Kodekal Basavanna Temple is a famous temple in the small village of Kodekal in Karnataka, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Basavanna, who is believed to be a reincarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for followers of the Lingayat faith and attracts visitors from all over the state.
The temple is believed to have been built during the Chalukya dynasty in the 7th century and has undergone several renovations over the years. The temple is known for its unique architecture, blending Chalukya, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara styles. The temple complex is spread over a large area, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful gardens.
The temple's main deity is Lord Basavanna, depicted as a lingam. The lingam is made of black stone and is about 5 feet tall. The lingam is housed in the sanctum sanctorum, surrounded by a corridor with several small shrines dedicated to other deities. The temple also has a large hall for conducting various rituals and ceremonies.
One of the major attractions of the temple is the annual jatra or festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. The festival is held during January or February and attracts thousands of devotees from all over the state. The festival is marked by a procession of the idol of Lord Basavanna, which is taken around the village on a decorated chariot.
There are several other interesting places to visit near Kodekal Basavanna Temple. Some popular tourist attractions include the historic town of Badami, the Aihole temple complex, and the Pattadakal temples. The area is also known for its beautiful natural scenery, with several waterfalls, trekking trails, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Badami is a historic town about 25 km from Kodekal Basavanna Temple. The city is famous for its beautiful rock-cut temples dating back to the 6th century. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma and are known for their intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
Aihole is a small village about 40 km from Kodekal Basavanna Temple. The town is known for its ancient temple complex, which includes over 100 temples built during the Chalukya dynasty. The temples are known for their unique architecture and intricate carvings.
Pattadakal is another historic town about 45 km from Kodekal Basavanna Temple. The city is known for its beautiful temples, built during the 7th and 8th centuries. The temples are a blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles of architecture and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Banashankari Temple is a famous temple about 60 km from Kodekal Basavanna Temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Banashankari and is known for its unique architecture and beautiful surroundings.
Gokak Falls is a beautiful waterfall about 70 km from Kodekal Basavanna Temple. The waterfall is formed by the Ghataprabha River and is known for its scenic beauty and picturesque surroundings.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary:
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary about 110 km from Kodekal Basavanna Temple. The refuge is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and several species of birds.