Mahadeva Temple, Itagi

The Koppal district administration and The Hindu both record that the temple was built by Mahadeva, a dandanayaka (army commander) of the Kalyana Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI, and completed in 1112 CE. The Hindu describes a well-preserved inscription in medieval Kannada on a large stone next to the temple, which gives this date, praises the Chalukya kings and records details of the construction.

Wikipedia notes that the temple follows the general plan of the Amriteshwara Temple at Annigeri, which served as its prototype, and the Deccan Herald also reports this link. Some parts have been lost over time: Wikipedia records that the cornice and parapet over the open hall are missing, and the bracket figures that once leaned out from the outer pillars are gone. In 2002 The Hindu reported that, although the ASI had declared the complex a protected monument, the temple and its surroundings were neglected and drew few of the visitors who came to nearby Hampi.

Architecture and sacred features

The temple faces east. According to The Hindu and Wikipedia, it has a sanctum joined by a vestibule to a closed hall, which opens through porches into a large open pillared hall (mantapa). The open hall has dozens of carved pillars, some standing on the floor and the rest on the stone bench around the hall, supporting the sloping eaves. Its central ceiling is carved with makaras (mythical water beasts) issuing from a kirtimukha mask, while the interior of the closed hall and sanctum is relatively plain. The Koppal district administration describes the temple as a Vesara-style building on a raised base, about 120 feet long and 99 feet wide.

Thirteen minor shrines, each with its own linga, surround the main temple. The Hindu also notes a temple tank (pushkarani) in front, still used by villagers, and a stepped well behind the temple.