the either side.
This temple is one of the oldest temple, built during 7th century CE. The architecture is unique and originated in the 7th century. On the back side temple has Elephant-back type curvilinear structure.
The unique noteworthy feature of the architecture of the temple is their roof. The temple has typical sloping terracotta-tiled roofs. Being in a landscape of high rainfall, the temple roofs evolved from grass, clay tiles and eventually with the copper-plates.
The temple was renovated by the later local dynasties such as Heggades. The pillars on the corridor surrounding the temple has several carvings.
The ancient city of Barkur was the capital of the Tulu kingdom in the olden days. The city has ten extensions called Keris. Each of these Keri had a tank and number of temples built between 9th and 16th century.
One such temple is Someshwar Temple at Manigara Keri. The temple has typical sloping terracotta-tiled roofs.
Under the tiled roof there are carvings of the God/Goddess in each of the directions and in the corner there are animals like elephants.
Outside the main complex of the temple is a small pillared mantapa with beautiful small carvings on the pillars.
Barkur on the banks of Seeta river is located at a distance of 16 kms from Udupi. This ancient city is a cluster of 3 villages Hosala, Hanehalli, Kachoor. The coastal town was ruled by Cholas in 11th century AD. Later the place was ruled by Alupa rulers who made this place as their The archaeologist have discovered in this area over 100 stone and several copper plate inscriptions belonging to the ancient times.
There are remains of palaces and other constructions in the two Fort areas. The town contained 365 temples, and the remains of which can be seen even today. A few of them are now in renovated condition. The prime attractions of the place are:
Reaching there: Barkur is at a distance of about 16 Km from Udupi. Take a deviation at Brahmavara and it is just 3Km away.
