Kedareshvara Temple, Balligavi

The Kedareshvara Temple is in Balligavi near Shikaripura in Shimoga district, a town of learning centres that was important under the Western Chalukyas in the 11th and 12th centuries and is called the ancient capital in medieval inscriptions. Adam Hardy dates the soapstone temple to the late 11th century, with Hoysala additions up to 1131; the ASI describes its style as Hoysala. In its prime it drew many followers of the Kalamukha Shaiva sect, and it is now a Monument of National Importance.

It is a trikuta, with three shrines facing east, north and south. Two hold Shiva lingas and the north one an image of Vishnu. They open onto a six-pillared hall and a large, ornate open gathering hall laid out as a staggered square. The towers rise in three tiers, crowned by a large domed helmet and kalasha, with the Hoysala emblem of a warrior stabbing a lion. A museum in the complex shows a four-faced Brahma.