The Mahakuta group of temples is in Mahakuta village which is near the historical town Badami. It is an important place of worship and is a well known Shaiva monastery(building where monks or saints live).
These temples are of sixth or seventh century CE that were constructed by the early kings of Chalukya dynasty of Badami. The architectural style of these temples is similar to that of the temples nearby Aryapura.
The Mahakuta Pillar inscription is written in Sanskrit language & Kannada script. These temples include Mahakuteshwara temple, Mallikarjuna temple, Vishnu temple, Sangameshwara temple and several smaller temples.
Significance:
These group of temples were built under the rule of the Early Chalukyas of Badami with Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple architecture making it a key example of early Chalukyan temple construction. The Mahakuteshwara temple houses the deity Lord Shiva.
The Mahakuta includes holy tank with natural spring called Vishnu Pushkarini or Mahakuta tank. This tank is surrounded by multiple small shrines. The inscription on the Mahakuta Pillar includes information about the Chalukyan dynasty, their donations and help in building temples. Festivals like Mahashivaratri were grandly celebrated in this temple attracting a huge number of devotees across the region.
How To Reach:
Badami bus stop is around 5.6 KM away from Mahakuta. You can reach Mahakuta by taking a bus or a taxi. There are frequent buses from Badami to Mahakuta that drives through Badami-Mahakuta road.
