Mahadeva Temple, Itagiमहादेव मंदिर, इटगी

About Mahadeva Temple, Itagi

The Mahadeva Temple stands in the village of Itagi in Yelburga taluk of Koppal district, north Karnataka, a few kilometres from Kuknur and not far from Lakkundi and Gadag. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the finest surviving examples of the temple art of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani. Its own inscription proudly calls it Devalaya Chakravarti, the 'emperor among temples', and later art historians have ranked it among the best temples in the Kannada country. It is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

According to an inscription dated 1112 CE, the temple was built by Mahadeva, a commander (dandanayaka) in the army of the Western Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI, and named after him. Its plan follows the Amriteshwara temple at Annigeri, but its decoration is richer and more refined. Mahadeva also added shrines for his parents, which still stand within the complex. The temple belongs to the period when the Chalukyas developed a distinctive regional style that influenced the later Hoysala temples further south.

The east-facing temple has a sanctum with a Shiva linga, a vestibule, a closed hall with doorways on several sides, and a large open hall with 64 pillars, many of them lathe-turned and polished to a shine. The ceilings carry intricate stonework, and the outer walls and tower are covered with miniature towers, pilasters and sculpture. Around the main shrine stand thirteen smaller shrines, each with its own linga. Some parts of the roof and parapet are missing, but most of the fine detail survives and rewards a slow walk around the temple.

Mahadeva Temple, Itagi timings & aarti

Usually open from about sunrise to sunset as an ASI-protected monument. Check locally before visiting.

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

How to reach Mahadeva Temple, Itagi

Festivals at Mahadeva Temple, Itagi

• Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
• Shravan monthJul/Aug
• Kartika monthNov/Dec

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest clothing is recommended; remove footwear before entering the shrine.

Entry

ASI-protected monument; there is usually no ticket, but check locally.

• Facilities in the village are basic; carry water and snacks.
• Combine the visit with Kuknur, Lakkundi and Gadag to see more Chalukyan temples in one day.
• Morning light is best for viewing and photographing the carvings.
• Walk around the full exterior; much of the finest work is on the outer walls.
• Do not climb on the structure or touch delicate carvings.

Places to visit near Mahadeva Temple, Itagi

• Navalinga Temple, KuknurGroup of nine Chalukyan shrines, about 7 km away
• LakkundiVillage of Chalukyan temples and stepwells, about 25 km away
• GadagTown with the Trikuteshwara and Veeranarayana temples, about 35 km away
• HampiRuins of the Vijayanagara capital, about 65 km away

Frequently asked questions