The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Kadambas. It has many additions to its credit during the rule of KalyanaChalukyas and the Sonda rulers, and is a synthesis of different architectural styles. One can notice a combination of the Kadamba, Kalyana Chalukya and Hoysala styles in it. The main sanctum and navarangaare normally attributed to the Kadambas. The navaranga pillars have square cross sections with circular cushions at the top. The sanctum has the Madhukesvaralinga which cannot be easily attributed to the Kadambas as its ‘Yonipeetha’ and the flat headed linga appear to be of a later period. The statues in the temple of Adi-Madhava and Kartikeya are of Kadamba style. The parapet around the navaranga has rows of carvings in relief on the exterior and one of the rows shows figures of 12 Adityas, the dikpalakas, ten avataras of Vishnu. There are many shrines big and small along the compound of the main temple.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Dharwad Circle

Madhukeshwara temple

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Madhukeshwara temple

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