LAKSHMESHVARA (PULIGERE)
Lakshmeshvara, (lakSmEshvara) (ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೇಶ್ವರ)
which was known in ancient times as Puligere ((ಪುಲಿಗೆರೆ)
is a town of historical importance known for its temples, inscriptions and an educational
centre. (GaTikA sthAna) It is located in Shirahatti talluk of Gadag district at
a distance of 21 kilometers from Shirahatti. The town and the surrounding regions
were ruled by the Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyani. This place is documented in inscriptions
and literary texts by its original name, ‘puligere’. A
Lakshmeshvara contains a number of ancient
Jaina temples. (Basadi) ‘sanKa basadi’(Shankha) dedicated to Neminatha Teerthankara,
built during the regime of Badami Chalukyas is the most important among them. This
“consists of a garbhagriha, a large ardhamandapa, larger mahamandapa and a rangamandapa.
The rangamandapa has three entrances to south, north and west. It has a chaturmukha
structure in dim unitive model, each of which carries three figures. It has a rekha
nagara shikhara. The unique feature of this temple is the Sahasrakuta Jinabimba
in minute form. There is a manastambha in front of the temple. Even though the temple
is in ruins and has been renovated later, it presents a rare grandeur and stands
as a testimony to the interest of the Kalyana Chalukyas in Jaina architecture. The
other Jaina temple in this place is a trikuta dedicated to Adinatha.” (A.V. Narasimha
Murthy) Anesajje basadi’ built by a queen called Kunkuma
mahAdEvi during the regime of Keerthivarma-2 is also
important. Many more basadis whose names are documented in inscriptions are
now demolished.
The most important monument at Lakshemshwar is the Someshwara temple complex ( 11th
century). The temple complex with three main entrances and surrounded by high walls
looks like a fort. It is a splendid specimen of Chalukyan architecture. In the middle
of the Temple complex, stands the Someshwara temple. It is surrounded by many small
temples mainly dedicated to Shiva, along the compound wall. This compound wall is
built with granite. Some huge halls in the complex are meant for resting devotees.
VAjEshvara temple was built prior to the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty.
Lakshmeshwar is also
home for many shrines, a dargah, Kodiyellamma temple, the Mooka Basavanna shrine,
a gigantic idol of Suryanarayana and many more such edifices. Some fifty inscriptions in Kannada
as well as Sanskrit are found here. During the rule of Adilshahi (Bijapur Sultanate), the kings
built Dargas and Masjids at Lakshmeshwar. The KAli Masjid here is an ornate structure,
built by Ankush Khan, the commander of Bijapur. The Jumma Masjid at Lakshmeshwara
dates back to the time of the Adilshahi rule. The mosque was built in 1617. Jumma
Masjid is constructed in Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The massive doors of
the mosque are like a fort entrance. The mosque has 2 tall Minars and a large 'semicircular
dome’. There are Dravidian style chains hanging across the ceiling of the mosque.
An educational centre (GaTikAsthAna) was established in Lakshmeshwara during the
twelfth century. Agrahaaras meant for brahmins were constructed here by Raashtrakuutas
and KaLachuris. A number of minor poets in Kannada such as Brahmashiva, Puligere
Somanatha and Mahalingadeva lived in this place during different periods.
Devachakra bhattaraka,
Shankanacharya, Hemadevacharya, Padmasena, Tribhuvanachandra panDita and Rama devacharya
are some of the Jaina scholars who resided here during its long history.
Lakshmeshvara has flourished for more than a thousand years and it is an important
site for students of history and architecture.
2.
flickr.com/photos/ashinal/78580697/
3.
Lakshmeshwar -
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