Art and Architecture
The Alupas built some fine temples in their area of rule. The Panchalingeshwara temple at Barkur, Brahmalingeshwara temple at Brahamavar, Koteshwara temple at Kotinatha and the Sadashiva temple at Suratkal are attributed to them. They used sculptural styles from their various overlords over the centuries.
1. Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple, Polali
In modern Mangalore District, Polali is one of the oldest temple that has the earliest inscription of the Alupa dynasty, written in 8th century Kannada. The temple is dedicated to Sri Rajarashewari, and Alupa kings enriched this temple during throughout their rule. For more details on Rajarajeswari temple, Please visit the URL: http://www.ourkarnataka.com/temples/polalitemple.htm
2. Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple, Kadri
In modern Mangalore district, Kadri has the other important and old temple that belonged to the era of Alupas. The temple has several finest bronze statues installed by the King Kundavarma, which bears inscriptions of him dated 968 C.E. In the inscription of Lokeshwara statue, king Kundavarma is compared to Arjuna in bravery. For more details on the temple and its history, you may visit the URL: http://www.ourkarnataka.com/states/mangalore/kadrimanjunatheshwara.htm
3. Sri Mahishamardini Temple, Neelavara
In times, Alupas changed their capital from Mangalore to Udyavara, Udyavara to Mangalore and then again to Barkur depending on the political situation and demand. To be in centre to their ruling place, they even shifted their capital to Barakur from where they could look after the vast territory which spread up to Ankola in the North Kanara (Uttara Kannada District). During this period, they patronaged several temples in the surrounding areas of Barakuru (which was their captiral). Neelavara Kshetra is one such a holy place where Mahishasuramardini temple has several Alupa inscriptions of later period. For details, please you may visit the following URL: http://www.shreekshethraneelavara.net
For the geographical satellite image, You may visit the following URL: http://wikimapia.org/185162/
4. Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple, Vittla
This temple is one of the oldest temple of Alupa territory, built during 7th century AD. The architecture of the temple is inline with that of Sri Ananteshwara temple which is the oldest temple built by the Alupas. The architecture is unique and is an innovation of 7th century. The Brahmins of Sivahalli of Uttara Kannada were attracted during 7th century C.E. by the Alupas and were given Agraharas for imparting Vedic knowledge to the people of Alvakheda. The Alupas built many temples and allowed these Brahmins to take care of it. The legend says that there were hundreds of temples that every day there is a festival in one or other temple of the region. The temple of Vittla Panchalingeshwara is one of the oldest structure which was renovated by the later local dynasties such as Heggades. The latest renovation is being held now, which in fact is a pity to the world of history, which would not want see antiquity to be destroyed to replace with new structure. For details on the temple, one may visit : http://www.vittalpanchalinga.info/index1.html
5. Sri Anantheshwara Temple, Udupi
Diagonally opposite to the main entrance of the Sri Krishna Mutt, and adjacent to the Chandramouleeshwara Temple, stands one of the oldest Alupa temple namely Sri Anantheswara Temple. A old belief is that lighting a lamp at the ancient Anantheshwara Temple takes away evil and sins. It is one of the biggest temple in Udupi. The main idol is Linga, whose adornment makes it to look like a Face of Lord Siva. From a small window on the left, the site where Madhvacharya disappeared is seen. An aerial view from wikimapia shows the Elephant-Back architecture of this temple. Location : http://wikimapia.org/192830
Both Sri Vittla Panchalingeshwara and Sri Udupi Anantheshwara Temple have Elephant-back type curvilinear structure. Another temple of similar architecture is also seen in Aihole Durga temple, appears to be a structure of 7th century C.E. (Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Durga_temple_Aihole.JPG ). So, tagging it to any architectural style is ruled out unless more detailed study or research is done on this topic. The unique noteworthy feature of the architecture of South Canara temples is their roof. Being in a labndscape of highest rainfall, the temple roofs evolved from grass, clay tiles and eventually with the copper-plates.
Read more about this topic: Alupas
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