Sharana Basaveshwara Temple

Shri Sharana Basaveshwara Temple in Kalaburagi (formerly Gulbarga), Karnataka, is a revered spiritual and cultural landmark dedicated to the 18th-century Lingayat saint and philosopher, Shri Sharana Basaveshwara.

Known for his teachings of Dasoha (selfless giving) and Kayaka (dignity of labor), the saint’s legacy is deeply embedded in the temple’s ethos and architecture. The temple houses his samadhi (final resting place) in the sanctum sanctorum, or garbha gudi, and is surrounded by a serene lake that adds to the spiritual ambiance of the site.

Architecturally, the temple is a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles, featuring intricately carved pillars, arches, and motifs of peacocks, serpents, and floral patterns. The Sabhamandapa (assembly hall) and pradakshinapatha (circumambulatory path) are particularly striking, with their detailed stonework and glass-inlaid interiors reflecting the grandeur of the Nizami influence.

The temple complex also includes a Dharma Shala for pilgrims and hosts regular discourses and community service activities that reflect the saint’s teachings.