Shri Tarakeshwara Temple - Hangal Haveri
🖼️ Photo Gallery
🛕 Temple Info
Nestled in the town of Hangal, Karnataka, the Sri Tarakeshwara Temple is a divine sanctuary dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Tarakeshwara form. This majestic temple is a brilliant confluence of architecture, devotion, and ancient artistry, evoking awe in every visitor with its intricate design and spiritual ambiance.
The temple's sanctum houses a sacred Shiva Linga, while the surrounding structures showcase a perfect Vesara style—a harmonious blend of Dravidian and Nagara architecture. The serene setting, echoing with the whispers of centuries past, makes this an ideal destination for spiritual seekers and architecture lovers alike.
🧘 Temple Highlights
- Lotus of Hangal – a unique architectural masterpiece.
- Blend of Kadamba, Hoysala, and Chalukya styles in one sacred structure.
- Peaceful, offbeat location perfect for introspective spiritual visits.
- Loved by historians, architects, and spiritual devotees alike.
✨ “Sri Tarakeshwara Temple is not just a structure of stone and sculpture, but a breathing embodiment of devotion, artistry, and ancient wisdom passed down through centuries.”
💫 Importance
- The temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
- Known for the ‘Lotus of Hangal’—a mesmerizing, stone-carved lotus ceiling in an octagonal hall supported by eight intricately sculpted pillars.
- Depicts Ashtadikpalakas (Guardians of the Eight Directions) as per Shilpa Shastra on pillar capitals.
- An architectural gem of the Kalyani Chalukya period, standing tall as a spiritual and cultural landmark of Karnataka.
- Revered as a sacred space of enlightenment, where devotion meets intricate artistic legacy.
📜History
The origins of the Sri Tarakeshwara Temple trace back to the 5th century CE, during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty. Over time, significant contributions were made by the Hoysalas and most notably the Kalyani Chalukyas between the 10th–12th centuries.
- The temple showcases Western Chalukya (Kalyani Chalukya) architecture, with sculpted miniature shikharas on its walls and a commanding presence of Nandi, the divine bull.
- The octagonal lotus hall reflects a remarkable architectural innovation, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening.
- The incomplete rear portion of the temple adds a layer of historical mystery, inviting contemplation on its past.
Sri Tarakeshwara Temple remains a timeless tribute to the artistic genius and deep spirituality of Karnataka’s ancient dynasties.
🪔 Pooja Timings
| S.No. Ritual / Darshan Timing Time | ||
| 1 | Temple Open Hours | 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM IST |
Devotees can offer prayers throughout the day.
Special Poojas and Alankaras are held during Maha Shivaratri and other Shiva festivals.
🚌 Transfort Options
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Hubballi (Hubli) Airport (~75 km)
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Haveri (~40 km)
- From Haveri station, you can hire a cab or take a local bus to reach Hangal.
By Road
- Hangal is well-connected by Karnataka State Road Transport buses from Hubballi, Haveri, and nearby districts.
- The Hangal Bus Stand is located very close to the temple, making access easy and convenient.
🏙️Near By Cities
Haveri
Chitradurga
Davangere
Hubli
Dharwad
🗣️ Devotee Comments