Sri Gangadareshwara Devastana, Turuvekere

Present day Turuvekere is a taluq capital in Tumakuru district. Historically it was an Agrahara where Brahmin people pursued academic paths. As per XIII Century inscriptions found in Hoysala temples, Turuvekere was known as as Sarvagna Sri Vijaya Narasimha Pura. Turuvekere is home to several temples of which the following are visited by tourists: 1. Gangadhareshwara, 2. Chennigaraya Swamy, 3. Moole Shankareshwara and 4. Beteraya Swamy. All these temples are concentrated in the north-western part of this little town, walkable distances from each other.

Jan 27, 2023. The started with a short visit to Sri Lakshminarasimha Devastana at Vignasate. Then a 25 minute drive to Turuvekere. First I went to Beteraya Devastana but the gates were still closed. This part of the town is basically residential with temples scattered in between. There are so many smaller temples, all are ancient but their structures are modern. Negotiating the narrow streets I proceeded towards Gangadhareshwara Devastana. I parked my car in the open space in front of the temple. The temple gateway just a few meters away was unrecognizable because of construction debris. Ganagdhareshwara temple was being renovated.

This is the pillared mantapa in front of the temple under which sits a huge Nandi. One could call this Nandi Mantapa.

The Nandi was covered in a plastic sheet to protect it from dust. The construction team was camping in a room next to Nandi Mantapa. I requested them to remove the sheet and they were kind enough to oblige. The 5' high Nandi idol is situated on a 3' high platform. The idol is made of black stone, surface is mirror like. Wish I had seen this Nandi well before the renovation.

Nandi covered in cement dust. Hope the renovation gets done soon.

Ganagdhreshwara shrine was kept closed, not sure if pooja was being performed because of construction activities. Shiva is called as Gangadhareshwara and Shashidhara because of Ganga & Shashi (Moon) on his hairlocks.

The southeastern view of this north-facing temple. I think this is a Ekakuta meaning a temple with one sanctum. It seems to be having a large Sabhamanatapa which connects to the Garbhagudi through a Antharala (vestibule). Its my observation that many Shiva temples are either east or north-facing, having a main door and one side door as well. For example- Someshwara Devastana, Dharwad or Kalleshwara Devastana, Bagali or Sangameshwara Devastana.

Besides the Nandi idol, the other amazing piece of sculpture is the stone bell which hangs from the mantapa attached to the side entrance. It's my estimate that the bell is 18" diameter at its rim and probably 30" high. I could touch the bell with my hands. Out of curiosity I knocked it with a finger and it produce a metallic sound. This bell is supposed to be made of soapstone. In fact many temples in Turuvekere taluq are built of soapstone blocks.

A closer look at the bell. It has a greenish coat, just like greenish layers seen on copperware. It's truly an amazing piece or artwork.

Ringing stones are one of many wonders of Mother Nature. And our ancient builders vast and deep geological knowledge enabled them to enhance Nature's wonders. I was so curious that went on knocking on the inside of the bell's rim, the soft sound was so pleasant. I wanted to tap it with a piece of hard wood but couldn't find any. Usually metallic bells have metallic or wooden gongs. Then there are gongs made of animal bone. I think Marikamba Devastana at Sirsi has a bell with bone gong.

The rear wall of the sanctum. The Shikhara is brick & mortar construction which mainly became a regular feature from Vijayanagara time.

A small south-facing shrine. If I'm right there wasn't any deity in it.

This is another temple, aligned at a right angle to Ganagdhareshwara. I couldn't make out of the sanctum had any deity.

Done with the temple tour, I thanked and said bye to the construction team. I had parked my car close to a Deepstambha which appears to belong to Gangadhareshwara. Only one face of the pillar had relief works- a Nandi and a praying couple.

A minute's walk from here towards north is Moole Shankareshwara Devastana and a 3 minute walk in the westerly direction is Chennigaraya Devastana.

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