About
Tarakeshwara Temple in Hangal, Haveri district, Karnataka, is dedicated to Shiva in the Tarakeshwara form, from which the temple takes its name. The Haveri district website notes that the construction is credited to the Kadambas, but that the Kalyani Chalukyas made the significant changes that gave the temple the form seen today. The temple is a listed monument of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The complex also has a hall for Shiva’s vahana, Nandi, and a temple to his son Ganesha. Three memorial stones with sculpted religious and military scenes and Kannada inscriptions are also part of the complex.
Architecture
The temple is built of grey-green chloritic schist and is regarded as a fine example of the Kalyana Chalukyan style with Hoysala influence. Opposite the main idol stands an octagonal structure known as the “lotus of Hangal”. It is about 9 metres across, and a single stone about 6 metres in diameter, cut in the shape of a lotus, forms its ceiling. Eight pillars support the ceiling, and sculpted pillars beside them mark the Guardians of the Directions (Ashtadikpalaka).
Near the main temple, a hall of 12 pillars is dedicated to Nandi. It and an adjacent hall have an inclined balcony for sitting, and the columns are lathe-turned, polished and carved with geometric designs. Both halls have stepped-pyramid roofs, and the outer walls carry sculptures of miniature temples and other images.
The Ganesha temple lies northeast of the main temple and faces south. It has a stepped plan, with a sanctum preceded by a square open hall. Its tower (shikhara) is made of several miniature towers in the north Indian Nagara style, and the hall has a parapet with many carvings.
Timings to visit Tarakeshwara Temple, Hangal
08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Timings are not confirmed on an official website; check with the temple before travelling.
How to Reach Tarakeshwara Temple, Hangal
The Haveri district website gives these directions:
- By Air: The nearest airport is at Hubli.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Haveri, about 40 km from the temple, with plenty of road transport on to Hangal.
- By Bus: Hangal has a well-connected bus network to other districts of Karnataka, and the state bus stand in Hangal is very near the temple.
Address
Tarakeshwara Temple, Hangal, Karnataka 581104, India.
Also Read Place To Visit In Karnataka
Tarakeshwara Temple Map
