Mahakuta – The Sacred Group of Temples

About Mahakuta Group of Temples

The Mahakuta group of temples is a well-known Shaiva holy place known as Dakshin Kashi due to its religious significance. It is a village in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. The Badami Chalukyas built the temple. Sri Chikka Mahaakuteshwara Gudi is another name for the temple, and the main deity is Mahakuteshwara, a form of Lord Shiva.

Mahakuta Pillar

The inscriptions on the Mahakuta pillar provide an indication that the temple is built in the sixth or seventh century. King Mangalesha inscribed 16 lines of Sanskrit in old Kannada script on it in the early 7th century Chalukya era. The deep red sandstone Makuta pillar, Mangalesha Dharma Jayastambha, and Magada stambha are all names for the Mahakuta pillar.

Mahakuta Complex

As soon as you enter the main gate, you will notice two chariots, one large and one small. A crimson pillar known as the Mahakuta pillar stands majestically in the center of the entrance gate. Outside the complex, there is a small Ganesha shrine and a few stalls selling Vibhuti, god idols, and other pooja items.

A small pool is also located just outside the temple complex. There is a small shrine for Ganesha and Shiva Linga inside the pool. In this spot, the idols are placed on a platform above the pool. Besides, priests or devotees dip in the pool to worship Shiva, and abhisheka is performed by pouring a handful of water on the idol rather than using a Kalash. Around three to four people can stand inside the pool at the same time and pray. A large banyan tree near the pond has a small cradle tied to it for a pooja known as ‘Thottilu Seva’. We found that the childless couple prays for children here.

The prominent Mahakuteshwara temple features the Dravidian style, whereas the smaller shrines are in the Nagara style. The main entrance is the only way to get to the Mahakuteshwara temple, which honors Lord Shiva. Mallikarjuna temple is another significant structure in the complex. There are also shrines to Ganesha, Vishnu, Subrahmanya, Nandi, Veerabhadra, and many other deities within the complex. Throughout the temple grounds, there are numerous Shiva shrines.

Papavinasha Teertha

Kalyani, also known as Vishnu Pushkarani or Papavinasha Teertha (ablution tank) is located near the temple. This pond is a natural spring that flows from the mountain and feeds fresh water, and it contains a Shiva linga known as Panchamukha linga inside the mantapa. The name Panchamukha refers to the fact that it has four faces in all directions, including one on top. The significance of the Kalyani is that the water level in this pond will remain constant throughout the year.

Many people bathe in the Kalyani because it is considered sacred. During our visit, we saw more people near the Kalyani than near the temple. This spot is busy, particularly on weekends and Mondays. During our visit, we observed people use the majority of the ruined complex structures to change clothes after bathing in the sacred pool. People also cook their own food and eat in the temple’s backyard. Many visitors spend an entire day in this Holy land.

Other Pilgrimage places to Visit Near Mahakuta

Shivayogi Math

Shivayogi Math is located on the Malaprabha River bank. The Lingayat community, which trains Veerashaiva Mathadipathis, regards this as a sacred site. This matha houses shrines to Sri Guru Kumareshwara Swamy and Sri Guru Sadashiva Swamy. This is the holy site where Sri Kumareshwara Swamy’s body was placed for the last time. He was a yogi with incredible accomplishments in the field of yoga.

A large wood-carved chariot is another attraction to the location. If you go early in the morning, you can get a view from the top for only 5 rupees. If you arrive after 10.30 am, the gate to the chariot will be open to see it from the ground level. You can also visit Goshala within the complex. Pure Vibhuti is available here. This is a tranquil setting with a large area surrounded by vegetation. If you have the opportunity, you should visit this location which is around 7 km from Mahakuta. There is plenty of parking space available to park your vehicles.

Badami Banashankari Temple

The Badami Banashankari temple is a Shaktipeeth to honor Banashankari devi also known as Shakambhari. It is located in Cholachagudda, near Badami, about 13 km from Mahakuta. This is a popular and highly worshipped shrine, with devotees traveling from Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Every year on the eighth day of Pushya masa, the temple holds a grand fair.

Further, you can read our post on Badami Banashankari temple for more information about the temple.

How to Reach Mahakuta

Mahakuta is 14 km from Badami. From Badami to Mahakuta, you can either take a private or shared auto or a cab. To learn more about Badami caves, read our post on Badami Cave Temples.

Travel Tips to Visit Mahakuta

• Mahakuta temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm.
• Because public transportation is limited in this area, it is best to hire a taxi or auto from Badami to Mahakuta. Shared autos are also available from Badami.
• Photography is not permitted inside the main shrine.
• There is a large parking lot near the temple.
• Outside the temple, there are a few shops selling souvenirs and snacks.
• Even though there is no dress code for visiting the temple, it is recommended that visitors wear modest clothing. If you intend to take a bath at Papavinasha Teertha, bring a change of clothes.
• Drinking water and washroom facilities are available.
• Mahakuta is a small village with only a few places to stay in the immediate vicinity of the temple. So, it is preferable to stay in Badami, which has a variety of lodging options.