Tarakeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Hanagal, Hanagal Taluk, Haveri District, Karnataka State. The Tarakeswara temple also houses a Nandi and Ganesha shrine. Tarakeswara Temple is also a Hoysala style temple built by the Chalukyas in the mid-12th century.
Tarakeswara Temple is about 368 km from Bangalore and 72 km from Hubli. And it is 37 km away from Haveri city. And it is 38 km away from Haveri city railway station.
Tarakeshwara Temple is open from 7:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Tarakeshwara Temple Architecture
The Chalukyas of Kalyana ruled the Deccan until the 12th century. And built many Hindu temples in these provinces like Ittagi, Gadag and Lakkundi as well as Hanagal. It has three carved memorial stones, it also has a 12th century hero stone showing contemporary war weapons. One of the finest buildings built in the Kalyana Chalukya style, influenced by Hoysala architecture.
Nandi is installed near the main temple in a hall supported by 12 pillars. Columns are carved with “lathe-turned” octagonal polished pillars. The two halls are topped by stepped and pyramidal roofs. The outer walls are decorated with miniature temples and profuse sculptures.
Opposite the idol, an octagonal structure with elaborately carved “Moon Lotus” is 30 feet in diameter. A massive stone 20 feet in diameter roofs the structure’s hall. A stone cut in the shape of a lotus, supported by eight pillars. Beside the eight pillars, there are carved stone pillars identifying Ashtadikpalaka guardians in the eight directions. These are carved with religious and warrior scenes.
A Ganesha temple is situated to the north-east of the main temple. The Tarakeshwara temple has a Nagara style sanctum in front of a square open hall. The tower is made up of several miniature towers in North Indian style. The hall has a parapet with many carvings.
