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Coordinates: 15°27′32″N 75°57′36″E / 15.45889°N 75.96000°E / 15.45889; 75.96000
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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
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[[Image:Kuknur Navalinga temples.JPG|thumb|right|Dravidian style architecture. Top view of Navalinga Temples at Kuknur, [[Karnataka]]]]
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2019}}
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[[Image:Architrave at Navalinga Temple at Kukkanur.jpg|right|thumb|Decorative architrave above shrine entrance]]
[[File:Kuknur Navalinga temples.JPG|thumb|right|Dravidian
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The '''Navalinga temple''' was built in the 9th century, during the reign of King [[Amoghavarsha I]] or his son [[Krishna II]] of the [[Rashtrakuta Dynasty]]. The temple is located in the town of [[Kukkanur]] (also called Kuknur), {{convert|4|mi|km|0}} north of Itagi in [[Koppal district]] and {{convert|25|mi|km|0}} east of [[Gadag]] in [[Karnataka]] state, India. Built in the [[South India]]n ''[[Dravidian architecture|dravida]]'' style,<ref name="navalinga">{{cite web|title=Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent,20 September 1996 |url=http://www.indoarch.org/place.php?placelink=R%3D5%2BS%3D18%2BP%3D228%2BM%3D1053|author=Kamiya, Takeo|publisher=Gerard da Cunha-Architecture Autonomous, Bardez, Goa, India|work=|accessdate=2008-05-20}}</ref> each of the nine temples in the cluster has a ''[[linga]]'', the universal symbol of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] God [[Shiva]], and hence the name ''Navalinga'' (''lit'' nine ''lingas'').<ref name="linga">Cousens (1926), p. 74</ref>
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style architecture. Top view of Navalinga Temples at Kuknur, [[Karnataka]]]]
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[[File:Architrave at Navalinga Temple at Kukkanur.jpg|right|thumb|Decorative architrave above shrine entrance]]
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The '''Navalinga temple''' is a cluster of [[Hindu]] temples built in the 9th century, during the reign of King [[Amoghavarsha I]] or his son [[Krishna II]] of the [[Rashtrakuta Dynasty]]. The temple is located in the town of [[Kukkanur]] (also called Kuknur), {{convert|4|mi|km|0}} north of Itagi in [[Koppal district]] and {{convert|25|mi|km|0}} east of [[Gadag]] in [[Karnataka]] state, India. Built in the [[South India]]n ''[[Dravidian architecture|dravida]]'' style,<ref name="navalinga">{{cite web|title=Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent,20 September 1996 |url=http://www.indoarch.org/place.php?placelink=R%3D5%2BS%3D18%2BP%3D228%2BM%3D1053|author=Kamiya, Takeo|publisher=Gerard da Cunha-Architecture Autonomous, Bardez, Goa, India|access-date=2008-05-20}}</ref> each of the nine temples in the cluster has a ''[[linga]]'', the universal symbol of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] God [[Shiva]], and hence the name ''Navalinga'' (literally, 'nine {{lang|sa|lingas}}').<ref name="linga">Cousens (1926), p. 74</ref>


==General plan==
==General plan==
<!--[[Image:Somjyotir.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Shiva linga]]-->
<!--[[File:Somjyotir.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Shiva linga]]-->
A clusters of temples, the ''Navalinga'' group appears to have been placed asymmetrically, without any particular order. Despite being constructed from inferior quality [[sandstone]], the decorative finish is rich, though much of it is lost due to degradation of the shrine walls.<ref name="wall">Cousens (1926), p. 75</ref> Each of the shrines has a South Indian style ''[[sikhara]]'' (superstructure). The ensemble has four ''[[mantapa]]s'' (hall) in all, three of which are in a line going east-west and open to the shrines. Each of the shrines has a Shiva ''linga'' in the sanctum, though the lintel above the entrance has an image of [[Gajalakshmi]], the consort of God [[Vishnu]].<ref name="linga"/>
A clusters of temples, the ''Navalinga'' group appears to have been placed asymmetrically, without any particular order. Despite being constructed from inferior quality [[sandstone]], the decorative finish is rich, though much of it is lost due to degradation of the shrine walls.<ref name="wall">Cousens (1926), p. 75</ref> Each of the shrines has a South Indian style ''[[shikhara]]'' (superstructure). The ensemble has four ''[[mantapa]]s'' (hall) in all, three of which are in a line going east-west and open to the shrines. Each of the shrines has a Shiva ''linga'' in the sanctum, though the lintel above the entrance has an image of [[Gajalakshmi]], the consort of God [[Vishnu]].<ref name="linga"/>


