Forgotten Temple Tales from Lakkundi Karnataka
Maybe you haven’t heard much about Lakkundi, that’s okay. The forgotten tales of Lakkundi temples is being rewritten. It is now a part of Hampi circuit.
Lakkundi is famous for temples, stepwells and a museum stuffed with rare finds. When I heard of the tales of Lakkundi temples for the first time I made an instant plan to make a day trip from Hampi to Lakkundi. So, I have for you here the top things to do in Lakkundi in one day.
Lakkundi located in the Gadag district of Karnataka state in India. The Lakkundi map is dotted with several temples with grand architectural details which are sadly forgotten and rarely visited. Hampi, less than 100 km away, has hogged the limelight and caught tourists’ attention in the tourism map of Karnataka. Similarly Goa, 223 km to its west too, got a major chunk of tourists’ footfall.
I have collated a travel guide to Lakkundi to help you plan a trip to Lakkundi, the forgotten temple land of Karnataka.
Kashivisveswara Temple Photograph taken in 1885 by Henry Cousens British Library
Lakkundi History
The earliest evidence of existence of Lakkundi dates back to 790 CE, the inscription found on a slab of stone, which incidentally was being used to wash clothes by locals. Besides that, 30 more inscriptions from Lakkundi, in Kannada and Sanskrit have been found. They date back to 11th and 12th centuries. These were foundation stone inscriptions of Jain and Hindu temples of Lakkundi.
Some inscriptions were found on copper plates which were probably gifted to different temples, to Maha-agrahara, to monasteries, to donate step wells for the public and pilgrims, and other purposes. Such rich findings of inscriptions indicate that the ancient town of Lakkundi was important to both Hindu and Jain traditions.
Lakkundi was under the rule of Kalachuris, Chalukyas, Yadavas-Seunas, and Hoysalas. The architecture of Lakkundi temples speak of rich influence of Chalukya style of architecture. A Sanskrit inscription of Hoysala King Ballala II mentions the importance of Lakkundi as his kingdom’s capital.
Sadly there is no evidence after the 13th century which indicates the decline of the prosperity of Lokkugundi.
Inscriptions on stone slabs found in Lakkundi Gadag
Lakkundi Temples
There was a time when Lakkundi had more than half a century of temples. Today the remains of just about 50 temples can be seen. They are dedicated to Shaivism, Jainism and Vaishnavism faiths. Many of these existing temples are in ruinous conditions. Call it apathy of tourism departments or lack of tourists’ interests Lokkugundi hasn’t got the attention it rightly deserves. With so many temple structures scattered you really need a travel guide to see the heritage sites of Lakkundi in Gadag.
6 Famous Lakkundi Temples you must see
I would have run short of time had I tried visiting all the temples of Lakkundi. It is an exhaustive list. To save you the hassle of selecting the temples to see, here are 6 major historical temples of Lakkundi. These along with tours of stepwells and museums will make a good one day itinerary of Lakkundi.
Brahma Jinalaya Temple Lakkundi
Other names of this most popular and oldest of the Jain temples in Lakkundi are the Greater Jain Temple of Lakkundi, Jain Basadi.
The temple is dedicated to the greatest of the Jain Tirthankara. Today there is an image of Neminatha in the garbhagudi (holy sanctum).
It also houses a rare idol of Brahma Deva with his consorts, Savitri and Gayatri.
Brahma Jinalaya Architecture – Built on a square plan, it has a 5 storied Vimana. It has a mukha mandapa and an open pillared hall. The use of Chloritic Schist for construction and sculpting made it easy for delicate carvings.
It is interesting to note that Brahma Jinalaya Temple in Lakkundi was built by Queen Attimabbe, wife of a Chalukya Chieftain. She was honoured with the title ‘Daanachintamani’.
Brahma Jinalaya Temple Lakkundi
Kashi Vishweshwara Temple Lakkundi
Kashi Vishweshwara temple is a Hindu temple of Lakkundi dedicated to two Gods, Bhagwan Shiva and Surya Dev. This twin temple is a must see tourist attraction in Lakkundi for its unique architectural design and richly carved elements. It is a standing evidence of fully developed Kalyana Chalukya style of Hindu architecture. The two sanctums of Kasivisvesvara temple and Suryanarayana Temple face each other and share a mandapa. The larger sanctum is dedicated to Shivji, the other to Surya Dev.
Kashi Vishweshwara temple was built by Western Chalukyas in 1087 CE. The temple is located 12 km south-east of Gadag, Karnataka.
Kashi Vishweshwara Temple Lakkundi
Naganatha Temple Lakkundi
This was once a Jain Temple of Lakkundi. Evidences found around the temple mention that it was originally dedicated to Tirthankara Parsvanatha. It could have also belonged to the Naga deity as the name indicates.
The temple lay abandoned from the 13th century till it was appropriated by the local Hindu community in the 19th century. They made no changes to original Jain motifs and structures. They dedicated the temple to God Shiva. You can see the Shiva Linga on top of a pedestal in the sanctum.
sculpted images in temples of Lakkundi
Lakshminaryana Temple Lakkundi
The Lakshminarayana Temple is built in a different style from all the other temples at Lakkundi. The architectural style of this temple has similarities with Hoysala temples. The sanctuary has a slender pyramidal roof and the remains of a hall.
It was dark inside, no lighting hence difficult to observe the carvings on the roof. The carvings depict monster faces, foliation and icons of the gods. Sadly much has been lost to time. The date of construction of the temple is estimated to be between 1150 and 1250 CE.
Manikesvara Temple Lakkundi
We headed to Manikesavara Temple that has a beautiful stepwell, Musukina Bavi. This is one of the must see tourist attractions of Lakkundi because of the combination of temple and stepwell. One can approach the mandapa of the temple from the fourth side of the stepwell.
Manikesvara Temple Lakkundi
Nanneshwara Temple Lakkundi
Nanneshwara temple is located at the eastern end of the Kashi Vishweshvara Temple. Nanneshwara Temple is beautiful and is believed to be a template model of the impressive Kashi Vishweshvara Temple by historians. See more temple images here: Lakkundi Shiva Temple
More Lakkundi Temples
After touring the above temples if you still have the energy and enthusiasm left you can visit these Lakkundi temples – Mallikarjuna, Kumbheshvara, Someshwara, Narayana, Nilakanteshwara, Virabhadhra, and Virupaksha Temples. Photography and observing the details take up a lot of your time, so covering these temples in a short span of time is not possible.
I was sad to see this Temple in ruins in Lakkundi
Lakkundi Stepwells
Can you believe there are more than 100 stepwells in Lakkundi?
There are several heritage stepwells in India. I have described my visits to Adalaj ni Vav and Rani ki Vav, two popular stepwells in Gujarat. They are of course more ornate than the ones I saw in Lakkundi, which are known by the name kalyani, bavadi, bawdi or bavi.
These stepwells get filled during rains in monsoons, hence are important as a source of water for locals for the rest of the year. The stepwells also double up as cool sanctuaries for bathing, prayer, and meditation. Most devotees take a dip here, an act of cleansing, before entering the temples.
If you are to enumerate the popular stepwells in India, the stepwells of Lakkundi – Chateer Bavi, Kanne Bavi and Musukina Bavi – cannot be ignored. They are popular for their carvings and architectural beauty. Visit Lakkundi just after monsoons to see these stepwells filled with water.
Musukina Bavi stepwell – a major tourist attraction of Lakkundi
Lakkundi Heritage Museum
Lakkundi Museum (Sculpture Gallery Lakkundi) is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The museum has a collection of several remnants recovered from the sites around. There are sculpted images, inscription slabs and plates issued under the reign of various kings.
Located in: Sri Brahma Jinalaya (Basadi)
Address: 9PQ7+MPC, Lakkundi, Karnataka 582115
Tickets and timings: 25 INR per person. 6 AM to 6 PM.
Lakkundi Museum
Lakkundi Utsava
Festival of Lakkundi known by the name Lakkundi Utsava is held in February – March every year. Celebratory functions with traditional folk dance and songs are conducted.
Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority
Local traditions and handicrafts have got a boost after the Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority has taken over the development works in Lakkundi. Religious rituals like Rath Yatra and Veerabhadra Devi Yatra are conducted annually. Visit Lakkundi during these festivals of Lakkundi to see their rituals.
Craft fairs held display the local skills. Efforts are being taken to preserve heritage arts like wreath weaving, floral decoration, rangoli art, pottery, saree weaving, Ambasi panche (five yard-long strip of cloth) weaving and more to prevent them from fading away. Plan a visit to Lakkundi during these craft fairs.
People of Lakkundi
Frequently asked questions About Lakkundi
Location of Lakkundi
Lakkundi is located in Gadag district. There are 44 state protected monuments and 14 central protected monuments in Gadag District. There are also thousands of unrecognized memorials.
Lakkundi Pin Code is 582115.
How to reach Lakkundi
Lakkundi is located in central Karnataka. Plan well to reach the temple town by these means –
By Road: There are good roads to Gadag district from nearby cities. Once you reach Gadag you can hire taxis or take state transport buses to Lakkundi. You can reach Gadag by road or by rail.
By rail: Gadag is well connected by rail network to other cities of India. You can alight at Balganur, Kangihai and Gadag Junction railway stations and proceed to Lakkundi by road.
By air: Neither Lakkundi nor Gadag has an airport of its own. Panjim in Goa is the nearest international airport, at a distance of 225 km. The domestic airports close by are: Hubli airport, located about 57 km away and Sambre Airport at Belgaum, which is 128 km away.
What is the best time to visit Lakkundi?
Winters are the best time to visit Lakkundi. If you don’t mind rains, visit during monsoons or just after monsoons to see the stepwells filled up. Plan between August to February.
Even though many of the temples of Lakkundi are close to each other within walking distance we drove down to escape the heat. The overhead sun in December was unbearable! The sad part is all these temples stand in barren land.
Little girl in Lakkundi with her pet goat
How to plan a trip to Lakkundi
If you are travelling to Hampi or Goa, it will be a good idea to include Lakkundi to your itinerary. Lakkundi is at a distance of 99.7 km from Hampi
Distance from Pattadakal is 78.1 km via SH 83
Distance from Badami is 70.6 km.
Lakkundi makes an ideal destination as a day trip from Hampi, Badami and Pattadakal. You can either independently make a trip to Lakkundi in Gadag or book with a tour agency.
It is possible to visit the temples here under a small budget. Budget travelers can save a lot by reaching here by bus / public transport.
How many days are required for Lakkundi tour
One day is sufficient to see the places I mentioned in the blog. If you wish to see more temples, a night halt at Lakkundi is recommended.
Washroom Facilities at Lakkundi Temple site
I would like to highlight the difficulty I faced here while traveling with my kids. In spite of all cautions kids do get the urge when there is no toilet facility. Luckily for me a kind woman agreed to let my kids use their toilet. I am so full of gratitude towards her.
Kind woman from Lakkundi
Where to stay in Lakkundi
I did a day trip to Lakkundi, so I didn’t need to stay there. However if you choose to stay for a night you can get decent accommodations in Gadag. Check these:
Durga Vihar, Near Mulagund Naka, Gadag – 582101
Hotel Mourya, Gadag, Mundargi Road, Near New Bus Stand, Gadag – 582101
Conclusion
And there you have it – Which is the famous temple of Lakkundi? Who built Lakkundi Temple? One day itinerary of Lakkundi, what exactly we saw in Lakkundi.
If you’ve already been to Lakkundi or go after reading this article, I would love to hear from you! What was your favorite Lakkundi experience? Leave me a note in the comments below.
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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.
