The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c7.25

c7.25

The object of worship now found in most of the old Kanarese temples is the *linga*, its constant occurrence being due to the rise of the Liṅgāyat sect in the twelfth century, who appropriated to their own use every temple they could lay their hands upon whether Brahmanical or Jaina. The original dedication of a temple can usually be ascertained from an inspection of the image carved upon the little projecting block on the lintel of the shrine door—Śaiva temples by Śiva in some form other than the *linga*, or by Gaṇapati; Vaiṣṇava by Śrī or Gaja-Lakṣmī, Garuḍa carrying Viṣṇu or by Garuḍa alone; and Jaina temples by a seated or standing figure of a Jina. Upon the outer or *maṇḍapa* doors Gaja-Lakṣmī is often found upon the temples of all of these sects, she having been a favourite goddess in the Kanarese country. (See Frontispiece.) Another indication is the image in the great arched niche placed in front of the base of the tower.