Rameshwara Devasthana, Balambeed

July 26, 2019
After spending 30 minutes at Kalmeshwara Devastana, we walked around the pond to see this temple in ruins. This is the third temple we are looking at, all the three temples have their enclosure gates on their back sides. Going by its looks, this temple too is built by Chalukyan builders. Its a small temple but a grand one. Its Shikhara was never built or it was lost at some point of time.

As you see, the wall sculptures are quite detailed, the precision of lines is noticeable.

This is an unusual temple because it faces south, normally temples face east or north, its rare to see temples facing west or south. This temple is a Ektachala, meaning has one Garbhagudi, but has three entrances originally. Somehow the side walls have gone missing but a door frame remains.

Within the temple plot are two hero-stones, one each on left and right sides.

The temple deity is Shiva in the form of Linga. Shiva's vehicle Nandi is ever present with his master. Nice to see that morning ritual takes place in this temple.. the wet floor, fresh flower and vibhuti on the idols.. such a nice sight!

Om Namah Shiva, Om Namah Shiva, Om Namah Shiva

The temple as seen from the front. The four pillared Mantapa for Basavanna (Nandi) is quite common. The mesh screen and the elaborate door frame, turned pillars are standard features for Chalukyan temples. The design rules are fixed but every pillar is unique, probably unique across temples as well.

The remaining side wall as seen from inside. Such well finished edges and surfaces. Amazing workmanship.

View from the southeast corner. The pillars are handsome. The beams seem to be floating on the pillar tops. Brilliant construction techniques by our ancient builders.

The outer set of pillars are slimmer compared to the pillars of Nandi Mantapa. There are two types- square and round with ribs. The ribbed pillar in the foreground is classy. I think Roman buildings featured such columns. The damaged pillar exposes its innards.. probably a hard blow chipped off a chunk of the pillar.

View from the northeast corner of the temple. It can be quite sultry at this level but the stone pillars are ever cool.

A close look at the Gabhagudi drain. Such an elegant looking piece. Making the channel is one thing, then aligning it is another thing. Originally there would've been a collection pit as well where all the holy water would collect. That water was accessible to visitors and probably the temple's cattle would drink out of it.

A collage of artwork.. floral mural on the polished pillar, miniature temple Shikhara, band around a pillar and pedestal for fixing idols. See the polished curvature of the pillar- assume the pillar was turned and polished using a lathe. But then, how were the floral pattern created which rises above the polished surface. Brilliant isn't it!

Nandi as sen from the other side, with the door frame in the background. I guess there were plans to engrave murals in the plain faces of the pillar base.

Such a lovely little temple. Wish the ASI people has posted a board with a crisp description. We must have spent 25 minutes here. Done with the temple, we closed the gate and left. Just opposite the gate a village house with this clump of bamboo. The weaver bird nests cannot be missed. These seemed to be built recently, saying that because the fibers are green. Every single time I look at them, I cannot help admiring them. Some times I get jealous for not being able to build a home on our own, with our own hands. They don't have to worry about any paperwork or finance, no dependency.. oh what a free world.

The temple we just visited is located just outside the village. As we drove back into the village, we noticed a group of ancient idols, they seem to be memorials to brave people or warriors who defended this place from enemies.

There are memorial to women warriors as well.

Now we construct memorials out of bricks & cement and cover them in paint which need constant maintenance. But see the ancient creations, they are just sitting there without any care yet remain beautiful. Such were the values and sense of quality.

This seems to be a warrior accompanied by his wife or wives.

With this our visit to Balambeed comes to an end. We head towards Hangal to see the magnificent Tarakeshwara Devasthana.

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