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Lakkundi is a small village in Karnataka which boasts some of the beautiful heritage temples, ruined temples and ancient tanks. Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole make it to the top of any tourist's list but Lakkundi, which is quite nearby and historically relevant to the aforementioned places is one place most tourists tend to ignore.
Lakkundi is a small village located at a distance of about 12 km south-east of Gadag on the Hubli-Hospet Highway (NH-63). The village is full of ruined temples and tanks of which a few have been restored and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Lakkundi is a place of antiquarian interest with temples and inscriptions spreads over the period of, Kalachuris, Yadavas and Hoysalas.
Going back to history, Lakkundi came into existence in the medival period. It was a center of higher learning in the 11th century. It was beleived that the Chalukyas ruled from Kalyana, now known as Basavakalyana in the Bidar district from 10th century. The Kalyani Chalukyas were great patrons of art and built glorious temples and tanks at Itagi, Lakkundi, Kuruvatti and Gadag. The most detailed and magnificent temple in Lakkundi is the Kasivishveshwara Temple. It is actually a twin temple built over a common plinth and has two sanctums; one has a Shiva linga while the other one housed a Surya statue. The Brahma Jinalaya is another notable monument. The most remarkable sculpture here is that of the four-faced Brahma himself.
The Manikesvara Temple has an ornate stepped well. The well maintained gardens add glory to the place. It is a must-visit attraction for travellers visiting Lakkundi. The tank is artistically built with small canopied niches inside the walls of the well enshrining lingas.
There is a well sculptured shed in the Jaina Temple Complex which houses over 250 epigraphs, statues and carved architectural members. Many figures found in the nearby monuments are kept here. The Jaina Temple is also an important attraction and a recommended place for travellers visiting Lakkundi.
If you are planning to visit the famous world heritage site at Pattadakal, do take a day off to soak in the rich heritage of Lakkundi. Travellers can also visit the Trikuteshwara Temple complex in Gadag, Itagi 25km away and Dambal 14 km away from Lakkundi, which are all treasure troves of Kalyani Chalukya architecture.
