Kashi Vishweshwar Temple is located in Lakkundi Village, Gadag District, Karnataka State. Built by the Chalukyas in 1087 CE, it is one of the most ornate temples with richly carved elements. In front of this temple is the Nanneshwar Temple which is an 11th century Hindu temple.
Kashivishweshwara Temple is 403 km from Bangalore and 70 km from Hubli city and just 11 km from Gadag city by road and 13 km by rail.
Kashivishveshwara Temple is one of the best examples of fully developed Kalyana Chalukya style of Hindu architecture. The Kashivishveshwara temple has two sanctums facing each other and sharing a hall. A large sanctum to the east is dedicated to Shiva, another sanctum to the west is dedicated to Surya. This temple is a revered temple.
Kashivishveshwar Temple is open from 08.00 AM to 08.00 PM. This temple is also known as Kavataleshwar, Kashivishveshwar or Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The 1000-year-old 11th-century Kashivishveshwara temple has magnificent elaborate carvings and decorations, arches, inner and outer walls, sikhara (tower), doorjambs and lintels.
It was built during Nagara, Vesara and Dravidian periods of Hindu architecture. The temple is a fine example of mature reliefs of three-dimensional architecture and its craftsmanship.
In the history of medieval architecture, the Kashivishveshwara temple highlights the innovative features and achievements of craftsmen and architects, who carved out of soapstone, this Lakkundi innovation was adopted by the Hoysala artisans, who built several temple groups in South Karnataka. Lakkundi in particular is the site of the mature phase of Western Chalukya architecture and the Kashivishvesvara temple is the high point of these achievements.
The Kashivishvesvara temple represents a shift in the artistic achievements of the Chalukyas, taking full advantage of the effect of light and shadow towards sharp and crisp stonework not found in earlier constructions. Special attention has been given to the moldings, arches and other details on the tower and the decorations on the doorjambs and lintels.
