Hooli Panchalingeshwara Temple
General Overview: Hooli is a small, quiet village that hides one of the most significant archaeological treasures of Karnataka—the Panchalingeshwara Temple. This ancient site dates back to the Chalukyan era and is a testament to the sophisticated temple architecture that flourished in the region c enturies ago. The village itself was once a great center of learning, known as an Agrahara, where scholars gathered to study various sciences and arts. The Panchalingeshwara Temple is the most prominent among several ruined structures scattered across the village. As the name suggests, the temple houses five Lingas, which is a rare configuration in temple design. Built using locally available sandstone, the temple has survived the test of time, though it shows signs of weathering. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects the monument, ensuring its historical integrity remains intact. The temple is located near a hillock, and a small stream called Shivakashi flows nearby, adding to the spiritual atmosphere. The village of Hooli is often referred to as "Dakshina Kashi" due to its numerous temples and religious significance. Walking through the temple complex feels like stepping back into the 11th century. The intricate carvings on the pillars and the outer walls depict various mythological scenes and floral patterns. The silence of the village, broken only by the occasional temple bell or the sound of the wind, makes it a perfect place for meditation and historical reflection. Many of the other smaller temples in the village are in various stages of ruin, giving the entire place an aura of a "lost city." Exploring these ruins reveals the artistic heights reached by the Kalyana Chalukyas. The local community still holds the temple in high regard, and various festivals are celebrated here with great fervor. For history enthusiasts and architecture lovers, Hooli offers a deep dive into the cultural heritage of the Deccan plateau. It remains a "hidden gem" because it is off the main tourist circuit, allowing for a peaceful and undisturbed exploration.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Duration: 1 to 2 Hours.Place Type:
Category: Heritage & Pilgrimage.Entry Fees:
Entry Fee: Free entry as it is a protected public monument.
Guide Services: No official fee, but you can tip local guides.
Photography: Generally free for mobile and personal cameras. ...Entry Fee: Free entry as it is a protected public monument.
Guide Services: No official fee, but you can tip local guides.
Photography: Generally free for mobile and personal cameras.Special Events:
Temple Jathre: The annual fair held in honor of the deity, attracting thousands of people from surrounding villages.
Basava Jayanti: A major celebration involving processions and cultural programs reflecting the village's spiritual roots. ...Temple Jathre: The annual fair held in honor of the deity, attracting thousands of people from surrounding villages.
Basava Jayanti: A major celebration involving processions and cultural programs reflecting the village's spiritual roots.Best Photo Spots:
The Five Shikharas: Capture all five temple towers in one frame from the far end of the courtyard for a unique shot.
Intricate Pillars: Use a macro lens to capture the fine details of the lathe-turned stone pillars in the Navaranga.
...The Five Shikharas: Capture all five temple towers in one frame from the far end of the courtyard for a unique shot.
Intricate Pillars: Use a macro lens to capture the fine details of the lathe-turned stone pillars in the Navaranga.
The Ruined Gateway: A perfect spot for "heritage" style photos with the crumbling stone arches framing the view.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Archaeological Exploration: Spend time identifying the different styles of carvings on the five sanctums of the temple.
Photography of Ruins: The crumbling structures around the village provide a hauntingly beautiful subject for photographers.
Village Walk: Interact with the local residents to learn about the legends and history of Hooli.
Trekking to the Fort: Climb the hillock behind the temple to see the remains of the old fort and the view below.
Meditation: The thick stone walls of the temple keep the interior incredibly cool, making it ideal for quiet reflection.
Studying Inscriptions: If you are interested in history, try to locate the various stone inscriptions mentioned by the ASI.
Information
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Why Famous:
Unique Five Lingas: It is famous for being one of the rare temples in India that houses five different Shiva Lingas under one roof.
Chalukyan Art: Renowned for its exquisite stone carvings and the architectural brilliance of the Kalyana Chal...Unique Five Lingas: It is famous for being one of the rare temples in India that houses five different Shiva Lingas under one roof.
Chalukyan Art: Renowned for its exquisite stone carvings and the architectural brilliance of the Kalyana Chalukya period.
Dakshina Kashi: The village of Hooli is famous as a sacred destination with a history that spans over a thousand years.
Historical Agrahara: It was once a famous center of Vedic education, attracting scholars from across the southern peninsula.
Heritage Ruins: Famous for the atmospheric ruins of numerous smaller temples that surround the main complex, giving it a mystic vibe. -
Architecture:
Temple Structure: The Panchalingeshwara Temple is a classic example of Later Chalukyan architecture.
Sanctum Configuration: It is unique for having five Garbhagrihas (sanctums) connected to a common large Navaranga (central hall).Temple Structure: The Panchalingeshwara Temple is a classic example of Later Chalukyan architecture.
Sanctum Configuration: It is unique for having five Garbhagrihas (sanctums) connected to a common large Navaranga (central hall).
Carvings and Pillars: The temple features lathe-turned pillars, which are a hallmark of Chalukyan art, polished to a mirror-like finish.
Dimensions: The main temple plinth is approximately 40 feet by 80 feet, with the five shikharas (towers) following the Kadamba Nagara style.
Stone Quality: Built primarily with greenish-black basalt and sandstone, the architecture emphasizes durability and fine detail in its decorative friezes. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Belagavi Airport is about 95 KMS away.
By Train: Saundatti is the nearest town, but Belagavi is the major station.
By Road: Travel from Belagavi to Saundatti, then take the road to Hooli. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Saundatti Yellamma Temple (10 KM) 2. Sogal Someshwara Temple (30 KM) 3. Naviluteertha Dam (25 KM) 4. Belagavi Fort (88 KM) 5. Parasgad Fort (12 KM) 6. Gokak Falls (75 KM) 7. Kittur Fort (55 KM) 8. Godchinmalki Falls (85 KM) 9. Sirsangi Kalika Temple (35 KM) 10. Malaprabha River (15 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Respect: This is a religious site; dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the temple.
Packing: Wear sturdy walking shoes to explore the rocky ruins around the village.
Cash: Very few ATMs in the vi...
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