Kalleshvara Temple, Bagali

Kalleshvara Temple is a shrine in Bagali with a central sanctuary and a gathering hall supported by fifty decorated pillars. The entire structure is covered with fine stone carvings that demonstrate the craftsmanship of its time.

This sanctuary was built in the mid-10th century under the Rashtrakuta Dynasty and was expanded around 987 by the Western Chalukyas. Thirty inscriptions from both these periods are carved into the stone walls.

The temple walls display carved reliefs of Hindu gods such as Shiva and Ganesha that reflect the spiritual beliefs of people in this region. These figures tell stories that remain visible and meaningful to visitors today.

This shrine is located in Bagali village and can be reached easily by local transport from nearby towns. Visitors should expect simple pathways and open outdoor spaces when exploring the site.

The doorjambs of this shrine feature a carved image of the goddess Lakshmi surrounded by elephants, known as Gajalakshmi. This motif comes from an earlier architectural period and reveals crafting techniques passed down through generations.