Bandalike, a small village in the Shikaripura taluk of Shimoga, Karnataka, is a place of profound historical importance, tracing back through centuries of Indian dynasties and rulers. Also known as Bandanike, this village was a part of the Nagarakhanda-70 province under the rule of the Kadamba kings. Inscriptions in Bandalike tell stories of the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Hoysalas, Yadavas, and the Vijayanagara empire, painting a vibrant history of successive reigns from the 7th to the 16th centuries AD. At its peak, Bandalike was a flourishing center, especially during the Chalukya period in the 11th and 12th centuries. However, after the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1565, the village suffered extensive looting, and its treasures were nearly lost to history.
Today, Bandalike’s charm lies in its ancient temple complex, which houses four unique temples, each showcasing Karnataka’s architectural grandeur and cultural richness. Here’s a closer look at the key temples you’ll encounter in Bandalike.
Trimurthinarayana Temple (circa 1160 AD)
The first temple you’ll come across is the Trimurthinarayana Temple, constructed during the rule of the Chalukyas around 1160 AD. This temple exemplifies the trikuta (three-shrine) style, with three shrines and three towers oriented east to west. Although the western tower has collapsed, the northern and southern towers remain intact. The shrines contain a Shiva-linga in both the western and southern cells, while a statue of Vishnu graces the northern cell.
Outside, the temple’s slender pilasters and niches crowned with decorative turrets speak of the Chalukya’s architectural finesse. The towers, each in a tritala (three-tiered) style, feature square-shaped shikharas (towers) without the usual Kalasha finials, lending a distinct look to this ancient structure.
The Mysterious Second Temple
Moving deeper into the complex, you’ll find a second temple, though in a ruined state. It was once a three-shrine structure, and although the walls are damaged, they have been partially restored with granite stones, providing a glimpse of the temple’s original layout. Inside, four central pillars stand in what was once a spacious hall, surrounded by three shrines that hint at a more prominent purpose long forgotten.
The Third Temple: A Remnant of Shiva Worship
The third temple, another ruin, now consists primarily of standing pillars, with little of the original structure left intact. However, the presence of a Nandi statue in the forecourt suggests it may have once been dedicated to Lord Shiva. The quiet simplicity of this ruin contrasts with the more elaborate temples nearby, giving it a serene and timeless quality.
Someshwara Temple: A Fusion of Art and History
The Someshwara Temple is one of the most striking structures in Bandalike, known by various names, including Anekal Somayya and Boppesvara. This temple was built in 1274 AD by a local benefactor named Boppa Setti. Constructed along an east-west axis, the Someshwara Temple features a small porch, a pillared mandapa (hall), a vestibule, and a sanctum.
One of the temple’s most captivating features is its highly ornate entrance, complete with intricate carvings along the door frame and a depiction of Gajalakshmi on the lintel. The doorway is flanked by decorative screens with perforations and carved panels that tell stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, making this temple a visual and spiritual experience for visitors. The front side is beautifully ornate, while the other walls are simpler, adorned only with a strip of lozenge-shaped carvings.
Shanthi Natha Basadi: A Reflection of Jain Heritage
Near the main temple complex stands the Shanthi Natha Jain Basadi, a structure dating back to the Reattract period in the 10th century AD under the rule of King Krishna II. This Jain temple was later restored by Boppa Setti around 1200 AD, showing how different religious traditions flourished side-by-side in Bandalike. The Jain Basadi honors Jain traditions and offers a serene spot for contemplation, away from the more elaborate designs of the Hindu temples.
The Legacy of Bandalike
Bandalike’s temple complex is a testament to Karnataka’s layered history, where multiple dynasties, religions, and cultural influences converged. While time and history may have stripped Bandalike of its riches, the resilience of these ancient temples serves as a reminder of the area’s past glory. For travelers and history enthusiasts, a visit to Bandalike is an opportunity to walk through Karnataka’s forgotten history and discover the architectural and spiritual heritage that endures to this day.
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