Kaitabheshvara Temple, Kubaturकैटभेश्वर मंदिर, कुबटूर

About Kaitabheshvara Temple, Kubatur

The Kaitabheshvara Temple, also known as Kotishvara, stands in the village of Kubatur near Anavatti in Sorab taluk of Shivamogga district, close to the border with Haveri district. Kubatur appears in old inscriptions as Kuntalanagara or Kotipura, and was once a place of some importance. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance. It is a lovely, little-visited example of the temple art of medieval Karnataka, in an area rich in old temples close to the ancient Kadamba capital of Banavasi.

The temple was built around 1100 CE, during the reign of the Hoysala king Vinayaditya, when the Hoysalas were still feudatories of the Western Chalukya emperor Vikramaditya VI. Its architecture is therefore mainly in the Chalukyan manner, with some Hoysala touches, and scholars place it at the less common end of the later Chalukya style. Like many temples of the region, it is built of soapstone, which allows fine carving.

The temple has a single square sanctum linked by a vestibule to a large open hall that can be entered from several sides. Over the sanctum rises a four-tiered tower crowned by a big square dome, the most impressive sculptural element of the building, topped by a kalasha. Images of Mahishamardini, Bhairava and Ganesha appear on the tower. The open hall has polished, lathe-turned pillars and an ornate ceiling, while the parapet shows Narasimha, Varaha, Garuda and Keshava. The doorway to the sanctum is richly carved, with Gajalakshmi on the lintel. The temple is generally in good condition.

Kaitabheshvara Temple, Kubatur timings

Usually open from morning to evening. Check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Kaitabheshvara Temple, Kubatur

Festivals at Kaitabheshvara Temple, Kubatur

• Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
• Kartika month observancesOct/Nov
• World Heritage WeekNov

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering the shrine.

Entry

Generally free; the site is protected by the ASI. Check locally for any ticket requirement.

• Facilities are limited; carry water and food.
• Combine the visit with Banavasi and Hangal, both close by.
• Look up at the hall ceiling and the domed tower, the finest carved parts of the temple.
• Roads can be slippery in the monsoon; drive carefully.

Places to visit near Kaitabheshvara Temple, Kubatur

• Madhukeshwara Temple, BanavasiAncient Shiva temple in the old Kadamba capital, about 20 km away
• Tarakeshwara Temple, HangalKalyani Chalukya temple with a vast domed ceiling, about 25 km away
• Gudavi Bird SanctuaryWetland sanctuary near Sorab, about 25 km away

Frequently asked questions