Did you know that the Chandramauleshwara temple in Unkal village near Hubli , completed in 1085 AD in the Kalyani Chalukya period has in its garbagriha two Shiva lingas and , pradakshina path and the mukhyamandapa, each with four cardinal entranace doors?
The Chandramauleshwara temple in Unkal village near Hubli city of Karnataka, east of the Unkal lake in the backdrop of the Nrupatunga Hills, is an 11th century Sandhara type, built during the Kalyana Chalukyan period is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on the bank of the Unkal lake. A unique feature of the Sandahara type plan is that it has a square sanctum enclosed by a gallery of pillars meant for Pradakshina with two Shiva lingas deified in such a way that morning sunlight illumintates them on a particular day. One of the Shiva Lingas in the Garbagriha is the ‘Chaturmukha Linga’ which is the four faced Shiva linga which is a unique idol of Shiva in the Karnataka state. A special event noted here is that on Shivratri day in February/March, when sunlight falls directly on the Shiva Lingas.
The Garbagriga (sanctum sanctorum), the pradakshina path (circumambulatory passage created by a set of pillars and the sarvatobhadra mukha mandapa (the main entrance hall) of the temple have four decorated doorways, each with dwarapalas, in cardinal directions. The temple layout also integrates ardha-mandapas that function as antaralas. There are two Nandi (the vehicle of Lord Shiva, the bull) statues at the entrance of the temple facing the two Shiva lingas.
The Garbagriha, open from all sides, has four molded walls each with decorated doors. The doorjambs are decorated with pancha shakhas (five concentric band of fine carvings), but the artisans made each door unique. The eastern door is particularly excellent, one of the best from the 11th-century. Originally, the temple housed the image of Chaturmukha linga at the very center of the Garba griha so that pilgrims could see one face of Shiva no matter where she or he stood. However, at some point, this was moved and it is now in the western side. The Mañcabandha type of Adhiṣṭhāna (‘plinth’) of the temple is very elegant, with carved sculptures of a band of flowers, then alternating horse-elephant rajasena, above which is the vedikas with miniature but beautiful musicians. The Jalas or screens seen in this temple, of two types – gulika and puspakantha – are elegantly built, with timber-like finish.
This temple as a whole has sculpted walls and pillars of black granite stones. in the Chalukyan architectural style. The outer walls of the temple have niches framed with pilasters. These depict a galaxy of deities and Hindu legends from all the major traditions within Hinduism: Brahma, avatars of Vishnu, and various forms of Shiva. Of particular note are the Nataraja, Narasimha, dancing Ganesha, Sarasvati and Mahishasurmardini. The temple thus integrates the artwork of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Vedic deities together.
A major portion of the temple is in ruins and needs restoration. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began work on the restoration of temple premises long back, but is still to be completed.
This temple is a monument of National importance and is designated as a Protected Monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Act (1958). It is managed by the Dharwad circle of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The temple is 5 km from Hubli, and Hubli is 20km away from Dharwad and also nearer to the Bypass high way NH4. The Sambre Airport at Belgaum, which is approximately 78km from Dharwad.
Narasipur Char
