This temple is situated on the confluence of the rivers Bhima and Kagina, though looks very simple, is very important in the history of development of architecture of in Karnataka. The garbhagriha and Navaranga of the main temple are retaining early features of the temple architecture. There is no antarala in front of the garbhagriha, but by constricting the space of the Navaranga an indication is given of the antarala. Further, the Navaranga has four pillars in the center bay and pilasters in the walls mark other bays. It is interesting to know that the pilasters are false in the nature and they do not take any weight. This is also one of the early features. Another interesting early feature is that the garbhagriha and navaranga are not bound by masonry. They are free standing from each other. In addition there is no moulded adhisthana as such. But only a thick slab represents adhisthana. These above mentioned features in the architecture could be seen in the earliest temples of the early Chalukyas of badami at Aihole. Aihole is the place where experimentation of construction of temple in stone was carried out. Therefore this temple can be dated to the early phase (sixth to eighth centuries AD) of the early Chalukyan temple architecture. However the temple was provided with cloister mantapa at a later date, but at the early Chalukyan period. But unfortunately only a portion of this early mantapa now exists on the southern side of the temple. In the Maratha period the other portions of the cloister mantapa and the mahadwaras on the northern side and then on the eastern side were built. The mahamantapa of the main temple, mantapa in front of the Shiva temple, etc. are of recent origin.

Condition of the Temple

The temple situated at the confluence of Kagina and Bhima which faces east. The shrine stands at the western quarter of a very large cloister which measures 173 (E.W.), 151 (N.S.) slightly less than the dimensions of the courtyard of Chandrala Parameswari temple at Sannati. The pillared cloisters originally provided shelter to pilgrims. This temple is one of the most sacred temple referred to in Skanda Purana published Sardeshpane of Bijapur. Presently the sanctum is (15'x 16') is approached through a narrow door and side entrance which is too low. The cult image is beautiful. The temple consists of a Garbhagriha, Antarala, Navaranga to which further addition was made long ago by way of an open pillared hall with Kakshasana but the walls are put up to close the mantapa. The ceiling of the sanctum consists of rings on an octagon. The exterior of the Shikara seems to have been renovated in stone in several tiers. The sanctum, antarala and navaranga are original as clear from the pillars and door frames (with plaster and other motifs).

Since the sannati temple of similar plan and architectural features could be dated to Chalukya 7th - 8th century, this temple (original portions) could also be assigned to the same period. PROBLEMS The original entrance door of Navaranga being about 5 ft and the niches of side wall contain Kalabhairava and Ganesha images, the door wall shall be retained and will serve as a guide for further repairs. If the trustees agrees the inner narrow passage walls should be removed to allow enough light and to restore original feature. The walls of navaranga have cracked and pilasters have sagged. They will be set in plumb after removing partition walls and even non-functional pilasters. If the Trustees want to retain the small exist in the Southern wall it can be done. If the outer walls of Navaranga (3ft thick) are removed. We can use 1.5 ft thick block of limes tone ( 4 to 5 ft long)o The mantapa supported by square seehand but crudly dressed shafts and brackets need to be reset and roof slab to be reset after dismantling the mantapa. As the soil is black cotton soil raft in foundation may be necessary. The height of the mantapa should be raised to the level of the temple roof by adding base to pillars. The exterior walls of the temple have sagged and cracked they should be rebuilt. The shikhara is crude and will be rebuilt in lime tone. The-Iswara temple abutting on chandralambas should be separated.

CLOISTERS

The original cloisters were built beautifully with pillars brackets etc. But now the eastern and southern east wings have been reconstructed by raising the height of the floor and walling up. The central and back ankanas for providing room. Fortunately over a large portion on the south west and north the original pillars and floor level are indicated. The cloisters being an essential architectural feature of both the Chandrala Prameswari temple (Hongunta ad and Sannati). These cloisters should be reconstructed since most of the pillars beams etc are available. Proper foundation should be provided to pillars. The roof should be water tightened and new chajja stones should be provided wherever missing. The G.I. sheet roof of the cloister already repaired portion of cloister will have to be replaced by slabs in due course. This important monument deserves a better approach road from shahabad. The heavily damaged road dissuades pilgrims from visiting the place. I saw that repair work is started and it should be completed soon and black topped so that buses ply from Gulburga. The eswara temple in this complex also needs repairs. The foundation should be examined carefully and if the plinth courses (which may be similar to those of Sannati temple) may revealed. Even the outer walls might have been later ones covering the earlier ones. The beams in the hall are of the early Chalukya type.