Nagareshwara Temple, Bankapura

9th October 2011

It was while driving back from Dharwad we saw the Karnataka tourism board of Bankapura. It seemed to be a nice good idea to spend some time in the Temple town. My wife agreed and so was my daughter. The kid was more excited about the peacock sanctuary in the village!! Two km from NH-4 was the village of Bankapura. The road to Temple passed through a ruined fort and shrub forest. The forest opened up into a clear area and the Temple appeared. Unlike other historical Temples this is not surrounded by houses.


The Temple looks great from exterior. The distinguishing feature of the Temple is 66 stone pillars. The carving at the exterior is beautiful.


The decorated garbha bruha entrance. Unfortunately we could not enter into it as it was locked.


It window of the garbha gruha was broken. It now looks bit awkward.


The big problem with the lesser known Temples is the paucity of information. The person responsible for guarding Temple simply told that it was built by Jakanachari!! We did not ask for any further question. It was built during Chalukya regime but I have no info about its time.


We heard the sound of peacocks coming from the nearby forest. It was expected as the area falls under peacock sanctuary. It was a hot day and they did not come into open. My daughter was disappointed. Early morning or late evening is the best time to watch peacocks.


Where is Bankapur?
Bankapur is between Hubli and Haveri on NH-4. It is about 50km from Hubli. The Temple is 2km from the National Highway.


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