District: Gadag
Town: Dambal
Temple: Doddabasappa Temple
Doddabasappa Temple
The Doddabasappa Temple is located in the Dambal village in Gadag district, Karnataka.
Doddabasappa Temple – Overview
The Doddabasappa Temple is one of the major architectural monuments in Gadag district. The temple was built during the period of the Later Chalukyas - the Western or Kalyani Chalukya dynasty. Dambal used be a major center of Buddhism till the 12th century. There is Buddhist temple in Dambal that has an inscription dating back to the 10th century.
Doddabasappa Temple – Architecture
The Doddabasappa temple is built in a unique style. It neither in the Nagara style nor does it confirm entirely to the Dravidian style. This temple, built on a raised platform has a unique shape. It is built in a 24 point stellate plan. It does not have the usual projections found in other star shaped temples. The absence of projections makes this temple appear almost circular in shape. This stellate shape starts from the base and continues up to the tower.
The main deity here is Lord Shiva in the form of a Shiva Linga. The interior of the temple is of conventional design with a sanctum and a mandapa with a passage connecting the two. The pillars of this temple are intricately carved. The molding above the entrance would have originally contained images of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, the Trinity. This space is empty now. The temple is covered n elaborate carvings of creepers, dancers and musicians, and a Mithuna Couple. The entrance mandapa has three main figures – A five-headed Brahma on his Vahana, the Swan, and two figures of the Sun God Surya. The east facing door leads inside to an open hall with a large figure of Nandi, in front of the Shrine.
How to Get to Doddabasappa Temple
Gadag is the nearest railway point. Gadag is well connected on the bus routes too. From Gadag, you can get local bus service to Dambal. The best time to visit the temple would be during Shivaratri.
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