The site is smaller. The apsidal Hindu temple follows the Gajapristha rules of Hindu temple architecture. Another example of this design is the more famous Durga temple in Aihole. A third example nearby is the apsidal temple ruins north of Aihole's Cikkigudi. All three apsidal Hindu temples are from Chalukya era.
The Cikka Mahakuta apsidal temple faces east and its length to width ratio are 2:1. Inside, its sanctum is also apsidal and concentric, with space for a pradakshinapatha (circumambulation passage). On the outer walls of the sanctum are images of Kartikeya, Ganesha and Mahisasuramardini Durga. Inside is a black stone Shiva linga. The temple features two stone jalas (windows) on each side. It had a mukhamandapa, but only its foundation trace remains. In front is a kund (water tank).
Near the apsidal temple is a phamsana-style (pyramid shikara) temple. The apsidal and phamsana monuments here are late 6th or early 7th-century temples. Only Hindu temple artwork and ruins have been found at this site, with no sign of any Buddhist or Jain artwork.
15.924861 N, 75.739472 E
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