District: Belgaum
Town: Degaon
Temple: Kamala Narayana Temple
The Kamala Narayana temple is located in Degaon, five km from Kittoor in the district of Belgaum of North Karnataka. It was built by a queen of the Kadamaba dynasty in the 12th century.
Kamala Narayana Temple – Overview
The name of the village Degaon is believed to have been derived from the name of the temple complex that’s located in the region – Devagrama. Devagrama also means ‘village of God’. The Kamala Narayana Temple is a stunning example of Hindu temple architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Narayana or Vishnu. With lovely sculptures and carvings, it is a well known tourist attraction.
Kamala Narayana Temple – History
The temple was built by Queen Kamala Devi of the Kadamba dynasty. The Kadamba dynasty was started by King Mayura Sharma in the 4th century. They ruled over North Karnataka and Goa
The beautiful Kamala Narayana temple was built by the architect Tippola at the behest of Queen Kamaladevi, wife of king Sivachitta of the Kadamba dynasty in the 12th century.
Kamala Narayana Temple – Architecture
The Kadamba style of architecture is unique for its tapering, tiered superstructure. Their style seems to have reached its peak at this beautiful temple. This style of architecture impressed the Hoysalas who built many monuments based on this model.
- The Kamala Narayana temple has a rectangular shape
- It has a pillared hall in front of the shrines, and the pillars are covered in beautiful decorative carvings
- The hall in front of the shrines, called the Sukanasi has doorways decorated in creeper designs, surrounded by ornamental windowsThere are three shrines here:
- The first cell has a statue of Narayana
- The second has a statue of Lakshmi Narayana, with the Goddess Lakshmi Seated on Lord Vishnu’s lap.
- The third cell has a statue of queen Kamaladevi, with her attendants
- The ceilings are covered in lotus motifs
- The pillars and the spaces between them are covered with various decorative friezes – roaring lions, dancing girls and scroll work
How to Reach Kamala Narayana Temple
Kamala Naraya Temple is in Belgaum district. Belgaum is well connected through air, bus and train routes. From Belgaum, you can catch a bus to Kittur or Halsi and from there to Degaon.
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