Built probably in the middle of the 7^th century CE, this temple represents a stage of experimentation in introducing a shukanasa projecting from the sikhara (over the mandapa) in front. Facing the east, this structure consists on plan a square sanctum (garbhagriha) housing a linga on the pitha with pranala on the north and a mandapa. To the east of the temple are seen the ruins of a raised platform and basement of a Nandi mandapa on it. The couchant image of Nandi on this basement is wornout. The temple is built on a high plinth having five mouldings, and its topmost moulding (kapota) decorated with pilasters at the corners and on either side of the windows and niches. Walls of the sanctum have centrally protected ornate devakoshtha (niches) having sculptures of Siva (south), Surya (west) and Vishnu (north). The ends of the roof slabs of the mandapa and the ceiling slabs of the garbhagriha resting upon the eave are carved with vyalas and makaras and a frieze of swans runis below the cornice all round. The superstructure over the sanctum is of the Rekha-Nagara (northern) style with a curvilinear profile rising in threen diminishing stages, but its amalaka and kalasa are missing. A small sukanasa projecting from the sikhara (over the mandapa) is seen in the form of a trefoil chaitya – arch depicting Natesha with Parvati and Nandi flanked by nagas in anjali (adorative) posture. The doorway of the mandapa is adorned with three sakhas. The stambh-sakhas on either side have purnakumbhas below their capitals and there is a frieze of swans over the door. The sanctum doorway has four sakhas with dwarfs and attendants carved beneath. The stambha-sakhas (pilasters) support a flat cave and a pediment above consisting of kutas and salas.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Dharwad Circle

Jambulinga temple on the west of Galganath.

Verified Listing

Jambulinga temple on the west of Galganath.

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