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Siddeshwara Temple, Haveri.

The Siddhesvara Temple is located in Haveri, Karnataka state, India. It is a renowned temple famous for its sculptures of Hindu deities. Built in the 11th or 12th century, it is unique among other temples in the area because it faces west, making it an architectural wonder.

 

Although it is currently a Shaiva temple dedicated to God Shiva, its original faith or sect and deity of consecration remain uncertain. Nevertheless, the temple's historical significance and cultural value are undeniable.

 

The temple is considered an ornate example of 12th-century Western Chalukyan art and is well known for the many loose sculptures of Hindu deities that exist in it. However, inscriptional evidence would suggest that the initial consecration of the temple was in the late 11th century.

 

Despite the uncertainty surrounding its origins, the Siddhesvara Temple is a significant part of the local and regional cultural identity. Visitors come from all over India and the world to marvel at its impressive sculptures and unique architecture.

 

The temple's western orientation is particularly fascinating, as it deviates from the standard in Chalukyan constructions. This unique feature makes it stand out not only from other temples in the area but also from other Hindu temples in India.

 

The Siddhesvara Temple is an important cultural and religious site for Hindus, as well as a popular tourist destination. The intricate carvings, beautiful sculptures, and stunning architecture are a testament to the skill and creativity of the craftsmen who built it.

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Uploaded on June 21, 2023
Taken on October 9, 2020