LAKKUNDI AS ACENTRE OF REIGIOUS PLURALISM & TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE IN MEDIEVA DECCAN

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Picture Courtesy: The Hindu

Context:

Archaeologists have unearthed relics dating back to the Neolithic period, including artefacts that strongly suggest human occupation long before the well-known medieval structures at the Kote Veerabhadreshwar Temple site in Lakkundi village. 

Historical background:

Lakkundi (historically Lokkigundi) was an important centre from the 10th to 12th centuries, particularly under the Western Chalukyas and Hoysalas.

• It was historically known as the “village of a hundred wells and temples.”
• It served as a capital for Hoysala king Eradane Ballala in the late 12th century.
• The Jain philanthropist Queen Attimabbe patronised temple and stepwell construction here, and her legacy is still commemorated today.

Architectural importance:

Lakkundi’s monuments showcase Western Chalukya (Kalyana Chalukya) temple architecture, a distinct style influential in medieval South India.

Over a dozen documented temples and intricately carved stepwells, with many more believed buried beneath current village structures.

Some key historic structures include:

• Kasi Visvesvara Temple
• Manikesvara and Nannesvara Temples
• Brahma Jinalaya (11th-century Jain temple)
• Carved stepwells like Musukina Bavi

These are central to the World Heritage nomination proposal. 

Cultural legacy of Lakkundi:

Lakkundi, historically known as Lokkigundi, emerged as a major religious, cultural, and artistic centre in Karnataka between the 10th and 12th centuries, particularly under the Western Chalukyas and later the Hoysalas. Its legacy reflects a remarkable coexistence of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism, making it a symbol of medieval India’s pluralistic religious landscape.

• Centre of temple culture: Lakkundi was once described as the “village of a hundred temples and wells,” indicating its status as a thriving spiritual hub. The temples here, especially those built in the Kalyana Chalukya architectural style, represent a transitional phase between early Chalukyan and Hoysala architecture, marked by intricate stone carvings, ornate pillars, and detailed doorframes.

Prominent temples such as the Kashi Vishveshwara Temple, Nanneshwara Temple, and Mallikarjuna Temple reflect the dominance of Shaivism, while temples dedicated to Vishnu highlight Vaishnavite traditions. 

• Stronghold of Jainism: Lakkundi was an important centre of Jain learning and patronage. The famous Brahma Jinalaya, built in the 11th century, is one of the finest Jain temples of the Deccan and showcases exquisite sculptural artistry.

The town is closely associated with Queen Attimabbe, a celebrated Jain patron and philanthropist known as “Daana Chintamani”. She funded the construction of numerous Jain basadis (temples) and is said to have commissioned thousands of copies of Jain religious texts. Her contributions underline Lakkundi’s role as a major Jain cultural centre. 

• Association with the Bhakti Movement: Despite its Jain prominence, Lakkundi also played a role in the 12th-century Virashaiva (Lingayat) Bhakti movement. It provided refuge to Sharanas (devotee-saints) such as Ajaganna and Muktayakka, who propagated the egalitarian teachings of Basaveshwara. This highlights Lakkundi’s function as a space of religious dialogue and reformist spirituality. 

• Sacred water architecture: The numerous stepwells (kalyanis and pushkarnis) of Lakkundi were not just water sources but also had ritual and cultural significance. These wells, often attached to temples, were venues for religious purification rites and community gatherings. Their artistic carvings reflect the integration of utility with sacred symbolism. 

• Minting and urban prosperity: Lakkundi was also known for its “Tankashale” (mint), suggesting that it was not only a religious centre but also an economically prosperous urban settlement. Inscriptions compare it to Amaravati, the celestial city of Indra, reflecting its perceived grandeur. 

Conclusion:

Lakkundi stands as a shining example of medieval India’s cultural richness and religious harmony, where Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Jainism, and the Bhakti tradition flourished side by side. Its magnificent temples, Jain basadis, and intricately carved stepwells reflect both spiritual devotion and architectural excellence. This layered heritage highlights Lakkundi’s importance as a major centre of faith, art, and social reform in the Deccan.

 Source: The Hindu