The Hindu : `Emperor of Temples' crying for attention

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 10, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

`Emperor of Temples' crying for attention

By D.K. Kishan Rao

The 12th Century Mahadeva Temple at Itagi in Koppal District.

RAICHUR JUNE 9. The 12th Century Mahadeva Temple at Itagi in Koppal District with splendid sculptures is said to be one of the finest examples in the country in respect of magnificence and decorative details.

The exquisitely carved walls and pillars of the temple are considered the finest examples of Chalukyan architecture. The temple has a special place on the tourist map of Karnataka. The monument and sculptures that adorn the walls of the temple have a rich architectural value.

Though the temple is of historical and architectural importance, the authorities have failed in showcasing it to attract tourists. Even the district administrations of Bellary and Koppal have not bothered to expose its importance.

Not many know about the temple though it is in the vicinity of Hampi, the capital city of Vijayanagar Empire and now preserved as a world heritage site. The Mahadeva Temple, which has a history that is older than Hampi, is at Itagi, 22 km. from Yelburga town and 15 km. from Koppal town.

Though the temple is 65 km. from Hampi, none of the tourists who come to Hampi, visit it.

One can have a glimpse of the high-towered Mahadeva Temple and a cluster of small temples around it while travelling on Koppal-Yelburga Road. The main temple has a Shivalinga, and people of Itagi and nearby villages have been offering pujas to it since its inception. It takes a few hours to watch the remnants of the temple and the architectural skill that glitter in daylight.

The exquisitely carved monuments, towers, pillars, and walls of the temple throw light on Chalukyan culture. A well-preserved inscription in medieval Kannada on a huge stone adjacent to the temple describes it as "Emperor of Temples" of the Chalukyan period built in 1112 A.D. by Mahadeva, a dandanayaka (army general) of King Vikramaditya VI. The inscription describes the style of rule of Chalukyan kings and details on the construction of the temple.

Towards the north of the Shivalinga, there are five temples, of which two are dedicated to Murthinarayana and Chandraleshwari, parents of Mahadeva. There are 13 temples with Shivalingas around the main temple.

The east-faced main temple comprises a shrine with an antechamber, a closed hall with porches on either side of it towards north and south, and openings on either side with pillared halls. The temple roof is supported by 68 carved pillars. Of them, 26 are on the floor and the rest on the stone bench surrounding the hall and carrying the sloping eaves.

The carved columns are symmetrically arranged. The slabs on the central part of the ceiling have "Makaras" which spring from the jaws of "Kirtimuka" masks.

The walls of the inner hall are adorned with rich sculptures. The pentagon-shaped sanctum sanctorum and its outer walls have beautiful carvings. The 15-foot high main tower of the temple has carvings and projecting cornices.

The Mahadeva Temple is also known for its erotic sculptures. The temple has a "puskarani (teertha)" on its front side, which is still used by the villagers. An open well with steps behind the temple has dried up and weeds and shrubs have grown on it.

The temple and its surroundings have been neglected for the past few centuries. The sculptures around the temple are in a shambles. Though the Archaeological Survey of India has declared the temple complex a "protected monument", it has done nothing to preserve and develop it as a tourist spot.

The Koppal District administration recently celebrated "Itagi Utsav". But it turned out to be a government programme without highlighting the importance of the region.

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