• About Us
  • Profile
  • Feedback

Karnataka.com

  • Home
  • Education
  • Real-Estate
  • Government
  • Tourism
  • Recipe And Food
  • Restaurants
  • Festivals
  • Industry
  • ಕನ್ನಡ

Home » Badami » Mahakuta Group of Temples – History and Religion at One with Each Other

Mahakuta Group of Temples – History and Religion at One with Each Other

April 4, 2017 by Raggi Mudde

Situated in the small town in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, Mahakuta Group of temples was built in 6th– 8th Century AD. Mahakuta means “Great Group” and this name is given to the place because of a large number of Lord Shiva temples in the same complex. It is a religious place which has been dedicated totally to Lord Shiva.

Mahakuta group of temples, Badami

Mahakuta group of temples. Images courtesy : Dineshkannambadi

This place is just a few kilometers drive from Badami. Mahakuta group of temples has various historical inscriptions over it which tell a lot about the history of the place and religion. The temple shares a Chalukya type which is found commonly in Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami.

Historical Importance of Mahakuta Group of Temples

Mahakuta is a significant site for historians especially because of the two key inscriptions discovered in the temple. The inscriptions Pillar and Porch depict the history of Chalukya Dynasty. Brief details about the inscription have been stated below;

Pillar Inscriptions: It is also known as Dharmavijayastambha. This inscription records details about Chalukaya achievements and their military expeditions.

Porch Inscription: This inscription, also known as Vinapoti inscription, is recorded on the porch of the temple and tells the tale about a grant of a silver umbrella and rubies (Called Vinapoti) made to the lord, by Vijayaditya, his concubine.

Mahakuta group of temples

Wall relief sculpture at the Mahakuta group of temples. Images courtesy : Dineshkannambadi

Mahakuta Group of Temples – Architecture

Mahakuta Group of temples is a pure reflection of Aihole architectural style buildings. The temples boast a lot about Dravidian and Nagara hybrid style followed by Chalukya. The temples have curvilinear towers over the sanctum. Amongst different temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahakuteshwara temple is the most prominent one out of them all.

Built in Dravidian style, the temple has a Shiva Linga on top of a curvilinear tower. There are other small temples as well around this main temple, like the temple of Nandi in the front. The walls are decorated with amazing unique carvings of Lord Shiva which attracts visitors to its beauty.

Apart from this, the temple also has a natural water spring fed tank known as Vishnu Pushkarini. Owing to its natural beauty and beautiful carving, this temple is also termed as being similar to Mallikarjuna temple which is located on the other side of Vishnu Pushkarini.

Mahakuta group of temples

Mahakuta group of temples. Images courtesy : Dineshkannambadi

Facts about Mahakuta Group of temples

  • The Mahakuta Group of temples was built early in Chalukya Dynasty and it speaks a lot about ancient culture and tradition. The beautiful temple was built by Chalukyas, the first king Pulakesi I, this fact is well evident from the first sight of temples.
  • One of the fascinating facts about the temple is that there are more than two dozen Shiva Temples in Mahakuta temple complex surrounding natural attractive spring fed tank known as Vishnu Puskarini, or Papavinasha Tirth, meaning tank that washes away all your sins. The local people use the tank as a swimming pool.
  • Mahakuteswara is the only renovated and largest temple in the Mahakuta group of temples. It is the best attraction of the place and appeals to people from around the world.

Indeed Mahakuta group of temples is an amazing piece of Hindu culture and tradition. It is also a holy pilgrimage for worshipers of Sakit religion and Shaivites. For those who are history lovers and wish to get information about their religion, this is one of the best temples to visit.

It is located just a few kilometers drive from Badami thus enabling people from all around the country to visit the place conveniently.

Mahakuta group of temples

Mahakuta group of temples. Images courtesy: Dineshkannambadi

How to Get to Mahakuta Group of Temples

Mahakuta is situated around 460 Km from Bangalore, 15 km from Badami and 10 km from Pattadakal. The Mahakuta group of temples is located in between Badami and Pattadakal.

By Road

One can reach Mahakuta by taking local bus service from Badami.

By Air

The nearest airport is Hubli Airport, about 120 km away.

By Rail

Badami is the nearest station, about 14 km away from the temple. Mahakuta can be reached by taking the local bus service from the station.

Also See

Nearby Sightseeing and Temples in Karnataka

  • Badami
  • Bagalkot
  • Temples in Karnataka
  • Explore Karnataka

Filed Under: Badami Tagged With: badami temple, Mahakuta Group of Temples

Social

Top Posts & Pages

  • Bangalore Metro – Routes and Fares
    Bangalore Metro – Routes and Fares
  • Online FIR Bangalore And E-lost Report App - Everything You Should Know
    Online FIR Bangalore And E-lost Report App - Everything You Should Know
  • Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
    Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
  • Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme 2025: How To Apply Online And Check Status
    Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme 2025: How To Apply Online And Check Status
  • Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple - History, Rituals And Beliefs
    Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple - History, Rituals And Beliefs
  • Districts in Karnataka
    Districts in Karnataka
  • Swavalambi Sarathi Scheme 2025 - How To Apply Online And Check Status
    Swavalambi Sarathi Scheme 2025 - How To Apply Online And Check Status
  • Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Goravanahalli
    Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Goravanahalli
  • Bangalore Police Helpline Number
    Bangalore Police Helpline Number
  • Bull Temple, Bangalore – An Architectural Wonder
    Bull Temple, Bangalore – An Architectural Wonder

Recent Posts

  • Swavalambi Sarathi SchemeSwavalambi Sarathi Scheme 2025 – How To Apply Online And Check Status
    July 8, 2025
    The Swavalambi Sarathi Scheme, offered by the […]
  • Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme, Karnataka. Source RGRHCLRajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme 2025: How To Apply Online And Check Status
    July 4, 2025
    The economically weaker section of society in […]
  • Sringeri Sharada Peetham. Source Sringeri Sharada PeethamSringeri Sharada Peetham  – Where Divinity Reigns
    June 28, 2025
    Sringeri Sharada Peetham was established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. It is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Malnad hills, on the banks of the Tunga River. This place is named after the great Rishi Rishyashringa. […]
  • Mavanuru Malleshwara Temple. Source Mavanuru Malleshwara Swami Temple, InstagramMavanuru Malleshwara Temple – The Charming Windmill Temple
    June 27, 2025
    Popularly known as ‘The Windmill Temple’, […]
  • Metro Guidelines For Unlock 4, bangalore metro phase 2, yeshwanthpur metro station, bangaloreBangalore Metro – Routes and Fares
    June 20, 2025
    Bangalore Metro is fast becoming the lifeline of […]
ImmigrationWorld | Airport Commute | NGO/Charity
Home | Media | Personalities | FAQ | About Us | Feedback
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclaimer | Sitemap
Copyright © 2025 karnataka.com.
 

Loading Comments...