Nestled in Mahakuta village, near Badami in Karnataka, lies a pre-7th-century Chalukya pilgrimage site. A natural spring feeds its tank, ringed by twenty early Hindu temples. Among them stands the Mahakutesvara temple, sponsored by King Mangalesa and dedicated to Shiva.Linked to the Mahakuta Pillar (595–602 CE), the temple is linked to its Sanskrit prashasti inscription. This much studied inscription boasts Chalukyan triumphs. It is known for its poetic exaggeration and an eternal grant of land and other property rights.
The Mahakuteswara temple's kantha panels gleam with makaras, hamsas, and kinnaras in extraordinary fluency. The doorway boasts a beautifully carved pañcaśākhā frame, alive with vigorous scrolls and exquisite lotus motifs. Notable items include bold Rucaka pilasters, elegant kapotapālikā, richly decorated colonnaded halls, and vivid puṣpaśākhā carvings. Narrative panels unfold dynamic battle scenes from the Ramayana and the Puranas.Mahakuta means "great group" in Kannada language. In this group, the Mallikarjuna temple and the Mahakuteswara shrine are the most sophisticated large temples. They tie to Chalukya traditions and Gupta-Vakataka artistry. It is best appreciated in the context of other Mahakuta temples plus Badami and Aihole's monuments.
15.932639 N, 75.721417 E
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Synonyms: Mahakuteshwar Temple, Mahakutesvara, Mahakuteshvar, Sri Kuteshwara, Maha Kuteshvara Gudi, Kuteshwar mandir Mahakuta
