Tripurantaka Temple

Entrance of Tripurantaka temple with erotic sculptures at the base

The Tripurantaka Temple (also called Tripurantakesvara or Tripurantakeshwara) was built around c. 1070 CE[1] by the Western Chalukyas. This temple, which is in a dilapidated state, is in the historically important town of Balligavi (also called Balagamve), modern Shivamogga district, Karnataka state, India. The exterior walls of the temple have erotic sculptures on friezes. These depictions are considered rare in Chalukyan art. Being miniature in size, these are visible only upon close examination.[2] During medieval times, Balligavi was a seat of learning to multiple religious faiths and was home to many monuments and structures built by the Chalukyas.[3] More than 80 medieval inscriptions have been discovered in Balligavi and belong to the Shaiva, Vaishnava, Jain and Buddhist faiths. These inscriptions describe, among other things, the building of temples.[4]

  1. ^ Kamat J. "Temples of Karnataka". Timeless Theater - Karnataka. Kamat's Potpourri. Retrieved 14 May 2008.
  2. ^ Cousens (1926), p. 107
  3. ^ Raghavendra Chandragutti. "A glimpse of the lost grandeur". Spectrum, Deccan Herald, Tuesday, January 25, 2005. Deccan Herald. Retrieved 14 May 2008.
  4. ^ Cousens (1926), p. 108