Chandramouleshwara Temple In Hubli: Forgotten Glory Of 900-Year Chalukyan Era
Have you ever stumbled upon a place so fascinating that you wondered why more people don’t talk about it? That’s exactly how we felt when we first visited Shri Chandramouleshwara Temple Hubli, near Unkal Lake.
We were just awe-struck to find this wonder hidden in Hubli—Shri Chandramouleshwara Temple, a 900-year-old Chalukyan marvel. Unlike the more famous historical sites in India, this temple was primarily forgotten—or, you can say, neglected by many. But it holds stories that deserve to be told.
So, for those who love discovering forgotten history, Chandramouleshwara Temple in Hubli is an absolute treasure. It left a lasting impression on me, and I’m excited to take you on this journey.
Chandramouleshwara Temple In Hubli Is An Unspoken Glory Of Chalukyan Architecture
We all know that Karnataka is a land of architectural brilliance, especially if we consider the most famous Hoysala dynasty. However, before the Hoysalas, the Chalukyas laid their foundation and created masterpieces of Dravidian art in this state that still stand tall today.
While the top historical places in Karnataka, like Badami, Pattadakal and so on, enjoy their well-deserved fame, but some incredible architectural gems have been forgotten over time. Shri Chandramouleshwara Temple is one such hidden treasure—a piece of history quietly waiting to be explored by travellers.
Built in the 11th or 12th century, Chandramouleshwara Temple in Hubli was once a grand symbol of Chalukyan craftsmanship and devotion. It is believed that Chalukyas built this temple not just as a place to worship but as a symbol of their power and cultural intricacy. But after the fall of the Chalukyas, the temple faded from its significance. And now, it is almost forgotten until local Shaivite devotees stepped in to restore it, keeping it alive as a place of worship.
Architectural Serenity Of Chandramouleshwara Temple
We paused and took it all in the moment we stepped closer to the temple. It stood there, grand and awe-inspiring, as if it had emerged from the earth directly. The raised platform, covered in intricate carvings of gods and goddesses, felt like a silent storyteller of a bygone era. At the entrance of this temple in Hubli, two majestic Nandi statues stood firm. Their calm yet powerful presence radiated a sense of devotion that had stood the test of time.
A wave of peace washed over me as I walked inside the temple. The air felt different—almost sacred. Though left unfinished in some places, the walls and pillars were alive with stories frozen in stone. Every carving on it seemed to whisper something—tales of gods and demons, creation and destruction, love and war.
Did You Know? Chandramouleshwara Temple is an unfinished yet perfectly aligned piece of Chalukya architecture. Legends say the temple was built overnight and left incomplete. Its cardinal directions and precise geometric design showcase the brilliance of its artisans.
At the heart of the temple stands its most sacred treasure—the Chaturmukha Lingam, a rare four-faced Shiva Lingam. One of the most fascinating things about this temple in Hubli was that the Garbhagriha (sanctum) has four doors, one in each direction, something we had never seen before.
After stepping inside, leaving behind the noise of the bustling city, we were struck by how peaceful it felt. The temple opens up into a spacious hall, almost as if shielding you from the outside world. Don’t miss the beautiful Ganesh temple and idol nestled inside.
As the sun set, we found that devotees gathered in the temple, their eyes filled with devotion. The air was thick with the sound of quiet chants and the warm flicker of oil lamps. That moment had an overwhelming sense of peace as if Lord Shiva’s presence was woven into every stone around me.
The Chandramouleshwara Temple in Hubli is a treasure trove for anyone who loves history, art, and architecture. Every red granite stone of this temple tells a story: the grand Dwarapalas (gatekeepers), Nataraja in a graceful dance pose, the fierce Narasimha, a beautifully detailed Saraswati, Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara and Mahishasuramardin, the delicate Jaladharas, and the majestic Nandis—each a testament to the extraordinary skill of the Chalukyas.
How To Reach Chandramouleshwara Temple?
