The Sharana Basaveshwara temple is situated in Gulbarga in the Karnataka state. It is dedicated to the reformer and saint, Shri Basaveshwara. Tourists have to first come to the town of Gulbarga and then travel to this temple by bus. The city of Gulbarga has a fine blend of both the Hindu and Mughal cultures. Other places close to the Sharana Basaveshwara temple are Feroze Shah’s mausoleum, Haft Gumbuz, Ghias Ud Din’s tomb, gardens of Mahboob Gulshan and so on.
The shrine of Sharana Basaveshwara was constructed two centuries ago. It was invaded by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The panchloha kalasha (five metalled pot) can be found here.
Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, Gulbarga. Photographer Sardonik
Sharana Basaveshwara Temple – Architecture
The architecture in the Sharana Basaveshwara temple is exclusive and intricate. The architecture of this temple is of the 12th century. The Garbagriha houses the Samadhi of Sharana Basaveshwara. Devotees flock here in large numbers to worship the shrines of the preceptor and the disciple.
You can see the very big Sabhamantapa and the Pradakshinapatha. There are many big pillars and close to 36 arches in the Sabhamantapa. Peacock carvings add to the overall beauty of the pillars. The architecture at the Sharana Basaveshwara temple also has carvings of elephants, parrots, garuda, naga, creepers and flowers. The Peetha has to its credit seven peetadhipatis.
Sharana Basaveshwara Temple – Mythology
Sharana Basaweshwar belongs to the Veerashaiva family and was totally devoted to the Dasoha. His parents Sangamma and Malakappa gave him valuable guidance and deep love to Sharana Basaveshwara. This is how the Dasoha culture was initiated and Sharana Basaveshwara worshipped it wholeheartedly until he lived. When Sharana Basveshwara passed away, a sacred shrine was built in his memory. His ardent devotee Adi Doddappa Sharan followed him and both of them together built the Sharana Basaveshwara Mahadasoha Petha.
How to get to Sharana Basaveshwara Temple
You can get to the Sharana Basaveshwara temple from Gulbarga. There are many private bus operators that operate from Gulbarga. It is also well connected by railways and roadways. Bangalore is the closest airport to Gulbarga. There are passenger trains that operate between Gulbarga, Bangalore, Mysore and Hassan.
Sharana Basaveshwara Temple – Facts
- The festivals of Sankranti and Vijayadashmi are celebrated with great pomp and splendour. This is an ideal time to visit the temple.
- The Sharana Basaweshwara Mahadasoha fair is held every year and it goes on for a month or so. Devotees flock here in huge numbers to be a part of this wonderful celebration.
- The car festival and the cattle fair are other popular festivals that are held here every year.
- The Sharana Basaweshwara Mahadasoha Peetha spreads education through their Sharana Basaveshwara Vidya Varshak Samsthe institute.
Also See:
