Galageshwara temple, Galaganatha

We had been driving for more than 2 hours. Having started from Dharwad, we had passed through the National and state highways before hitting the district and village roads. The road quality had deteriorated in this last stretch. Since I followed google maps, I was not sure whether there were better roads. Each village that we crossed was filthy and were making fun of the “Swachh Bharath” mission. Galaganatha village was no different from others in the area. We found ourselves relieved when the road ended in front of Galageshwara temple. Surrounded by a garden, the magnificent temple looked like an oasis in the desert.

The temple seen from the entrance
The temple seen from the entrance
Where is Galageshwara temple?

Galaganatha is a small village in the Haveri district. It is known for the east-facing Galageshwara temple built in the 11th century during the Kalyani Chalukya period.

About Kalyani Chalukyas

Kalyani Chalukyas, also known as Western Chalukyas, was the dynasty that ruled over the western Deccan between the 10th and 12th centuries. It reached the peak during the reign of Vikramaditya IV. It was a momentous period in Karnataka as the rulers patronised the fine arts and temples. This period saw many temples constructed. Their architectural style represents the transition between the early Badami Chalukyas and later Hoysala.

Sculpture of the horsemen at the temple
Sculpture of the horsemen at the temple
At Galaganatha Temple

We entered the compound, and we were astounded to see the temple tower rising in the shape of a pyramid. It was the unique aspect of the temple. Built on the banks of the Tungabhadra river, the temple looked magnificent with exquisite carvings.

Backside view of Galageshwara temple
Backside view of Galageshwara temple

 

As we came to the front of the temple, we were mesmerised by the scenery before us. The mighty Tungabhadra river was flowing peacefully. We were standing on high ground, and it provided a panoramic view of the river. The only annoyance was the sound from pump sets pumping the water from the river to the fields. But it was the livelihood for the farmers in the village.

Tungabhadra river in front of the temple
Tungabhadra river in front of the temple
Navaranga and Garbhagruha

We saw that the Navaranga (Mantapa) had three sides to enter. The four large pillars at the centre of the Navaranga were simple in design but looked beautiful. A Nandi statue was seen, which is typical of any Shiva temple. The four large Devakosthas housed the images of 5 feet tall Adishakti, Ganapathi, Suryanarayana and Dasavathara Vishnu. The inscriptions about Kalyani Chalukyas were placed in the Navaranga.

Navaranga of the temple
Navaranga of the temple

 

At the centre of the Garbhagruha was the elevated platform with the Shiva linga on top of it. As expected, we could not enter into the Garbhagruha.

Sculpture at the Navaranga of the temple
Sculpture at the Navaranga of the temple
Adhisthana

The elevated Adhisthana (platform) resembles a pyramid. It has a broad base and tapers above on which the wall portion is built. There are many sculptural carvings on Adhisthana.

The tower of the temple
The tower of the temple

 

The temple and its surroundings are well maintained, but neighbours used the ground to dry Happala (papad).

Galageshwara temple at Galaganatha
Galageshwara temple at Galaganatha

 

We spent a long time at the temple relaxing. There were hardly any visitors during that time.

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