Temples of Bagalakot District are best known for the temple celebrations like Banashankari Temple Festival, Virupaksha Temple Car Festival, and Mallikarjuna Temple Festival. Bagalkot District is located in the northern part of Karnataka and is internationally famous for caves carved in monolithic single stone in the period of Immadi Pulakeshi-I. Temples of Pattadakal, Mahakuteshwara Temples in Mahakuta, and Upper Shivalaya Temple and Banashankari Temple in Badami are famous temples of Bagalakot District.
The Mahakuta group of temples is located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka state. It is an important place of worship for Hindus and the location of a well-known Shaiva monastery. The temples date back to almost the 6th or 7th century and were constructed by the early kings of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami. The age of the temples is based on the style of architecture, which is similar to that of the temples in nearby Aihole and the discovery of two outstanding inscriptions in the complex. The Mahakuta Pillar inscription dated between 595-602 CE and is written in the Sanskrit language and Kannada script.
The ancient Bhutanatha Temples are the famous temples of Bagalakot District. They are two Shiva temples located on the bank of the ancient Bhutanatha Lake. The temples present the Lord in the form of Bhutanatha, the God of Souls. One of the shrines dates back to the 7th century. However, the rest are additions made around the 11th century. The idol of Lord Shiva is engraved in a rare pose, leaning back, in all his overwhelming majesty. The carvings of the incarnations of Vishnu, as well as some Jain figures on the temples of Bagalakot District can be seen on the boulders.
Sangameshwara Temple is one of the oldest temples amongst the temples of Bagalakot District. This temple belongs to the group of the Pattadakkal temples. Built by King Vijayaditya Satyashraya, this temple has well proportioned stories capped by the square-to-dome roof is a fine example of Chalukya architecture. The roof and tower are adorned with minute roof forms and most of its carvings are still not complete.
Gaudar Gudi Temple, one of the famous temples of Bagalakot District is located within the city area of Aihole in Bagalkot District. It is a small temple and dates back to the seventh century. Built in rectangular shape, a rectangular columned mandapa surrounds this temple. The roof of the mandapa is constructed with stone slabs, thus resembling the north Indian temple architecture. A small temple with a deep well is located nearby. The famous Lad Khan Temple is close to this temple. The temples of Bagalakot District are special with its own features. Upper Shivalaya Temple is a Vaishnava temple, situated on top of a hill in Badami. Amongst the temples of Bagalakot District, this temple was erected during the early 7th century and is believed to be the first structural temple built during the Chalukya age among the temples of Bagalakot District. The temple displays carvings of Krishna`s pastimes, and other related scenes from mythology.
Other than the above mentioned names, Bhutanatha Temples, Lad Khan Temple, Upper Shivalaya Temple, Galaganatha Temple, Mallegitti Shivalaya Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Gaudar Gudi Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Jambulinga Temple and Sangameshwara Temple are the temples of Bagalakot District sttracting thousands of devotees and tourists round the year.
