Bhairaveshwara Temple, Mahakuta

About half kilometer northeast of the Mahakuta group of twenty temples, midst lush trees, is the 8th-century Bhaireshwara temple site. It is a large square plan twin temple with Karnata-Dravida architecture.

The two temples stand side by side. They rest on a raised adhiṣṭhāna (plinth). They have plain walls and richly decorated vimana. The adhiṣṭhāna features the pañcakarma (five-part) molding sequence—upāna (base), jagati (terrace), kumuda (cushion), kanṭha (fillet), and kapota (cornice)—providing an aesthetic rhythm.

Each temple includes a pillared hall mandapa. Inside are seated Nandi facing the sanctum with Shiva Linga. These temples are likely from 8th-century, as twin temples are not found in early Chalukya tradition. They may have been an addition to the Mahakuta pilgrimage route.

15.934111 N, 75.725722 E

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