Mahadeva Temple, Itagi

The Mahadeva temple at Itagi in Yelburga taluk, Koppal district, was built around 1112 CE by Mahadeva, a dandanayaka or army commander serving the Western Chalukya ruler Vikramaditya VI. It lies about 7 kilometres from Kuknur and 20 from Lakkundi. An inscription of that year calls it Devalaya Chakravarti, the emperor among temples, and the art historian Henry Cousens judged it the finest in Kannada country after Halebidu.

Its plan follows the Amruteshwara temple at Annigeri: a sanctum with a Shiva linga, a vestibule, a closed hall and an open pillared hall, all facing east. Thirteen smaller shrines, each with its own linga, surround the main temple. The carved walls, pillars and tower make it a complete example of Western Chalukya work in the Karnata dravida style. The cornice and parapet of the open hall are missing. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.