Sharana Basaveshwara Temple is an ancient temple located in the ancient town of Gulbarga (Kalburgi- the stony land). The temple is dedicated to Shri Sharana Basaveshwara who was an eminent teacher, philosopher and a saint in the Hindu religion.
Shri Sharana Basaveshwara was a Lingayath Saint renowned for his Kayak and Dasoha. Dasoha meant Charity. According to Lingayath Dasoha meant that one must work hard selflessly and work for the society. Whatever belonged to the society must go to the society without any discrimination. Kayaka in Lingayath religion meant the removal of inequalities in anything like religion, spiritual, social as well as economic.
The temple of Sharana Basveshwara holds the Samadhi of the saint in the garbha gudi. The temple has a picturesque lake in the proximity. The overall splendid surrounding enthralls visitors and devotees.
Architecture of Sharana Basaveshwara Temple
The temple has a marvelous structure, which dates to 12th century. The carving contains images of Garuda, parrots, flowers and elephants. The temple is also known as Sabhamandapa. The temple consists of around 36 arches and numerous pillars that add to the beauty of the temple.
The temple is a blend of Mugal as well as Hindu architecture. The temple was constructed almost two centuries ago. The panchaloha kalasha which is a combination of five metals can be found here. Later during the Mughal empire, the Nizam of Hyderabad conquered the temple.
The Sabhamantapa and the pradakshinapatha are some marvelous constructions found here. The intricate work that is carved out in the pillars and walls are indeed the prominent feature of the temple. The peacock carvings are the striking ones among the figurines. The Peetha must accredit the seven peethadipatis. The entangled serpents sculpture also adds to the elegance of the temple. There is various artist’s depiction of Sri Sharana Basaveshwara on the walls. The interior is lavishly decorated with gold and glass mirrors and the roofs are decked up with chandlers which depict the Nizami style.
Mythology of Sharana Basaveshwara Temple
The parents of Sharana Basaveshwara Sangamma and Malakkappa were the role model for his choice of his path to break the feudalism in the society. He wanted to serve mankind and preached what he performed. He was a great contributor to the society. He wanted to eliminate inequality and bring out the best to the society. After he passed away, in his memory a shrine was built up with a Mahadasoha Peetha. The Peetha currently supports many educational institutions.
Significance of Sharana Basaveshwara Temple
Devotees come to the temple to seek blessings and fulfillment of their wishes like pursuing good education etc.
Jatra
The annual fair conducted in the fame of Sharana Basaveshwara is an added attraction of the temple. The jatra is to commemorate the death anniversary of the Saint. He was renowned for his great works in social reformations. The festival witnessed a large crowd gathering in the temple to offer their homage on the Samadhi of Sri Sharana Basaveshwara. The devotees also perform padayatra from their villages to the temple as a form of devotion to the saint.
On this occasion, the grand silver plate which is the Prasada Batla is brought out and public get a view of it. The occasion also lets the devotees can look at the Linga Sajjike which is the cover used to hold the Linga made of sandalwood. The people of Sharanabasweshara offer their portion of harvest on special occasions as an offering. The temple also conducts a cattle fair every year.
How to Reach Sharana Basaveshwara Temple
By Road
Gulbarga is around 574 km from Bangalore. Karnataka state transport buses ply from Bangalore to Gulbarga quiet often. From Gulbarga, the Sharana Basaveshwara Temple is reachable via taxi or even auto rickshaw.
By Rail
A 10-hour journey from Bangalore to Gulbarga in a direct train is a feasible way to reach Gulbarga. From railway station one can hire a taxi or any local means of transport to reach the temple
By Air
Bangalore (574 km) is the nearest airport to Gulbarga. From the airport, tourists can take up any buses or even hire a taxi or even go by train to reach Gulbarga.