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Alampur Temple Diaries 3
#WalkToTemple
#Bharatiyavastukala
Today I will share with you a temple showcasing the splendor of the Chalukyas.
The SANGAMESHWARA temple was first located at the Sangam of Krishna & Tungabhadra rivers at a village called Kudavalli, 16km from Alampur.
#WalkToTemple
#Bharatiyavastukala
Today I will share with you a temple showcasing the splendor of the Chalukyas.
The SANGAMESHWARA temple was first located at the Sangam of Krishna & Tungabhadra rivers at a village called Kudavalli, 16km from Alampur.
Though the board mentions that it was built during the time of Vikramaditya I (655-81CE), it is believed to have been built by Pulikeshin.
Dwajastambham stamba and Nandi in a mandapam opposite the steps to the temple.
Dwajastambham stamba and Nandi in a mandapam opposite the steps to the temple.
Due 2 Srisailam hydro power project, the temple was at risk of submerging, so it has been relocated 2 outskirts of Alampur by ASI.
ASI did a fantastic job of replanting the temple, without disturbing the architecture. They took pics, removed the stones layer by layer & rebuilt it
ASI did a fantastic job of replanting the temple, without disturbing the architecture. They took pics, removed the stones layer by layer & rebuilt it
Shanka Nidhi and Padma Nidhi on either side of the entrance.
The interior has 12 carved pillars in the interior and place around the garbagriha for a pradakshina. It has flow of air and light through the latticed windows.
Wasn't able to take pics of the interior and pillars except for this statue. I think he is Bhairava.
Wasn't able to take pics of the interior and pillars except for this statue. I think he is Bhairava.
There is a small sanctum outside which houses Narayana.
Yamuna standing on her vehicle, the turtle. Makaras carved above.
Harihara in a carved niche.
Harihara in a carved niche.
This looks like a different version of Gajalakshmi.
Are these the Vidyadharas above?
Are these the Vidyadharas above?
Yama and Chitragupta?
Bhutamalas above the latticed window?
Bhutamalas above the latticed window?
Lord Vishnu with Adisesha on his head.
Though this window design looks like a flower, it is a matsya yantra, 8 fish converged together. You can enlarge and see. Kinnaras above the window.
Though this window design looks like a flower, it is a matsya yantra, 8 fish converged together. You can enlarge and see. Kinnaras above the window.
Mahadev slaying asuras. Ganesha beside him.
Floral design window with Mayuras above.
Floral design window with Mayuras above.
I don't know who this is.
Windows with makaras above.
Windows with makaras above.
The wall full of sculpture
Mahadev
Windows with Kinnaras and makaras above.
You can notice that no two windows are similar, each having its own design. These latticed windows made enough light and air to pass through to the interior.
Hanumanji must have been from another part of the temple. Here he is a bit different from other idols as his tail looks like a trishul.
The temple is on an elevated platform which is richly sculpted all around.
I had planned to go to Pattadikal and Aihole last May but the trip didn't materialize. Luckily this trip to Alampur in December has shown me the splendor of the Badami Chalukyas.
Grateful. 🙏
My next thread will be the last of the Alampur Temple Diaries.
Grateful. 🙏
My next thread will be the last of the Alampur Temple Diaries.
I forgot to mention, the pujari who does the worship of Deva is the descendant of the family of archakas who have been attached to the temple for the past many centuries. They have shifted to Alampur, along with the temple from Kudavalli.
