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 - Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia