The ancient Sri Billeshwar Swamy Temple is located on the outskirts of Hanagal in Haveri district of Karnataka state. Billeshwar temple is in Hoysala style. The temple is a protected monument and is located a short distance from the main road.
This temple is about 370 km from Bangalore and 74 km from Hubli. And it is 37 km away from Haveri city. 37 km from Haveri city Railway Station.
The temple has elaborately carved jambs framing the sanctum door. At the bottom of each side are five carved images. Cupid is in central projection. Rati is next to him. A Daksha (goat-headed deity) is also present and all are surrounded by attendants. The temple has an unfinished sanctum facade. The outer walls of the temple are decorated with designs of temple towers and carved diamond-shaped depressions. The square panels show carved serpents with entwined tails, animals, musicians and foliage. The temple is a listed monument of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Hangal Was the Capital of a Branch of the Kadamba Dynasty. From 1068 to 1203 a.d. The Hangal Kadamba Family Ruled From Here as the Feudatories of the Kalyana Chalukyas. Hoyasala Veera Ballala Ii (1173-1220 a.d) is Said to Have Attacked Hangal and Escaped Near the Tank Named Anekere. In 1178 a.d. Hangal Was Captured by Him and Was Held by Hoysalas for Some Years.
Extant Portion of the Billeshwara Temple Has Only a Garbhagriha Which Houses a 5′ High Linga Probably of an Earlier Origion. The Ceiling of the Garbhagriha is Decorated Lotus Medallions. The Highly Ornate Door Frame of the Garbhagriha is Divided in to Five Sakhas. The Lalata of the Garbhagriha Entrance Doorway is Adorned With Gajalakshmi. There is a Beautiful Moon Stone in Front of the Temple. The Exterior of the Temple is Decorated With Exquisitely Carved Miniature Sikharas Over Pilasters. The Temple is Assignable 11″ 12th Century of the Kalyana Chalukyan Period.
