The Jain temple at Lakkundi is one of the most prominent among the many Jain and Hindu temples from the Chalukya era. It is one of the oldest Jain temples in Gadag district, and the Chaturmukha Brahma Jain Temple is sometimes referred to as Lakkundi’s Greater Jain Temple. This temple, dedicated to Vardhamana Mahavira, was constructed in the 11th century by Attimabbe, the wife of the local governor, Dandanayaka Nagadeva.
Lakkundi is located 407 km from Bengaluru, 70 km from Hubli, and about 10-12 km from the city of Gadag. The temple can be visited from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
During the medieval period, Lakkundi was known as Lokkigundi. It was an important site under the Western Chalukya rule during the 11th-12th centuries. In 1007 CE, Attimabbe constructed the Brahma Jinalaya and earned the title “Danachintamani” (gem of generosity). Nagadeva served as a general under King Taila II and King Satyashraya. Later, Hoysala King Veera Ballala II made Lakkundi a key military center.
The temple represents the Kalyani Chalukya style of architecture. This east-facing temple features a mukha mantapa (entrance hall), gudha mandapa (main hall), and a vimana (tower) over the sanctum sanctorum. Inside the temple’s inner mantapa, there is a four-headed statue of Brahmadeva, along with statues of the goddesses Savitri and Gayatri. The temple also houses Jain artworks and images of Tirthankaras.
Although the temple was damaged during the 13th-century wars, the headless statue of Mahavira was later restored. The black polished stone sculpture stands on a “Simha Simhasan” (lion throne). Above the lintel of the sanctum’s door, a figure of Mahavira is displayed.
The temple has several historical inscriptions detailing its construction period and the numerous gifts it received before the 14th century. The temple is also referred to as Lokki Gundi’s Brahma Jinalaya. It contains inscriptions from the Chalukya, Kalachuri, and Hoysala periods.
The temple’s construction involves soapstone and includes both enclosed and open halls. It features a sanctum (garbhagriha), an antechamber (antarala), a closed navaranga mantapa, and an open pillared mukha mantapa. The temple’s sanctum has a three-storeyed nirandhara vimana. During the contemporary period, the sanctum housed an idol of Neminatha. The sculptures of Yaksha and Yakshini serve as the temple’s gatekeepers.
Inside the mantapa, there is a statue of Goddess Saraswati in front of Brahma, holding a goad, flower, book, and citron.
The Lakkundi Utsav is a two-day annual cultural event held in honor of Queen Attimabbe of the 11th century, with the main stage named ‘Dana Chintamani Attimabbe Vedike’.
