Gadag District

Gadag District had a population of 971,835 of which 35.21% was urban as of 2001. Population increased 13.14% in the decade 1991-2001. The District is bounded on the north by Bagalkot District, on the east by Koppal District, on the southeast by Bellary District, on the southwest by Haveri District, on the west by Dharwad District, and on the northwest by Belgaum District. Gadag District was formed in 1997, when it was split from Dharwad District. More »

Places to see

A number of late Chalukyan monuments (11th-12th centuries) in the city indicate its historic past. The Temple of Veera Narayana and Trikuteshwara are places of religious and historic importance. Jumma Majid it consists Hindu Muslim trust. There are two main Jain temples are dedicated to Parshvanatha Thirthankara and Mahaveeera.

Sri Saraswathi Temple

The temple is dedicated to Saraswathi, Goddess of learning. It is a wonderful structure with its fine architectural beauty.

Sri Trikuteshwara Temple

The Trikuteshwara temple was built by the early Chalukyas between 6th to 8th Centuries. The temple bears rich evidence of the majesty of Chalukya architecture.

Sri Jagadguru Tondaraya Mutt

This is a 12th Century Mutt founded by Saint Tontada Siddalingeshwar Swamiji who was an accomplished Yogi. His "Samadhi" is situated in front of this Mutt.

Sri Veera Narayana Temple

The legend goes to say that "Naranappa" better known as "Kumaravyasa" narrated the great epic before the lord by invoking the blessings of the Lord. The legend says that Naranappa got the inspiration to narrate the epic only during the time he sat before the Lord in a holy posture in a wet cloth dried up. A Brindavan of saint Raghavendra Swami is also built recently in the temple premises. This temple attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year. It is believed that the Veeranarayana Temple was built in the 11th Century.

Hoysala King Bittideva after taking religious vow from Shri Ramanujacharya became vaishnava. There is a traditional belief that according to his Guru's order in 1117 A.D. he built Shri Veeranarayana temple. This is one among the Pancha Narayana temples he built.

Shri Veeranarayana temple, is a beautiful mixture of Chalukya, Hoysala and Vijayanagara sculptures, garbhagrtha and the top tower of the templeare models of Chalukya sculpture, GarudaGamba and Rangamantap are in the manner of Hoysala sculpture. The main entrance gate of the temple is of Vijayangara art.

When we step in the main entrance gate which faces the East, there stands the Garuda Gamba. Behind the Garuda Gamba lies the Okali Well and near it are the Shrivaishnava triprundras. Facing it stands Garuda statue in Namaskara position.

Inside the Veeranarayana temple has many pillars with artistically carvedpictures. The traditional belief says that sitting beneath one of these pillars Mahakavi Kumaravyasa wrote “Karnataka Bharatha Katha Manyari”.

Then comes the Madhyaranga, then Garbhagrriha in Garbhagudi Shri Veeranarayana statue carved in dark blue shaded stone attracts everyone. Decorated with Kireeta, Karnakundala, Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, Padma and in the robe of Veeragachche, Veeranarayana stands protecting his Bhaktas with Abhayahasta. In his broad bosom is Laxmi, at the pedestrial aureole the Dashawathara and at both sides stand Laxmi and Garuda.

In the courtyard of this temple, there are other small temples of gods and goddesses like Laxmi-Narasimha temple, Sarpeshwara temple and so on .

DAMBALA TEMPLE

Famous for its grapes and Guavas, Dambala lies 20 kms from GADAG. It boasts of many fine temples – the best being the Dodda Basappa temple.Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Dodda Basappa temple belongs to the Kalyani Chalukya period. It is renowned for its multigonal stellar shape. It contains one of the most beautifully designed door steps that can be seen in any temple in western India . This doorstep is exquisitely engraved with festoons, rosetter and small figures. Apart from this the temple also has marvelously carved pillars and walls. Also at Damabla is situated a Buddhist shrine dedicated to the godess Taradevi.

The important, ancient and historical places in the Gadag District

Lakkundi

Lakkundi is about 12 km from Gadag. It was once the capital city of Great Chalukyan kings.

Lakkundi is famous for 101 stepped wells (called Kalyani or Pushkarni), the multitude of Temples of architectural beauty and the Jain Basadi's. There is sculpture gallery maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Once an important centre for religious training, Lakkundi to-day has several temples of Kalyani Chalukya style. Though many were damaged during the  invasion, quite a few have since been rebuilt. The Kashivishwashwara temple is one of them. This beautiful temple is exquisitely decorated with carvings, scroll work, stone screens etc. A double temple also houses a Surya (Sun) temple. The Sun temple is dedicated to Surya Narayana and contains a throne for the image of the God. The seven horses of the Sun god are engraved on the stone. Apart from these temples there is also a Jain temple at Lakkundi that has an image of Mahavira seated on a  Lion  throne. It is called Bhahma Jinalaya and is said to have been built by the noble lady,  Atttimabbe. There is also a museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India with a fine collection of art works. 

 Lakkundi was also a centre for the minting of gold coins under the reign of various kings. These coins were called ‘Lokki Gundyanas '  giving rise to the name  Lakkundi.

Hombal

Hombal, a village at distance of 12 Km from Gadag famous for its old temples.

Venkatapura

Venkatapura is about 15 km from Gadag. The temple is dedicated to lord Venkateshwara.

Beladhadi

Beladhadi is about 10 km from Gadag is famous for Shri Rama Temple . The idols of Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita are of unique beauty and were installed by famous saint Shree Brahmananda Maharaj.

Sudi

Ron

Gajendragad

Laxmeshwar

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When to go:-
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