UpdateBot at 21:26, 29 January 2022

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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Balligavi
| native_name =
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| nickname =
| settlement_type = town
| image_skyline = Frontal view of Kedareshvara temple (late 11th century) at Balligavi 1.JPG
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Kedareshvara temple at Balligavi
| pushpin_map = India Karnataka#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Karnataka, India
| coordinates = {{coord|14.3939|N|75.2439|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Karnataka]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Shivamogga District]]
| established_title = 
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| unit_pref = Metric
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| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Kannada]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
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}}

'''Balligavi''' a town in [[Shikaripura]] taluk [[Shivamogga district]] of [[Karnataka]] state, [[India]], is today known as Belagami or Balagame. Its ancient names are Baligrama, Dakshina Kedara, Valliggame and Valligrame. Dakshina Kedara means [[Kedarnath]] of the South. A place of antiquity, it is known for its ancient monuments. Balligavi is located 72 km from Shivamogga city and 21 km from Shikaripura town and 2.3 km from Shiralakoppa in Shikaripura taluk. {{transl|kn|Balli}} in [[Kannada]] means creeper or vine.

Archaeologically, Balligavi dates from the [[Satavahana]]-[[Kadamba Dynasty|Kadamba]] era and the ''Chaturmukha'' ''linga'' (four faced ''linga'') here is in that style. The area came under the [[Banavasi]] province of the Kadamba Dynasty in 4-5th century AD. Important Kadamba inscriptions like the [[Talagunda]] inscriptions, near Balligavi have been collected by the Archaeological Survey of India.<ref name="inscribe">The Talagunda inscription gives the most plausible explanation to the birth of the Kadamba kingdom and the reasons surrounding the coronation of [[Mayurasharma]] as the founder of the kingdom, Dr. S.U. Kamath, ''Concise history of Karnataka'' pp 30</ref>

==Golden age==
The golden age of Balligavi was during the rule of the [[Western Chalukya Empire]] during the 10th-12th centuries.<ref name="residents">{{cite web|title=A glimpse of the lost grandeur |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/jan252005/spt7.asp|author=Raghavendra Chandragutti|publisher=Deccan Herald|work=Spectrum, Deccan Herald, Tuesday, January 25, 2005|access-date=2006-11-27}}</ref> The earliest inscription mentioning the name Balligavi is a 685 CE [[Badami]] [[Chalukya]] inscription.<ref name="residents"/> Balligavi during these times had six [[matha]]s, three ''pura''s "extensions", five ''vidyapitha''s "places of learning", and seven ''Brahmapuris''. The mathas belonged to [[Shaivism|Shaivas]], [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnavas]], [[Jainism|Jainas]] and [[Buddhism|Buddhist]]s. The Kedareshwara matha belonging to the [[Kalamukha]] Shaivas and the Kodiya matha was well known and had the patronage of the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala emperors]], marking the place as one of religious activity. Records also indicate that an ancient University existed here.<ref name="shantala"/> The town also had 54 temples and supported 60,000 residents during that time.<ref name="residents"/> Several Inscriptions reveas that it was very prominent and stronghold capital of the Vira Bananju warrior merchant community, i.e. modern day Banajigara or Banajiga or Balija community.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}

Today, Balligavi is a quiet town much of whose daily routines revolve around agriculture and the famous 11th century Kedaresvara Temple and [[Tripurantakesvara Temple]].

==Legend==
Legend has it that Balligavi was the capital of an ''Asura'' king (demon) and hence was called ''Balipura'' (city of [[Mahabali|Bali]]). The [[Pandavas]] came here while on their ''Vanavasa'' (forest sojourn) and installed the ''Panchalinga'' (five ''lingas''); hence the name Panchalingeswara to the well known temple here. ''Linga'' is the universal symbol of [[Shiva]].

