Kedareshvara Temple, Balligavi

The Kedareshvara Temple is a Hindu sanctuary in Balligavi village featuring three towers arranged in a trikuta design. The structure displays stepped entrances on multiple sides and decorated walls covered in intricate stone carvings that showcase fine craftsmanship.

The temple was built during the Western Chalukya period in the 11th century and later received architectural additions from the Hoysala dynasty until around 1131.

The central shrine houses a black marble linga dedicated to Shiva, while additional shrines nearby contain another linga associated with Brahma and a stone sculpture of Janardhana.

The temple is located in Shimoga district in Karnataka and is protected as a national monument under Archaeological Survey of India supervision. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for uneven ground and multiple levels to navigate.

The temple's main hall features outer pillars with 16-sided facets and bell-shaped inner pillars that blend Western Chalukya and Hoysala architectural styles in an unusual way. This distinctive pillar design represents a rare example of transitional art between two ruling periods.

Location: Shimoga district

GPS coordinates: 14.39393,75.24426

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:46