Chandramouleshwara Temple - Hubballi
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🛕 Temple Info
Nestled in the quiet lanes of Sai Nagar near the serene Unkal Lake, the Chandramouleshwara Temple is more than just an ancient monument—it’s a spiritual jewel glowing with centuries of devotion. Standing as a masterpiece of Western Chalukya architecture from the 11th–12th century, this temple carries a unique charm that blends intricate artistry with divine grace.
Built entirely of finely carved stone, the temple follows the sandhara plan—a square sanctum accessible from all four cardinal directions. Each entrance has its own distinct doorjamb carvings, framed with pancha shakhas (five bands of decorative moulding) and guarded by beautifully sculpted dwarapalas. The eastern doorway is particularly exquisite, hailed as one of the finest works of the Chalukyan era.
The sanctum houses two sacred Shivalingas:
- Chandramouleshwara Linga – the main presiding deity, radiating serenity and spiritual energy.
- Chaturmukha Linga – a rare four-faced form of Lord Shiva, symbolizing His omnipresence and the four aspects of cosmic creation.
The outer walls are adorned with intricate depictions of deities—Brahma, Vishnu in his various avatars, and Shiva in multiple forms. Miniature shikharas, friezes of elephants and horses, and window-like jalandhras carved with musicians and dancers all speak of a time when stone was shaped as gracefully as poetry.
Today, despite being surrounded by residential lanes and having no grand gopuram, the temple retains its peaceful atmosphere. Whether you arrive early at sunrise or in the golden hour of evening, the temple greets you with quietude and positive vibrations.
💫 Importance
Chandramouleshwara Temple is not merely a historical structure—it is a living sanctuary where faith and art meet.
- Spiritual Significance: The temple’s unique four-entrance design reflects the openness of divine grace—where the devotee can enter from any direction and still be welcomed equally by the Lord.
- Architectural Heritage: As one of the few temples in Karnataka with a Chaturmukha Linga, it stands alongside Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple in rarity and design.
- Astronomical Marvel: Local tradition holds that on Ugadi (New Year), sunlight falls directly upon the Shiva Linga in the sanctum—a testament to the astronomical precision of Chalukyan architects.
- Cultural Legacy: Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, this temple embodies the craftsmanship of artisans who worked without machinery, creating enduring beauty with hand tools and deep devotion.
For devotees, the temple offers a place to meditate, perform Jalabhisheka, and experience the powerful vibrations of Lord Shiva’s presence. For art lovers, it’s a gallery of stone that speaks of an era when architecture was a sacred offering.
📜History
The temple’s origins trace back to the reign of the Kalyana Chalukyas, between the late 11th and early 12th centuries. Although no foundation inscription survives, stylistic elements and nearby stone records firmly place it in this era.
Legend whispers that the temple was built overnight by a guild of master sculptors led by the famed Sri Jakanacharya. Unable to complete the work before dawn, they left it without a towering gopuram—giving it the humble profile we see today. Despite the incomplete structure, the craftsmanship is extraordinary.
Originally, the Chaturmukha Linga occupied the central sanctum so that whichever entrance a devotee used, one of Shiva’s faces would greet them. Over time, the linga was moved to the western side, possibly for ritual or structural reasons.
The temple’s proximity to Unkal Lake also hints at its role as a community and pilgrimage center for centuries. Even today, it remains a space where the ancient and modern coexist—a heritage jewel in the bustle of Hubballi.
🪔 Pooja Timings
Temple Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM daily
Pooja Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
🚌 Transfort Options
By Air
- Hubballi Airport (HBX) is the nearest airport, located approximately 7–9 km from the temple. From there, taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available.
By Rail
- Hubli Junction Railway Station is about 5 km away, well connected to major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Local transport is available from the station to the temple.
By Road
- Hubballi is well connected by national highways (NH 67 & NH 48). KSRTC buses, private coaches, and cabs connect Hubballi to cities like Dharwad (20 km), Belagavi (100 km), and Goa (150 km).
🏙️Near By Cities
Dharwad
Soudatti yellamma
Haveri
Belagavi
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