==Personalities==
Balligavi is also the birthplace of the great [[Virashaiva]] saint [[Allama Prabhu]]<ref name="birth">{{cite web|title=Allama Prabhu: His Life, Legacy And Personality |url=http://www.shivayoga.net/literature/sharanas/allamaprabhu.html |author=H.H.Mahatapasvi Shri Kumarswamiji |publisher=Shivayogi.net |work='Prophets of Veershaivism' |access-date=2006-11-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060621062349/http://shivayoga.net/literature/sharanas/allamaprabhu.html |archive-date=21 June 2006 }}</ref> and is closely associated with [[Vachana]] poet [[Akka Mahadevi]] who was born in nearby Udugani (also known as Udutadi).<ref name="born">{{cite web|title=Karnataka Tourism-Religion-Veerashaiva pilgrim sites|url=http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/tourguide/|publisher=www.Karnataka.com|access-date=2006-11-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205102535/http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/tourguide/|archive-date=5 December 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> She was a contemporary of Allama Prabhu and [[Basavanna]], the founder of the [[Virashaiva]] movement. Balligavi is also the birthplace of Shantala Devi, queen of [[Hoysala]] king [[Vishnuvardhana]].<ref name="shantala">{{cite web|title=Balligavi-An important seat of learning|url=http://www.chitralakshana.com/balligavi.html|author=U.B.Githa, Research associate|publisher=Chitralakshana|work=©Chitralakshana.com 2002|access-date=2006-11-27}}</ref> Many famous Hoysala sculptors like Dasoja, Malloja, Nadoja, Siddoja hailed from here.

== Kedaresvara Temple ==
{{Main|Kedareshvara Temple, Balligavi}}
[[File:Kedaresvara Temple at Balligavi Shivamogga.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Another view of Kedareshvara temple at Balligavi]]
[[File:Shikhara (Tower) at Kedaresvara Temple at Balligavi.jpg|right|thumb|150px|''Vimana'' with ''Kirtimukha'' (demon face), Kedaresvara temple, Balligavi]]
This is an excellent example of a ''trikuta'' "triple towers" temple in a transitional Western Chalukya-Hoysala architecture.<ref name="kuta">Most Hoysala temples are either ''ekakuta'' (one tower), ''dvikuta'' (two tower) or ''trikuta'', ''A Complete Guide to Hoysala Temples'', Gerard Foekema, pp 25</ref> It is the oldest example of such a combinational style in Karnataka according to reports from the Mysore archaeological department. The temple faces east and has a stepped entrance on three sides. The entrance on the sides is a Western Chalukya idiom.<ref name="side">According to Dr. S.U. Kamath, ''A Concise History of Karnataka'', pp 116</ref> The central shrine has a ''linga'' (universal symbol of Shiva) made from black marble (''Krishnashila''). The shrine to the south has a ''linga'' called [[Brahma]] and the shrine to the north has a statue of ''Janardhana'' ([[Vishnu]]). The temple's outside plan is in "staggered-square" style with many projections and recesses which is a Hoysala design.<ref name="square">According to Gerard Foekema, ''A Complete Guide to Hoysala Temples'', pp 21</ref> The outer walls of the open ''[[mandapa]]'' (hall) have carvings of women wearing fine jewellery. Two Hoysala emblems were added in 1060 CE by [[Vinayaditya (Hoysala dynasty)|Vinayaditya]].<ref name="emblem">The Hoysala emblem depicts Sala, the mythical founder of the empire fighting a Tiger, according to historians C. Hayavadhana Rao, [[J Duncan M Derrett|J. D. M. Derrett]], B. R Joshi, Sala was a mythical founder of the empire, ''A Concise history of Karnataka'' pp 123, Dr. S.U. Kamath, {{cite web|title=History of Karnataka-Hoysalas and their contributions |url=http://www.ourkarnataka.com/history.htm |author=Arthikaje, Mangalore |publisher=© 1998-00 OurKarnataka.Com, Inc |access-date=2006-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104095148/http://www.ourkarnataka.com/history.htm |archive-date=4 November 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The superstructure (tower) of the ''[[Vimana (architectural feature)|vimana]]'' are very well decorated with sculptures of ''Tandaveshwara'', ''Varaha'', ''Uma Narasimha'', ''Bhairava'' etc. ([[avatar]]s of Shiva and Vishnu) and the ''sukanasi'' of all three towers still exist.<ref name="suka">The ''sukanasi'' is the tower on top of vestibule connecting hall and shrine and this is where the hoysala emblem is located, Gerard Foekema, ''A Complete Guide to Hoysala Temples'' pp 22</ref> The western shrine is the oldest dating from the 7th or 8th century. Attached to the vestibule that connects the shrines is a well designed open ''mantapa'' with two rows of pillars. The outer row of pillars are 16 faced while the inner row of pillars are lathe turned with bell shaped mouldings, a style popular with both Western Chalukys and Hoysalas.<ref name="Lathe">This is a common feature of Western Chalukya-Hoysala temples, ''A Concise History of Karnataka'', pp 117, Dr. S.U. Kamath</ref> The ceiling of the ''mantapa'' is flat and the inner ceiling is well carved with lotuses in them. The central ceiling has the carving of ''Tandaveshwara'' (dancing Shiva) with eight ''dikpalakas'' (guards). The entrance to the shrine which faces east has a [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]], the bull and a celestial attendant of Shiva.

