The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c17: Nīralgi

c17.s1.1

NĪRALGI is a small village four miles south-east of Tadas and twelve south of Kundgol. There is here a very complete temple of the same style as that of Muktēśvara at Chaudadāmpur. It stands north and south and faces north. It was originally a Vaiṣṇava shrine, as may be seen from the architrave above the entrance to the antechamber, where, in the centre, is Viṣṇu as Kṛṣṇa, with Garuḍa to his left, and on either side of him female figures, representing, no doubt, the *gopīs*, with musicians. The finial upon the tower is not original; it has been put there to supply the place of the missing one, and a short inscription within the temple records its erection. This may have taken place when the temple was converted to Śaiva worship. After the description of Muktēśvara there is nothing more to add, in connection with this one, save that the exterior of the walls is not quite so ornate. On the floor, incised upon the paving, are working outlines, to full size, of some of the details of the moulding of the tower. These were evidently laid down here for the masons to shape their stones by (Plates LXXX, LXXXII and LXXXIII).