The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c20.s2: Temple of Gaṇapati
The Chālukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c20.s2
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Temple of Gaṇapati
c20.s2.1
Close beside the north-east corner of this temple is a smaller one remarkable for its tower which is built in the northern style. Another unusual thing about it is that it faces the south. This is the furthest point south that we know of where such a tower is found. The reason of its southern aspect is that it is dedicated to Gaṇapati, whose shrines are generally turned in that direction (Plate LXXXVII). Temples to this deity are very rare indeed, notwithstanding the fact that there is no god more frequently invoked than Gaṇapati. There is a Hindu sect, called Gaṇapatyas, who make Gaṇapati their chief object of worship, and look upon him as all the gods rolled into one. In later Śaiva temples it is his image that is found upon the dedicatory blocks over the shrine doorways. He is also known as Gaṇeśa, which has practically the same meaning as Gaṇapati, the leader of Śiva's *gaṇa* or troupe of attendants; and as Ekadanta, having one tusk. The image which was seated upon the throne in this temple was, when the town was vacated in 1904, on account of famine, taken away and smashed, but a new one has since been installed. As seen in the photograph, the walls are found a very convenient place whereon to dry cowdung cakes which are used for fuel.
c20.s2.2
There are some other old ruined temples in the fort at Hangal, two of which are illustrated on Plate LXXXVIII.