Sri Kamalishwara Temple - Jalsangvi, Bidar - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 45 km from Bidar and 38 km from Basavakalyan, Sri Kamalishwara Temple also known as Kaleshwara Temple is located in historical village of Jalasangvi. The Jalasangvi village was once a major center of activity during the rule of the Chalukyas of Kalyani. The Kamalishwara temple is said to have been built around 1100 AD by king Vikramaditya VI of the Chalukya dynasty.

Built on a star-shaped platform, the temple was constructed in the Besara style, a unique combination of North Indian Nagara and South Indian Chalukya. It is a small rectangular structure. Inside the temple there is a Shiva Linga. The exterior walls of the temple have preserved some outstanding sculptures. The temple is famous for its outstanding Salabhanjika or Madanika sculptures. They are heavily decorated with ornaments and attires. The most prominent sculpture here is a woman writing an epigraph in Kannada.

The sculptures of Jalasangvi shrine are said to be the inspiration for Hoysalas to built bracket figures at Somanathapura, Halebidu and Belur temples. The sculpture of Shasana Sundari (Shilabalika), a mythological woman, behind the Kaleshwara temple seen writing Shasanas. This figure is seen in a dancing position, writing Shasanas praising Vikramaditya of the Chalukya Dynasty. This ancient temple is under the control of the State Archeology Department

Timings: 8 AM 6 PM