12km south-east of Gadag is the modest village of Lakkundi. Here, scattered among the tiny houses and dusty lanes are 50 stunning temples and 29 inscriptions dating back to the Kalyana Chalukya period. The most ornate and spectacular of these is the Kashi Vishwanatha Temple. The Jain Temple dedicated to Mahavira is one of the largest and oldest shrines here. Lakkundi is also noted for its steep wells, which are artistically built with small, canopied niches inside the walls, that enshrine lingas. The Archaeological Survey of India also maintains a sculpture gallery here. |