Bhimeshvara Temple Nilagunda is located in Nilgunda town of Harpanahalli taluk of Vijayanagar district of Karnataka. Bhimeshwar or Bhimalingeshwar Temple is an ancient cave temple of Lord Shiva nestled in a serene and secluded forest area. According to the Puranas, Shivalinga was installed by Bhima in his secret residence.
This temple is about 14 km from Harpanahalli. It is distant, 45 km from Davangere and 303 km from Bangalore. is far away. And Harihar Nagar is the nearest railway station which is 35 km away. is far away.
The Bhimeshwar temple is situated on the bank of a man-made water tank next to the hill. This tank and the temple were built at the same time. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the Late Chalukyas or Kalyani Chalukyas built the Bhimeswara temple in the 11th century. The temple is a 12th century Hoysala architectural style temple with four sanctums, a shikhara is built on the west facing temple. The building material is soapstone.
The outer wall of the temple has niches, the niches have decorative towers, the Chalukyan style of wall decoration is well represented, the towers are very artistically crafted. There is an image of a deity like Nataraja or Maheshwar. Facing the western sanctum is a small sculpture of Nandi, overall the temple is like a star shape.
Niches in the inner wall of the temple contain sculptures of Hindu deities Ganesha, Mahishasuramardhini, Saptamatrike deities and there is a sun shrine.. The ceiling in the common hall of the deities is supported by four polished pillars, and contains sculptures of seated Yaksharas.
An ancient water level measuring system in a tank. The device is modified to adjust the let off valve to control the level during rainy season.
Situated in an isolated location, Trikootachal Temple has a serene view. Eucalyptus and coconut trees add charm to this place. There is a small collection of hero stones and inscription slabs in the temple premises.
Beside the entrance steps a pair of imaginary four legged creature and floral art can be seen which is Hoysala art. The creature has the body of an ox, legs like a lion, elephant head and trunk and peacock feathers for the tail can be seen.