Mahakuta an ancient temple of 6th century CE constructed by the Chalukya dynasty of Vatapi/Badami. The inscriptions in the temple premises dated backs to the 5th -6th century written in both Kannada and Sanskrit.
The inscription about the grant of Aihole, Pattadakal villages to Sri Mahakuteshwara temple maintenance with valuable ornaments, by queen Durlabha Devi, a queen of Pulakeshin I.
It’s located just 16 km from Badami in the foothills of a small valley hills surrounded in the serenity with calm and its nature.
It’s a primarily a Shaiva temple dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna, Sangameshwara, Veerabhadreshwara with blend of Nagara and Dravidian architecture, this hybrid style is a unique architecture in Karnataka and birth of “Vesara” style of architecture.
As this group of temples amid nature with green banyan and shaded by many trees with a natural spring originated here and this spring summits in a tank –“Vishnu Pushkarani”
To reach Shankara linga by taking a swimming through a narrow entrance in the Pushkarani(Sacred tank)
The water looks like a sparkling water originated from the mountain valleys filled with divine and medicinal properties.
“According to puranic belief, the sage Agasthya killed Vatapi and Ilvala and believed Agasthya built the Vishnu pushkarani. It’s believed that taking a dip in this pushkarani an equal merit penance undertaken in Kashi(Varanasi)”
Mahakuta group of temples:
- North: Pinakinatha
- East: Rama linga
- South:Kapilesha
- West:Mahakuteshwara
Finally , When you are at Mahakuta or Aihole trip don’t forget to have the North Karnataka delicacy of “Jolada Rotti”(Sorghum/Jowar bread) and “Madake mosaru” ( A local yogurt filled in small mud pot) damn sure that makes you a mouth lickering.
- Jolada rotti(Jowar bread/Roti)
- Salads:Slices of Onion & cucmber with fresh fine chopped of Methi leaves(fenugreek leaves)
- Shenga chutney powder(Prepared from roasted peanut with spices) with curd
- Curry’s:Bengal gram & mixed fruit vegetables
- Jhunka: A traditional dish prepared form Besan flour with spices, it’s famous in both North Karnataka & Maharastra regions.
How to reach: Nearest Railway Sttaion:Badami(14kms) Nearest Airport: Hubli (120 Kms) You can reach this by road from Badami well conneced , you can hire a Autorickshaw or any vehicles.
Where to stay? The best option to is to staty at Badami, KSTDC Mayura Chaluya (A Govt Guest house) for reasonable prices, there is also other hoteld and lodges in Badami.
Myself and Mr Dinesh Mysore, visted in November 2019.Started our trip from Banashankari-Aihole-Pattadakal-Mahakoota and Badami
It was a wholesome journey and good memories to cherish.