Mukteshwara temple at Choudayyadanapura

Choudayyadanapura is a tongue twister even for a Kannadiga!! It is interesting to understand the reason behind its name. The previous name of this village was Shivapur. Basavanna, a 12th-century reformer, donated this village to Ambigara Choudayya, a boatman. Choudayya became a saint, poet and social critic. As the village was donated (“daana”) to Choudayya, it was called Choudayyadanapura!!

The village is famous for the Mukteshwara temple, built during the 12th or 13th century. Having visited Galaganatha and Haralahalli, we set out to see the third temple of the day at Choudayyadanapura. It took us about 20 minutes from Haralahalli to reach the Mukteshwara temple. The road leading to the temple was wide, and there was enough space to park the car with trees providing shade. The view of the temple against the background of the Tungabhadra river looked great!!

ASI had done a great job in maintaining the temple. The temple complex was divided into the main shrine, a section housing inscriptions, and a sub-temple used for daily pooja. The temple looked lively, with many devotees around, all of them being locals.

It is an ekakuta temple with one Garbhagruha, an antarala (passage between garbhagruha and navaranga), navaranga (hall) and two mukha mantapas (Porch constructed in front of the doorway). The garbhagruha has linga installed on a high pedestal. The navaranga has two doorways, with one of them is ornate. The other one has an open porch with Kakshasana (projection of the outer wall).

We found that the tower of the temple beautifully carved with creeper scrolls and peacocks. It was the most beautiful part of the temple.

We saw the steps leading down to the Tungabhadra river. The rocky bed of the river provided some places to rest and play in the water. Local kids playing in the water got excited about seeing my camera. They pulled off a few stunts in the water and asked me to take photographs!!