JOIN USPoet, philosopher and social reformer Basavanna’s samadhi at Kudalasangama is a place of great importance for his followers and admirers. But largely forgotten is Basavana Bagewadi, his birthplace. It is located 45 km away from Vijayapura. The main attraction in Basavana Bagewadi is a 11th century Kalyani Chalukya temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his vehicle, Nandi. Known as Basaveshwara Temple, Nandi is given prominence here as Basavanna is believed to be an incarnation of Nandi. A stone arch that leads to the temple is surrounded by colonial buildings, which house a school.
The temple, built in typical Kalyani Chalukya style, has an imposing vimana. It is an east-facing temple with a sanctum sanctorum, open vestibule, natyamantapa, sabhamantapa and nandimantapa. The main structure is built with sandstone but nandimantapa is in granite, and looks like a later addition.
The sanctum sanctorum houses a small linga, and has a beautifully-decorated doorway with numerous door jambs. An image of Gajalakshmi is at the centre. The lintel framing the vestibule is well carved and is typical of Kalyani Chalukya style of temple architecture. The roof of the natyamantapa depicts a dancing Shiva surrounded by ashtadikpalakas.
Nandi is worshipped in this temple as a deity unlike in other Shiva temples, and is hence known as Moola Nandishwara. Much larger in size compared to the Shivalinga housed in the sanctum sanctorum, the Nandi is well carved and adorned with colourful cloths and jewellery.
The temple has been modified over the years and a marble sculpture of Basavanna has been placed in the sabhamantapa. The flooring too is new. The surroundings of the temple are clean and are dotted with Basavanna’s vachanas (short poems) painted on boards. The temple is maintained by the Kudala Sangama Development Board.
The actual house in which Basavanna’s parents lived and where he spent his childhood has been replaced by a modern structure called Basava Smarak. Basava Smarak is a large hall with a domed ceiling. There are reliefs depicting the important events in Basavanna’s life. In the centre are three life-size idols of Guru Jatavedamuni, Madalambike with infant Basava and Madiraja. It depicts the moment when Guru Jatavedamuni awakens the still-born infant.