What to see in Dambal

Dambal is a little village close to Gadag and Lakkundi. With a fort, a large water tank, two Chalukyan temples, a stepped well of Chalukyan times, a Lingayath monastery established in XV Century, and several smaller historical shrines, Dambal was a place of importance during Chalukyan rule i.e. between X and XII centuries. Also, it is said to be a Buddhist center during Maurya and Satavahana's time based on relics discovered in and around Dambal. In the XIX century, British government under Queen Victoria renovated Dambal lake to increase its capacity. Since then the lake was called Victoria Lake. Water from Dambal lake is supplied for domestic usage and also to irrigate farmlands.

When you plan a visit to Lakkundi, it would be good idea to add Dambal to the agenda. One may need about two hours to cover the historical spots listed below.

Doddabasappa Devastana - This is a Chalukyan temple built in the XII Century. This east-facing temple is dedicated to Shivalinga, it's doorframes, pillars, walls and Shikhara a very ornate. The star attraction here is a lifesize idol of Nandi. The texture of Nandi idol is unique, gives it a realistic look. Also there's an inscribed slab of XII Century. Morning rituals are performed by a poojari from Dambal, one could see the deity between 7-30 and 8-30 am. Doddabasappa temple is situated on the outskirts of Dambal. Travelers coming from Gadag side see Doddabasappa and Someshwara temples as they approach Dambal.

Someshwara Devastana - This temple was built by the Chalukyans sometime XI or XII Century. This east facing temple too dedicated to Shivalinga. A pillared hall and sloping canopies are marks of this temple. Compared to Doddabasappa, Someshwara is less ornate. The exterior is quite plain while the interior pillars and doorframe are ornate. The three entrances of Someshwara have paired balustrades. Apparently rituals do not happen on this temple.

Japada Baavi - The XI or XII Century stepped well too is east facing and a Chalukyan creation. This truly is an architectural marvel. Within the walls of the well are a dozen or so mini shrines. The purpose of this well is to let people take bath and perform rituals while dripping wet. The person can start rituals immediately after bath i.e. one need not take chances of coming in contact with physical impurity trying to reach a shrine. This well is situated on the village outskirts, on the road to Dambal lake, less than a kilometer from Doddabasappa. 

Shivalaya near Japada Bavi - This temple is within eyesight of Japada Baavi. The temple is most likely built in the XI or XII Century. This too is east-facing, has two entrances and one sanctum. 

Dambal lake & Ruins of Dambal fort - Approximately a kilometer from Doddabasappa is the lake and ruins of the fort. The fort is roughly oval shaped, has several bastions and a moat. Part of the moat remains neglected and parts of it has been converted into agricultural plots. Space inside the fort too is mostly farm plots. The lake can be seen by climbing on to the bund.

Kote Ganesha Gudi - This is an ancient shrine with an ancient deity idol however the temple is a simple structure, nothing remarkable about it. This temple is close to the fort entrance hence it is called Kote Ganesha.

Tontadarya Siddalingeshwar Math - This is a Lingayath Mata established in the XV Century CE by Yediyuru Sidalingeshwara. Besides preaching the teachings of Jagatjyori Basaveshwara, the Mata also runs educational institutions. Within the premises of this Mata is a small temple with ornate pillars.

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