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Lost temples of Karnataka: Kaitabhairaveshwara temple-Kotipura, Kubatur

Lost temples of Karnataka: Kaithabhaireshwara temple-Kotipura, Kubatur

Overview: Kotipura is a small village near Anvatti in Western Karnataka. We visited this place during our visit to Banavasi. The Kaitabhairaveshwara temple complex in Kubatur, Kotipura is a marvel to watch. Kubatur has a rich historical significance having been ruled by the Kadambas of Banavasi, the Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas of Dorasamudra, nayaks of Keladi.
The Kaitabhairaveshwara temple was built in 1100 AD during the Hoysala period and was known as Kotishwara in inscriptions. It closely resembles the Chalukyan temples in plan, pillar order and Shikhara. The sculptors of Mahishasuramardhini, Bhairava and Ganesha adorn the superstructure. There are 5 entrances to the Mahamandapa. Lateral entrances are provided in addition to the other entrances. The pillars of Mahamandapa are Lathe turned and polished to give it a shiny look. The ceilings are ornate and the parapet has sculptures of Ugra Narasimha, varaha, Garuda, Keshava among others. An inscription in this temple refers to major temple forms of India mastered by skilled architect.
Kaitabhairaveshwara temple, Kubatur, KotipuraKaitabhairaveshwara temple, Kubatur, Kotipura Kaitabhairaveshwara temple, Kubatur, Kotipura  Kaitabhairaveshwara temple, Kubatur, KotipuraKaitabhairaveshwara temple, Kubatur, Kotipura  Kaitabhairaveshwara temple, Kubatur, Kotipura Kaitabhairaveshwara temple, Kubatur, Kotipura Kaitabhairaveshwara temple, Kubatur, Kotipura Kaitabhairaveshwara temple, Kubatur, Kotipura

How to reach: Bus: KSRTC buses and also several private buses ply regularly from Bangalore to Hangal. Buses are available from Hangal to Anvatti. From Anvatti hire local transport to reach Kotipura.
By Bike/Car: Take the NH4 to reach Tumkur, before reaching the town, turn left towards Shimoga. Travel to Shimoga via Tiptur and Arsikere. From Shimoga, take the Honnavar road to reach Anvatti. Anvatti can also be reached from NH4 to Ranebennur, from there take the state road to Anvatti via Chikkakerur.
Food/Accommodation: Plenty of options available for accommodation at Shimoga, Ranebennur and Banavasi suiting all budgets.
Map:

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Comments

  1. Anunoy Samanta23 July 2013 at 20:00

    Wonderful shots Arun... and useful info!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nasreen24 July 2013 at 11:04

    Wow amazing images of the temple.. Thanks for sharing interesting information..

    ReplyDelete
  3. R Niranjan Das24 July 2013 at 12:28

    Nice post!

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
  4. Indrani24 July 2013 at 17:57

    Haven't been there yet! Stunning work!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Prasad Np24 July 2013 at 19:39

    A hidden treasure, I must say. Good pics.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Heritage Sites of India25 July 2013 at 17:08

    The temple looks good. It makes me wonder how much effort it would have taken back then to create such a wonderful piece of art.

    ReplyDelete
  7. SAT classes in Pimpri-Chinchwad.25 July 2013 at 17:38

    Beautiful Temple.
    The Carving Is Beautiful & Awesome Photographs.

    ReplyDelete
  8. MastHoliday29 July 2013 at 12:42

    Looks a great temple site. wonderful architecture!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Pramod29 July 2013 at 18:15

    Beautiful Images mate !
    Thanks for sharing them with us .

    -Pramod

    ReplyDelete
  10. My Unfinished Life29 January 2016 at 13:03

    So am on a road project in karnataka and one of the roads passes through (rather passes adjacent) this temple......my client graciously takes me here while we are inspecting the road...and i am mesmerised by the architecture.....dont have much time but i loved the 10-15 minutes we spent here......

    i go back and decide to write about this temple in the blog.....and one of the few pieces of information i get on google search is your blog post!!!

    that's why i love blogging ands travel bloggers in particular, it just opens u a such a wonderful exchange of information and knowledge sharing on travel.....


    this temple is beautiful!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. S Indranaik28 December 2016 at 15:31

    In front of Kaitebheshwara temple left side there is a small temple underground level. In this Sri SEVABHAYAS statue from KOTOPURA THANDA is installed one year back after construction of new temple in thanda.in newly constructed temple new statue is being installed. Old statue from old temple,Sri Sevabhaya sitting on his horse TOLATAM is kept in small temple in front of Kaithabheshwara temple. Sri Sevabhaya is spiritual, cultural and social leader of banjaras in the world. His statue is being installed in every Thanda of banjaras

    ReplyDelete
  12. S Indranaik28 December 2016 at 15:32

    In front of Kaitebheshwara temple left side there is a small temple underground level. In this Sri SEVABHAYAS statue from KOTOPURA THANDA is installed one year back after construction of new temple in thanda.in newly constructed temple new statue is being installed. Old statue from old temple,Sri Sevabhaya sitting on his horse TOLATAM is kept in small temple in front of Kaithabheshwara temple. Sri Sevabhaya is spiritual, cultural and social leader of banjaras in the world. His statue is being installed in every Thanda of banjaras

    ReplyDelete

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