== Tripurantaka Temple ==
{{Main|Tripurantaka Temple}}
The 'Tripurantaka Temple (also called Tripurantakesvara or Tripurantakeshwara) was built around c. 1070 CE<ref name="when">{{cite web|author=Kamat J.|title=Temples of Karnataka|url=http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/kar/temples.htm|publisher=Kamat's Potpourri|work=Timeless Theater - Karnataka|access-date=2008-05-14}}</ref> by the [[Western Chalukya Empire|Western Chalukyas]]. This temple, which is in a dilapidated state, is in the historically important town of Balligavi (also called Balagamve), modern [[Shivamogga district]], [[Karnataka]] [[Indian state|state]], [[India]]. The exterior walls of the temple have erotic sculptures on [[frieze]]s. These depictions are considered rare in [[Western Chalukya architecture|Chalukyan art]]. Being miniature in size, these are visible only upon close examination.<ref name="lion">Cousens (1926), p. 107</ref> During medieval times, Balligavi was a seat of learning to multiple religious faiths and was home to many monuments and structures built by the Chalukyas.<ref name="buildings">{{cite web|title=A glimpse of the lost grandeur|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/jan252005/spt7.asp|author=Raghavendra Chandragutti|publisher=[[Deccan Herald]]|work=Spectrum, Deccan Herald, Tuesday, January 25, 2005|access-date=2008-05-14}}</ref> More than 80 medieval [[epigraphy|inscriptions]] have been discovered in Balligavi and belong to the Hindu ([[Shaiva]], [[Vaishnava]]), [[Jain]] and [[Buddhist]] traditions. These inscriptions describe, among other things, the building of temples.<ref name="build">Cousens (1926), p. 108</ref>

== Notes ==
<references/>

== References ==
* Gerard Foekema, ''A Complete Guide To Hoysala Temples'', 1996, Abhinav, {{ISBN|81-7017-345-0}}
* Dr. Suryanath U. Kamath, ''Concise history of Karnataka'', 2001, MCC, Bangalore (Reprinted 2002)
* {{cite web|url=http://www.shivayoga.net/literature/sharanas/allamaprabhu.html |title=Allama Prabhu: His Life, Legacy And Personality |access-date=2006-11-27 |work=H.H.Mahatapasvi Shri Kumarswamiji, Tapovan, Dharwad |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060621062349/http://shivayoga.net/literature/sharanas/allamaprabhu.html |archive-date=21 June 2006 }}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/tourguide/|title=Karnataka-Tourism|access-date=2006-11-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205102535/http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/tourguide/|archive-date=5 December 2006|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.chitralakshana.com/articles/UB%20githa/balligavi.htm|title=Balligavi-An important seat of learning|access-date=2006-11-27|work=Chitralakshana.com 2002}}{{dead link|date=June 2016}}{{cbignore}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.ourkarnataka.com/history.htm |title=History of Karnataka-Hoysalas and their contributions, Arthikaje, Mangalore |access-date=2006-11-27 |work=© 1998-00 OurKarnataka.Com, Inc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104095148/http://www.ourkarnataka.com/history.htm |archive-date=4 November 2006 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jan252005/spt7.asp |title=A glimpse of the lost grandeur |access-date=2006-11-27 |work=Spectrum, Deccan Herald, Tuesday, January 25, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311211144/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jan252005/spt7.asp |archive-date=2007-03-11 |url-status=live }}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Balligavi }}
* [http://www.india9.com/i9show/40503.htm Balligavi, India9.com]
* [http://www.hindu.com/br/2004/11/16/stories/2004111600451400.htm "Vachanas of Akka Mahadevi"], Article in ''The Hindu'', 16 November 2004
* A unique sculpture of [[Gandaberunda]] or berunda from Balligavi: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/dunkinjalki/5166151080/]
* A side view of the temple: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/dunkinjalki/8039562922/]

{{Hindu temples in Karnataka}}

{{Karnataka topics}}

[[Category:Archaeological sites in Karnataka]]
[[Category:Villages in Shimoga district]]

Balligavi - Revision history

UpdateBot at 21:26, 29 January 2022