Famous Temples in India

Architecture

The Hemavathi complex of temples is an astounding example of Nolambur style of architecture, an amalgamation of Chola, Pallava and Chalukyan styles of architecture. This group of four temples is located in Hemavathi, Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. It’s a must visit for history buffs, that houses a museum built and maintained by the ASI. Consecrated by a Nolambur king after his wish for an heir was fulfilled, the temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva in various forms, namely, Siddeshwara, Doddeshwara, Virupaksha and Malleshwara.

The Hemavati group of temples is built in a unique mix of the Pallava and Chola style of architecture. The complex consists of four temples. These include the west facing Siddheshwara and Doddeshwara, with the east facing Malleshwara and Virupaksha temples. Siddheshwara temple is the biggest temple in the complex with its own courtyard and bounding walls. The Doddeshwara temple is the second biggest and is fronted by a Pushkarni (stepped water tank).

Siddheshwara temple - The Siddheshwara temple has an open sabha mandapa that houses a Nandi. It is supported by eighteen ornately carved black granite stone pillars with carvings of scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana. The sabha mandapa leads to the ranga mandapa that can be accessed from northern and southern entrances. It is then connected to the garbha griha, via an antarala, where the Siddeswara Swamy idol resides. Within the same sub-complex is a small Siddhi Vinayaka temple. It is customary to pray here before entering the main temple. To the northern side of the temple is the Kal Bhairava temple, where it is customary to throw Jaggery pieces as a symbol of feeding god himself.

Doddeshwara temple - The Doddeshwara temple is situated outside the sub complex of Siddheshwara. In front of the entrance is a Nandi bull statue which has the reputation of fulfilling wishes that are whispered in its ear. The sabha mandapa of the temple is supported by twenty pillars carved with stories on either side of the entrance. The first row of pillars on the left are dedicated to Ramayana, and the first row on right side to war scenes from the Mahabharata. The garbha griha, contains a Shivalinga and is protected by two beautifully carved dwarapalakas.

Malleshwara temple - The Malleshwara temple to the south of Doddeshwara temple had been restored by the ASI, in recent times, as it was badly damaged during frequent raids from the West and North. In front of the temple is the biggest Nandi statue of this complex.

Virupaksha temple - Consecrated by King Nolambeshwar, the Virupaksha temple is outside the secondary boundary of the temple. The temple is again supported by ornately carved black granite pillars, depicting scenes from Ramayana. At the centre of an open sabha mandapa is the place where yagyas (Hindu ritual) used to be performed. The temple is guarded by a monolithic stone Nandi, and the garbha griha houses a Shivalinga.