Trikuteshwara Temple, Gadag

The Trikuteshwara Temple in Gadag, about 50 km south-east of Hubli-Dharwad, dates from the Kalyani Chalukya period, when some 50 temples were raised in the region between about 1050 and 1200 CE. Its design is credited to the architect Amara Shilpi Jakanachari. The eastern sanctum holds three lingas set on a single stone, standing for Brahma, Maheshwara and Vishnu.

The temple is known for its ornate, finely sculpted pillars, pierced stone screens and carved figures. Sloping slabs that serve as balcony seats carry figurative panels under steep eaves, and figures sit in shallow niches on the hall columns. A shrine to Saraswati within the complex has striking stone columns, though it was damaged long ago and no puja is offered there. Next door is another temple to three goddesses, Saraswathi, Gayathri and Sharada, old in structure but with new statues.