Chaudayyadanapura is a small village in Ranebennur taluk of Haveri District in North Karnataka, Karnataka. All facets of Indian civilisation (religion, art and poetry) are exemplified in an exquisite Mukteshwara temple, with the highest degree of refinement.

The North Karnataka is one of the richest areas of India in monuments of great artistic value. It was the time of the greatest expansion of the Kalamukha Lakulasaiva movements, and of the rise of Virashaivism.

Shivapura, the old name of Chaudadanapura (Chaudayyadanapura). Saint, a 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara donated this village to Ambigara Chaudayya (a boatman). So the name of the is Chaudayyadanapura or Chaudadanapura.

The temple of Muktesvara at Chaudayyadanapura in Ranebennur Taluk is a beautiful representative of the style and the high culture of that time.

The Mukteshvara Temple

The Mukteshvara Temple is a single cella temple in Jakkanachari style. Similar temples built under the patronage of Kalachuri or Seuna dynasties. This temple is a jewel of architecture of 11th-12th century. It was built during the heyday of the kingdom ruled by the Kalyani Chalukyas and the Seunas of Devagiri. It is dedicated to an Udbhava Linga (spontaneously born) Linga named Mukteshvara.

The dome of the temple is hollow and is closed by the slabs of the stupi. Sikhara of the Mukteshwara temple is 2.20 M in its axis at the base. Stupi is made of 3 beautiful lotiform mouldings diminishing in size and a lotus bud with its base.

Kannada Inscriptions

History

The history of Mukteshvara Temple at Chaudayyadanapura is known through 7 inscriptions in medieval Kannada, engraved on large steles. Provide informations on the local rulers, Kings of Guttala (Gupta ascendancy), on some constructions in the temple complex, on diverse donations to the deity.

Also provide the details on a prominent religious leaders. Inscriptions also introduces to us about Muktajiyar, a Lakulasaiva saint, and Shivadeva, a Virashaiva saint, who entered the place on the 19 August 1225 and led there a long life of renunciation, asceticism and spiritual elevation. The legacy of this age of intense Saivite faith (Shaivism) is a jewel of architecture and sculpture.

Conservation and Restoration

Narasimha temple Narasapura near Chaudayyadanapura

There is a need of immediate Conservation and Restoration for the Narasimha temple Narasapura near Chaudayyadanapura, en route to Guttala, Haveri District, North Karnataka.

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Courtesy: Wikipedia