We were so glad we visited the 15th century Aghoreshwara (Shiva) temple in Ikkeri. The temple is still functional with daily poojas and prayers being performed. Ikkeri is just 6 kms from the main town of Sagara.
The entrance flanked by Gajaraj (elephants), an important motif in every single ancient Indian temple.
The temple is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India and the upkeep is excellent as seen in the green landscaping all around the temple premises.
One of the striking aspects of most Indian temples is the pillars.
A single pillar has such intricacy woven into it!
Solid and beautiful and functional!
Is this a dragon spewing fire? Or a lion?
Carved on the steps leading into the Akhilandeshwari (or Parvathi - wife of Shiva) temple.
Another wonderfully carved piece.
The head gear of the rider looks like that of a Muslim.
What animal is he riding? Is it a mythical creature?
Wonder what this carving on the right was! Dragon? Evil force?
Or just a figment of imagination?
I loved the arms held up that way, mouth wide open and eyeballs popping out.
Was that fear or amazement?
Shiva with his damru and trishul.
A place to rest for the Nandi (the bull), the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva. It is built entirely in granite. The tail was damaged and missing but the rest of this nearly 500 years old sculpture is still strikingly beautiful.
The entrance flanked by Gajaraj (elephants), an important motif in every single ancient Indian temple.
The temple is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India and the upkeep is excellent as seen in the green landscaping all around the temple premises.
One of the striking aspects of most Indian temples is the pillars.A single pillar has such intricacy woven into it!
Solid and beautiful and functional!
Is this a dragon spewing fire? Or a lion?
Carved on the steps leading into the Akhilandeshwari (or Parvathi - wife of Shiva) temple.
Another wonderfully carved piece.
The head gear of the rider looks like that of a Muslim.
What animal is he riding? Is it a mythical creature?
Wonder what this carving on the right was! Dragon? Evil force?
Or just a figment of imagination?
I loved the arms held up that way, mouth wide open and eyeballs popping out.
Was that fear or amazement?
Shiva with his damru and trishul.
A place to rest for the Nandi (the bull), the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva. It is built entirely in granite. The tail was damaged and missing but the rest of this nearly 500 years old sculpture is still strikingly beautiful.
The exterior walls of the temple. How can one not be enamored by the beauty of these sculptural masterpieces? The temple dates back to the Keladi Nayaka period and belongs to the Hoysala-Kadamba style of architecture.
Nicely written
ReplyDeletethank you :)
DeleteGreat coverage of the temple.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rajesh
DeleteBeautifully captured in images and text!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteIt is very old but well maintained temple . Thank you so much for the introduction of a new place !!
ReplyDeleteYes such an old temple and so stunning even today. Thank you for your visit
DeleteYou have absorbed the entire sanctity in your shots.Useful write-up also.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarala :)
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