Hangal Ancient Veerabhadra Temple is a Chalukya-era temple in the fort area of Hanagal located in Hanagal taluk of Haveri district in Karnataka state. Although simple in plan, the grandeur of Western Chalukya architecture is evident through the turned pillars and elaborately carved kirtimukhas on the outer walls.
Hangal Ancient Veerabhadra Temple is about 371 km from Bangalore and 74 km from Hubli. It is 34 km from Haveri city. And it is 35 km away from Haveri railway station.
Hangal was the capital of a branch of the kadamba dynasty. From 1063 to 1203 ad. The hangal kadamba family ruled from here as the feudatories of the kalyana chalukyas. Hoysala veera ballala (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.
The veerabhadra temple facing east on plan has a garbhagriha an ardhamandapa and a navaranga with three mukhamandapas on three sides. The garbhagriha houses a linga on the pedestal. The lintel of the garbhagriha has a gajalakshmi on it. The ardhamandapa houses a seated nandi at the centre. The navaranga is supported by four polished and pathe turned pillars at the centre. The exterior wall is relieved with pilasters and niches topped by miniature sikharas. The exterior portion of the kakshasanas are carved with miniature sikharas.