==Sculpture==
==Sculpture==
[[Image:Old Kannada inscription in the mantapa of Navalinga temple at Kuknur.jpg|thumb|right|upright|old-Kannada inscription at Navalinga temple]]
[[File:Old Kannada inscription in the mantapa of Navalinga temple at Kuknur.jpg|thumb|right|upright|old-Kannada inscription at Navalinga temple]]
[[Image:Kuknur oldKannada inscription1.JPG|thumb|right|upright|old-Kannada inscription at Navalinga temple]]
[[File:Old Kannada inscription at the Navalinga temple in Kuknur.jpg|thumb|right|upright|old-Kannada inscription at Navalinga temple]]
The pillars in the halls are of better quaility than seen at [[Pattadakal]], indicating an advancement of this art from the previous centuries.<ref name="wall"/> [[Architrave]]s were popular and a very good example has survived and has two ''[[makara (Hindu mythology)|makaras]]'' (mythical beasts) with circular scales and florid tails.<ref name="linga"/> The temple complex has two well preserved old-Kannada [[epigraphy|inscriptions]]. Fifteen inscriptions are found in the town in all which mostly date from 1005 CE to 1186 CE, though a few from the [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara]] period also exist. The inscriptions mention grants to temples of various Hindu goddesses such as Chamundi, Ganga, [[Sarasvati]], Kalikadevi and Mahamayi as well as God Mallikarjuna. It is proposed that the ''Navalinga'' temples may have originally been consecrated in honor of these goddesses.<ref name="wall"/>
The pillars in the halls are of better quality than seen at [[Pattadakal]], indicating an advancement of this art from the previous centuries.<ref name="wall"/> [[Architrave]]s were popular and a very good example has survived and has two ''[[makara (Hindu mythology)|makaras]]'' (mythical beasts) with circular scales and florid tails.<ref name="linga"/> The temple complex has two well preserved old-Kannada [[epigraphy|inscriptions]]. Fifteen inscriptions are found in the town in all which mostly date from 1005 CE to 1186 CE, though a few from the [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara]] period also exist. The inscriptions mention grants to temples of various Hindu goddesses such as Chamundi, Ganga, [[Sarasvati]], Kalikadevi and Mahamayi as well as God Mallikarjuna. It is proposed that the ''Navalinga'' temples may have originally been consecrated in honor of these goddesses.<ref name="wall"/>


==Notes==
==Notes==
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==References==
==References==
* {{cite web|author=Kamiya, Takeyo|title=Architecture of Indian subcontinent|url=http://www.indoarch.org/place.php?placelink=R%3D5%2BS%3D18%2BP%3D228%2BM%3D1053|publisher=Gerard da Cunha|work=Indian Architecture|access-date=2006-12-31}}
{{commonscat}}
* {{cite web|author=Kamiya, Takeyo|title=Architecture of Indian subcontinent|url=http://www.indoarch.org/place.php?placelink=R%3D5%2BS%3D18%2BP%3D228%2BM%3D1053|publisher=Gerard da Cunha|work=Indian Architecture|accessdate=2006-12-31}}
* {{cite book|author=Cousens, Henry|title= The Chalukyan Architecture of Kanarese Districts|orig-year= 1926|year= 1996|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India |location= New Delhi|oclc = 37526233}}
* {{cite book|author=Cousens, Henry|title= The Chalukyan Architecture of Kanarese Districts|origyear= 1926|year= 1996|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India |location= New Delhi|oclc = 37526233}}


==External links==
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{{coord|15|27|32|N|75|57|36|E|display=title}}
{{commons category|Navalinga Temple}}


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{{coord|15|27|32|N|75|57|36|E|display=title}}
{{Hindu temples in Karnataka}}
{{Hindu temples in Karnataka}}


[[Category:9th-century architecture]]
[[Category:9th-century Hindu temples]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Koppal district]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Koppal district]]
[[Category:Temples in Karnataka]]
[[Category:Shiva temples in Karnataka]]

Latest revision as of 11:52, 28 May 2024

Dravidian style architecture. Top view of Navalinga Temples at Kuknur, Karnataka
Decorative architrave above shrine entrance

The Navalinga temple is a cluster of Hindu temples built in the 9th century, during the reign of King Amoghavarsha I or his son Krishna II of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. The temple is located in the town of Kukkanur (also called Kuknur), 4 miles (6 km) north of Itagi in Koppal district and 25 miles (40 km) east of Gadag in Karnataka state, India. Built in the South Indian dravida style,[1] each of the nine temples in the cluster has a linga, the universal symbol of Hindu God Shiva, and hence the name Navalinga (literally, 'nine lingas').[2]

General plan

[edit]

A clusters of temples, the Navalinga group appears to have been placed asymmetrically, without any particular order. Despite being constructed from inferior quality sandstone, the decorative finish is rich, though much of it is lost due to degradation of the shrine walls.[3] Each of the shrines has a South Indian style shikhara (superstructure). The ensemble has four mantapas (hall) in all, three of which are in a line going east-west and open to the shrines. Each of the shrines has a Shiva linga in the sanctum, though the lintel above the entrance has an image of Gajalakshmi, the consort of God Vishnu.[2]

Sculpture

[edit]
old-Kannada inscription at Navalinga temple
old-Kannada inscription at Navalinga temple

The pillars in the halls are of better quality than seen at Pattadakal, indicating an advancement of this art from the previous centuries.[3] Architraves were popular and a very good example has survived and has two makaras (mythical beasts) with circular scales and florid tails.[2] The temple complex has two well preserved old-Kannada inscriptions. Fifteen inscriptions are found in the town in all which mostly date from 1005 CE to 1186 CE, though a few from the Vijayanagara period also exist. The inscriptions mention grants to temples of various Hindu goddesses such as Chamundi, Ganga, Sarasvati, Kalikadevi and Mahamayi as well as God Mallikarjuna. It is proposed that the Navalinga temples may have originally been consecrated in honor of these goddesses.[3]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Kamiya, Takeo. "Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent,20 September 1996". Gerard da Cunha-Architecture Autonomous, Bardez, Goa, India. Retrieved 20 May 2008.
  2. ^ a b c Cousens (1926), p. 74
  3. ^ a b c Cousens (1926), p. 75

References

[edit]
  • Kamiya, Takeyo. "Architecture of Indian subcontinent". Indian Architecture. Gerard da Cunha. Retrieved 31 December 2006.
  • Cousens, Henry (1996) [1926]. The Chalukyan Architecture of Kanarese Districts. New Delhi: Archaeological Survey of India. OCLC 37526233.
[edit]
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15°27′32″N 75°57′36″E / 15.45889°N 75.96000°E / 15.45889; 75.96000

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