If you’re in Hubli and planning to visit this temple, the easiest way is to take a bus to Unkal BRTS Bus Stop. From there, it’s just a short 2-3 km distance.
As we visited this temple during our stay in Hubli, we just took our scooter, which made navigating the narrow lanes much easier. The path winds through small residential areas; if you’re coming by car, I’d suggest parking it on the main road. There’s hardly any space near this temple entrance for four-wheelers, so a little walk will save you the hassle of finding a spot.
However, Hubli is well-connected by railways, an airport, and interstate bus services, making it easy to reach from different cities. You just need to get down at the mentioned bus stop.
Chandramouleshwara Temple Timings
The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, the pooja times are 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Mondays hold special significance as devotees gather large numbers to offer Lord Shiva milk, curd, and sweets.
Did You Know? As it is Shiva Temple, the Maha Shivratri celebrations here are truly grand and mesmerising.
Places Nearer to Chandramouleshwara Temple
You might come across a Hanuman Temple located near the Chandramouleshwara Temple. The idol inside is uniquely black in colour, which sets it apart from traditional Hanuman idols. Also, a Siddappajja Math is located nearby and is known for its spiritual significance. Devotees visit this place to seek blessings and experience a sense of peace.
Apart from these two places, you can explore several other attractions near Chandramouleshwara Temple within a few kilometres. Each site offers a unique experience, making your visit even more memorable. These include
- Nrupatunga Betta
- Unkal Lake
- Iskcon Temple
- Bansankari Temple
- Shree Siddharoodha Math
- Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden
Unknown Facts About Chandramouleshwara Temple In Hubli
- This temple is recognised and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- The entry fee is entirely free.
- This temple doesn’t have a gopura (the gateway of a temple in Southern India). It is believed that the temple was constructed overnight, and this gopura couldn’t be completed.
- The Chandramouleshwara Temple in Hubli once stood amidst a vast open space, but encroachment has left little to no room around it. Restoration efforts are still in progress, so don’t expect basic facilities at the moment.
- If you visit this temple in the evening, don’t forget to witness the sunset views from Unkal Lake, which is located right away to the temple.
Summary From My Own Experience
Trust me, visiting the Chandramouleshwara Temple in Hubli was like stepping into a forgotten chapter of history for me. Once grand and surrounded by open space, this temple now faces the effects of encroachment, leaving little room to breathe. Yet, despite the wear of time and the ongoing restoration, the beauty and spiritual presence of this temple in Hubli remain remarkably intact. It’s almost as if the stones themselves are whispering tales of the past, inviting you to listen closely.
If you ever find yourself in Hubli, I highly recommend to visit this forgotten marvel in Karnataka. Though it might not be as famous as other historical landmarks, it holds a special kind of magic that’s hard to put into words.
☛ Chandramouleshwara Temple Address: Google Map
Frequently Asked Questions About Chandramouleshwara Temple, Unkal, Hubli
1. What do the four doorways of Chandramouleshwara Temple Hubli represent?
The four entrances in this temple in Hubli—east, west, north, and south—symbolise Lord Shiva’s omnipresence, which means “He” can be reached from any direction.
2. What do you mean by the word “Chandramauleshwara”?
Chandramouleshwara means “Lord Shiva, the wearer of the crescent moon.” The name comes from “Chandra” (moon), “Mouleshwara” (Lord of the crown), symbolising Shiva’s cosmic power and tranquility.
3. What are Chandramauleshwara Temple puja timings?
The pooja rituals are scheduled between 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
4. Who built Chandramouleshwara Temple Hubli?
According to folklore, skilled artisans of the Chalukyan Era attempted to build the temple in a single night. However, they couldn’t complete it, so parts of the structure remain unfinished.
5. Are there any shops around Chandramauleshwara Temple Hubli where I can buy souvenirs?
No, there are no such shops around the temple. The locality is very congested with small houses. The road towards the temple is narrow.
Pratyusha Bhowmick
Very nice and informative article.