LAKKUNDI

The very ancient site of Lakkundi has about fifty temples and a few dozen inscriptions, dating from the Chalukya, Kalachuri, Seuna and Hoysala periods. Among the most remarkable Chalukya temples, that of Kasi Vishwanatha is the most elaborate and richly decorated. There is also a Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira. Lakkundi is also known for its steep wells, with walls carved with small canopied niches housing sacred linga. A sculpture gallery is run by the Indian Archaeological Department.

Kasi Vishwanatha Temple. An inscription found on a beam in the main hall dates the construction to the late eleventh century. However, the simplicity of the interior of the temple suggests that the rich exterior ornamentation was added over time. The sikhara is decorated with small niches topped by aediculae (small towers). The southern and eastern door frames of the temple are beautifully embellished with fine stone filigree friezes. Inside the temple, the pillars have been turned, the capitals and the tailloirs are decorated with heads of demons, lions, also made with great finesse. The temple has two sanctuaries. The main one, facing east, houses a linga, and opposite, another one houses an idol of Surya, the sun god.

Brahma Jinalaya. This Jain temple was commissioned by Queen Danachintamani Attimabbe, wife of the ruler Nagadev who ruled Lakkundi for a short period. The temple is dedicated to Adinath, the^first tirthankar and the most revered saint of Jainism. It could be the oldest temple in the village, built in the second half of the 11th century. The finer shale than the sandstone previously used for the construction of the temples has allowed a very delicate rendering of the sculptures and engravings. The main sanctuary has 5 floors based on a square plan. It is preceded by a navaranga, an enclosed hall with four pillars that separates the space into 9 squares, the central one being larger than the other 8. The open mandapa at the entrance of the temple was added later. The shrine contains an idol of the 22nd tirthankar Neminath, but the masterpiece of this temple is the statue of Brahma with four faces.

Step Wells. The most beautiful and impressive of the 29 Lakkundi wells is at the Manikeshvara temple. The steps are carved down three sides. The fourth side serves as a passageway to the temple. The interior of the parapet is decorated with small niches containing linga.