Dodda Basappa Temple

Doddabasappa Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Temple sanctum contains a Shiva linga. The interior consists of a sanctum, a vestibule and a main mandapa. The sanctum is connected to the mandapa through the vestibule.

Dodda Basappa temple is based on 24-pointed uninterrupted star shaped plan. The temple is built of soapstone as its basic building material. This temple marks the mature development of the Chalukyan art which originated from basic Dravida architecture. Star points form equidistant projections.

The star projections are carried up the superstructure giving it an exotic look. The upper tiers of the seven-tiered superstructure give the look of cogged wheels with 48 dents. The pillars are finely chiselled and "complicated" though it does lack elegance. The entrance to the shrine has a decorative architrave above it with space for images. The entrance is decorated on either side with floral designs containing tiny images of dancers, musicians and even a mithuna couple. The main mandapa contain three images, one of the "five headed" Brahma and his vehicle (vahana), the goose, and two images are of Surya. The temple has two doorways with a porch each facing south and east respectively.

Sculpture of Dodda Basappa Temple stands as a symbol of development in the Chalukya architecture. Almost all the features of Western Chalukya sculptures and architectures are to be found in this Shaiva temple. The temple drifts away from the conventional form of Dravidian art and sculpture. The sculpture of Dodda Basappa Temple mirrors the Karnata dravida architectural tradition.

Dodda Basappa Temple is known for its multigonal stellar shape. The pillars in this temple too have been carved out of stone. These are well defined and there are sculptures that adorn them. The entrance of the Dodda Basappa Temple has decorative mouldings above it. There were images in between the decorations. The spaces are still visible but the images are missing. On the either side of the temple elaborate and intricate sculptures are to be found. Apart from the foliage sculptures there are carved figures of miyhuna couple, dancers and musicians. The main mantapa has three images of Hindu deities: a five headed Brahma, his vahana, goose and two images of the sun god, Surya. The lintel of the east doorframe was once beautifully engraved with fine decorations.

An important feature of this temple is the large stone carving of Nandi which faces the inner chamber. This has been created on a pillared extension of the main mandapa. The place where the Nandi resides is similar to the open hall (mandapa).

The sculpture of Dodda Basappa Temple also includes kirtimukhas that are found in the recesses. Sculpted pilasters with various figures and the Dravida styled miniature towers add to the beauty and sculpture and architecture of Dodda Basappa Temple.

The entrance to the shrine has above it a decorative architrave with space for images which are now missing of the Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The entrance is elaborately decorated on either side with designs that are floral containing tiny images of dancers, musicians and even a mithuna couple.