Chandramouleshwar Temple

Located on the outskirts of Hubli, Chandramouleshwara Temple is very close to the famous Unkal Lake and Nrupatunga Betta. This 900 years old temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and sees several of his devotees gathering around to offer prayers. The locals are seen pouring in huge numbers especially on Monday mornings.

Since the Chandramouleshwara temple was built in the Badami Chalukyan era, it boosts of the beautiful Chalukya Architecture. Its architecture is one of its kinds and another main reason why tourists are drawn towards it. Both its exteriors as well as interiors are mesmerizing.

The beautiful carvings and sculptures on its walls and the well crafted pillars with black granite stones are simply marvelous. The temple, built by employing several sculptors, architects, masons and artists, also has huge images of Lord Ganesha and Jaalandhra dancing merrily which adds to its appeal.

The beauty of Chandramouleshwara Temple increases manifolds when decked with multihued lights, flowers and diyas during the festive season. A large number of people gather at the temple on Shiv Ratri. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show here with several priests chanting hymns. Lord Shiva’s devotees join them in singing bhajanas and the entire atmosphere is filled with a pious air.

This temple is different from the other Shiva temples situated in North Karnataka. One of the main differences is that it has four doors in various directions. Also there are two huge Shivalings built here.

Chandramouleshwara Temple has been standing strong since centuries however some part of it needs major restoration else it would deteriorate further in the coming years. It is considered to be a Monument of National Importance.

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has tagged it as a Protected Monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites (Act 1958). However, the restoration work hasn’t been taken very seriously. The government must make appropriate efforts to ensure that it is restored and conversed.

There is a need to maintain the sanctity of the temple premise but unfortunately the same is not being done. Children are often seen playing cricket here which must not be permissible to ensure the conservation of the temple and also to maintain a pious atmosphere here.

Another issue is the road that leads you to the temple. It is not maintained properly and there are a host of local wine shops by its side. A number of illegal trades also happen here thus it is not considered to be a safe path.

One also needs to walk past a number of houses and small dirty lanes to reach there. The state administration must take keen interest not only in restoring the temple but also ensuring that the entire vicinity is kept clean and secure.

Those visiting the temple from far off places have some good accommodation options available near by. Krishna Palace is the nearest hotel which is located at a distance of around 2 Kms from the Chandramouleshwara temple. It is equipped with all the facilities and a room here may be rented at Rs. 3,500 per night.