Talkad temple being readied for Panchalinga Darshana

The historical Keerthi Narayanaswamy temple that comes under the Archaeological Survey of India, is under renovation, the works of which are said to be completed soon.

With the famous Panchalinga Darshana scheduled to be held in the end of the year, works are being taken up in full swing.

The word Talkad brings to memory sand dunes and temples covered by mounds of sand. T Narasipur is home to many temples including the popular Vaidyanatheshwara, Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara and Keerthi Narayanaswamy temples.

The Keerthi Narayanaswamy temple that was built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana was buried in sand. The temple was cleared of sand and was allowed for public darshan some years ago. Tourists who visited Talkad never failed to enter the temple though it was partially covered by sand, to offer their prayers.

But the gopura of the temple collapsed about 12 years ago, and renovation works on the same began four years ago by the ASI. The works which were progressing slowly, has now however picked pace, with more than 50 workers labouring away day in and out. The idol of the presiding deity Keerthi Narayanaswamy has been shifted in front of the temple, where the pujas are being performed.

After the works of the sanctum sanctorum is completed the idol would be installed back in its original place. The regular rituals have been suspended temporarily and would resume only after December, it is said.

History of the temple

The temple was built in Hoysala style by Vishnuvardhana in 1117 AD. The east facing temple had a ‘garbagruha’ and ‘ardhamantapa’.

However, the Dwara mantapa is said to have been constructed during the Vijayanagar period.