The Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, located in Kalaburagi (formerly Gulbarga), Karnataka, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to the 18th-century Lingayat saint and philosopher, Shri Sharana Basaveshwara. Renowned for his teachings on Dasoha (selfless giving) and Kayaka (dignified labor), the temple serves as a significant spiritual and cultural center in the region.
🕉️ Historical Significance
Established in 1822 by Poojya Sri Adi Doddappa Appa, the second Mahadasoha Peethadipati, the temple enshrines the samadhi (final resting place) of Sharana Basaveshwara in its sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). The central idol uniquely features dual representations: Sharana Basaveshwara and his guru, Marulasidda, symbolizing the profound bond between teacher and disciple.
🏛️ Architectural Highlights
The temple's architecture is a harmonious blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the region. Notable features include:
Sabhamantapa: A grand hall adorned with 36 arches and intricately carved pillars.
Decorative Elements: Intricate carvings of peacocks, elephants, Garuda, and floral motifs embellish the structure.
Interior Adornments: Lavish use of gold paint, chandeliers, and glass mirrors, showcasing Nizami aesthetics.
Deepa Stambha: A towering lamp pillar (Deep Jyoti Stambha) that is illuminated during festivals, adding to the temple's grandeur.
🎉 Festivals and Traditions
The temple is renowned for its annual Jatra and Car Festival, typically held in March, commemorating the birth and death anniversaries of Sharana Basaveshwara. During this period:
A grand procession features the silver plate (Prasada Battalu) and a sandalwood Linga Karadige used by the saint.
Devotees, especially local farmers, donate a portion of their harvest to support the temple's tradition of serving free meals (Anna Dasoha) to all visitors, irrespective of religion.
🕒 Visiting Information
Timings: The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Location: Approximately 2.3 km from Kalaburagi Railway Station, accessible via Court Road and S.B. Temple Road.
Amenities: Facilities include a waiting hall, function hall, clean restrooms, and ample parking space.
Dress Code: Visitors are advised to wear modest, traditional attire.
🌟 Visitor Tips
Best Time to Visit: Evenings offer a pleasant experience, especially during the cooler months.
Museum: Explore the museum behind the temple, which houses artifacts and exhibits related to Sharana Basaveshwara's life and teachings.
Footwear: As with most temples, visitors are required to remove footwear before entering. It's advisable to avoid visiting during peak afternoon hours due to...
Read moreSharana Basaveshwara🙏 Temple is also known as Sabhamandapa, is located in Gulbarga. It is a sacred place dedicated to Saint Basaveshwara, who is identified as a teacher, philosopher, and enlightened being who made several significant contributions to society, under the wing of Hinduism. Built-in the twelfth century by the Lingayat saint Sharana Basaveshwara, this temple is a marvel of Hindu stone carvings. The pillars, walls and towers of the site are covered with intricate carvings of Hindu gods, goddesses, demigods, damsels, animals and events from local lore. The temple stands out because of its characteristically unique style of construction that was not common at the time.The Temple attracts each and everyone. The sculpture is Great of the temple. We can see a museum also, like mini museum, they collected each award and grades to show everyone. The culture from old to now the all traditional events is there. The Car festival of the Sharana Basaveshwara Temple is a must-visit. The silver cover of the deity and the sandalwood artefacts of the temple are taken out on the procession, giving you an exceptional insight into the various practices of the region. The temple also serves free meals to all pilgrims irrespective of religion – enjoy the local delicacies as you partake in this celebrated tradition! they invites everyone and take care of all people who came to eat Prasadam. The temple allowed each and everyone, every religion can visit and to get swamy darshana...
Read moreSharana Basaveshwara Temple is a shrine at Kalburgi (Gulbarga), an ancient town in the north-eastern part of Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to an eminent Hindu religious teacher and philosopher, Shri Sharana Basaveshwara,a Lingayat saint of the 18th century known for his Dasoha (Giving is earning) and Kayaka — an advancement of the Karma doctrine “You have the right to perform the work assigned to you. You have no rights to ‘demand’ the fruits of your labor” philoshophy.The temple houses the Samadhi of Sharana Basaveshwara at the center called the garbha gudi. It has a lake adjacent to it which attracts many devotees and tourists. It also has a lake adjacent to it which attracts many devotees and tourists. People from across the country and abroad cutting across communal lines will converge on the sprawling temple complex to witness the historic car festival.On the occasion, the people will also have a glimpse of the silver plate (Prasada Battala) used by the saint.The Prasada Battala, which is displayed once in a year during the car festival, would be shown to the devotees.Along with the Prasada Battala, the devotees will get a chance to have a look at the Linga Sajjike (the cover used for keeping the Linga) made in Sandalwood and used by Sharanabasaveshwara.people, particularly farmers from the region, continue the practice of donating a portion of their harvest to the temple for providing free food to pilgrims...
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