District: Dharwad
Town: Annigeri
Temple: Amruteshwara Temple
Amruteshwara Temple
Amruteshwara Temple – Overview
The Amruteshwara temple is a beautiful Black Stone temple built by the Kalyani Chalukyas, in Annigeri. Annigeri is a historical town, which was an important part of the western Chalukyan Empire. It was also part of the Hoysalas, Yadavas and Kalachurya domain. For a short period, it even served as the capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas as the Kalachuryas seized their main capital, Kalyani. Annigeri is also famous as the birthplace of the first Kannada poet, Pampa.
Amruteshwara Temple – Architecture
The Amruteshwara Temple, built in 1050, is a fine example of Kalyani Chalukya Architecture. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is built of black soapstone. Built in the Dravidian style, the temple has a roof is supported by 76 pillars. The walls of the temple are covered in carvings of mythological figures. This temple served as the model for later structures like the Mahadeva Temple at Itagi.
How to Get to Amruteshwara Temple
Annigeri is very close to Hubli. Hubli is a major city in Karnataka, with its own airport and Railway Station. Annigeri is 35 km from Hubli and can be reached by bus from Hubli. The best time to visit this temple is between December and January. This is the time of the temple car festival, the Rathotsava, when an idol of Lord Amruteshwara is taken out in procession in a Ratha.
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