Kasivisvesvara Temple, Lakkundiकाशी विश्वेश्वर मंदिर, लक्कुंडी

About Kasivisvesvara Temple, Lakkundi

The Kasivisvesvara Temple, also called Kashi Vishveshvara, stands at the southern edge of Lakkundi, a historic village about 12 km from Gadag in northern Karnataka. Lakkundi was once a rich town known as Lokkigundi, with a royal mint and dozens of Hindu and Jain temples and stepwells, many of which survive. Among them, the Kasivisvesvara Temple is the most celebrated, often cited as one of the best examples of the fully developed Kalyani Chalukya style. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Lakkundi flourished from the late 10th century, after the Chalukyas of Kalyani rose to power, and its importance continued under the Hoysala king Ballala II, who made it a capital in the late 12th century. The temple's exact date is debated. Scholars have placed it anywhere from the early 11th century to the middle of the 12th century; some specialists date the present building to around 1020–1030 CE, while others think it was completed before 1087 CE. An older idea that it was damaged by the Cholas and rebuilt is now doubted by many historians.

The temple has an unusual plan: two sanctums face each other across a shared hall, the larger one for Shiva and the smaller for Surya, the Sun god. Its walls, doorways and pillars are covered with miniature towers, scrollwork, figures and finely cut mouldings, and the doorframes in particular are famous for the depth and detail of their carving. Art historians note that it combines elements of the Nagara, Vesara and Dravida traditions. Visitors should also see the nearby Brahma Jinalaya, the stepwells and the site museum.

Kasivisvesvara Temple, Lakkundi timings

Usually open from about 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM as a protected monument. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

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

How to reach Kasivisvesvara Temple, Lakkundi

Festivals at Kasivisvesvara Temple, Lakkundi

• Lakkundi Utsav (cultural festival, held in some years)Jan/Feb
• Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
• World Heritage WeekNov

Visitor tips

Dress code

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

Entry

The site is protected by the ASI; an entry ticket may apply (separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors). Check locally.

• Allow half a day to see Lakkundi's other temples, stepwells and the museum as well.
• Morning light is best for photographing the carved doorways.
• Carry water and a hat; there is little shade between monuments.
• Hire a local guide or use ASI signboards to understand the carvings.
• Do not touch or climb on the fragile carvings.

Places to visit near Kasivisvesvara Temple, Lakkundi

• Brahma Jinalaya, LakkundiLarge 11th-century Jain temple, about 1 km away
• Muskina Bhavi stepwellOrnate historic stepwell in Lakkundi, about 1 km away
• Trikuteshwara and Veera Narayana Temples, GadagHistoric temples in Gadag town, about 12 km away
• Doddabasappa Temple, DambalStar-shaped Chalukya temple, about 25 km away

Frequently asked questions