The state of Karnataka in independent India has a rich cultural past just like the country itself being influenced by different sects, cultures and religions. The area had an influence of Jainism and Buddhism along with Hindu traditions for centuries.
One such site is Chandramouleshwara temple near Unkal Lake in Hubli dateable to 12th Century C.E. (900 years ago) and built by a king of Chalukyan dynasty. Although originally an incomplete temple yet because of its historical importance to history, art and culture, the temple was declared to be of national importance under the ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains act 1958 as a protected monument by Govt of India.
The temple facing east, has a garbhagriha with a pradakhshina patha, an antarala and mukhamandapa in sarvatobhadra form.
 |
| Stone figure of Nandi- the bull at the entrance |
The temple left unfinished then for reasons unknown, originally must have housed the image of Chaturmukha linga, which is now kept on the western side of the mukhamandapa.
 |
| East facing Linga |
The image sculpted on the top of the east Linga entrance as shown in the above picture looks like that of Mahamaya the mother of Buddha revered by elephants from both sides. It is postulated by many historians and archaelogists that much of Shaivism in the common era was merged or transitioned from ancient Indian Buddhism leading to the decline of the latter from places where it originated.
 |
| Carvings of Elephant and Horse riders |
 |
| Dancers (Apsaras) and Lion figures |
 |
| Panchashakha with Dwarapalas |
 |
| Pillars with God figures and dancers |
 |
| Garbhagriha ceiling depicting a Chakra |
 |
| The majorly worshipped Chandramouleshwara linga with Chaturmukha linga in the backdrop |
The Chandramouleshwara linga shown in the above pic is considered to be a later addition while the Chaturmukha (four faced) linga in the backyard is believed to be the older linga for which the structure was built.
The Chaturmukhalingam or four faced Linga is followed in both Shaivism and Buddhism traditions. Considered to be a prelude to the present day figure of Lingam or Shivalinga, similar forms with Buddha is still worshipped in many flourishing Buddhist cultures like Tibet and Nepal.
The lingam at Swayambhunath temple in Nepal shown in the pic above is an example of four Buddhas in different meditative poses carved on Shiva linga. Similarly, the Vajrayana Buddhist deity Avlokiteshwara is worshipped as Lord Shiva or vice-versa at Trilokinath temple in Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India which is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Comments
Post a Comment