District: Dharwad
Town: Unkal
Temple: Chandramouleshwara Temple
Chandramouleshwara Temple
The Chandramouleshwara Temple is located in Unkal Village in Hubli-Dharwad District, Karnataka.
Chandramouleshwara Temple – Overview
The Chandramouleshwara temple is located in the suburbs of Hubli city, in the Unkal Village. It is a 900 year old Chalukya construction. Inscriptions found in Unkal village date this temple to the 11th or 12th century. This temple has been declared as a protected monument, and is under the administration of the Archaeological Survey of India. But no proper measures have actually been taken to protect and renovate this magnificent temple. The ASI had started to build a compound wall to protect this monument from encroachment and misuse, but the work is just half finished. Kids use the temple premises as a play ground. This historical temple needs urgent action to save it and restore it to its former glory.
Chandramouleshwara Temple – Architecture
This 900 year old Chalukyan structure is modeled on the monuments found in Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal, the ancient cradles of South Indian Temple Architecture. This temple is dedicated to Chandramouleshwara, another name for Lord Shiva. It houses two Shiva Lingas. One Shiva Linga is enclosed in a shrine which has four entrances in four directions. This is the main shrine of Chandramouleshwara. The other shrine is known as Chaturmukha Lings, the four faced lings. Pujas are still performed everyday in the temple. The temple has pillars built of black granite. The walls and pillars are well decorated with sculptures. The figure of Dancing Ganesha is captivating. The temple walls, pillars and pilasters are covered in lovely carvings. This temple is a fine example of Chalukyan temple architecture.
How to Get to Chandramouleshwara Temple
This temple is in the suburbs of Hubli. Hubli is a major commercial center in Karnataka. It has its own airport and is well connected by rail and bus routes. Since the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the best time to travel to this temple would be around February-March, during Shivaratri.
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