Lakkundi, also referred to as Lokkugundi, was a major city before the 14th century, and is now a village in Gadag District of Karnataka, India. By 10th century, it was already a major economic and commerce center with mint operations for South India, one mentioned in Kannada and Sanskrit inscriptions and texts. By 12th century, many Hindu and Jain temples had been consecrated here, along with public infrastructure such as stepwells and water reservoirs. Among the major temples are the Brahma Jinalaya (oldest), Mallikarjuna, Lakshminarayana, Manikeshwara, Naganatha, Kumbheshvara, Nanneshwara, Someshwara, Narayana, Nilakanteshwara, Kasivisesvara, Virabhadhara, Virupaksha, and others. As its importance and wealth grew, Lakkundi became one of the capitals of the Hoysala Empire.
Historic temples at Lakkundi
A decorated pillar at the Kasivisvesvara temple, Lakkundi
Step well near the Manikesvara Temple in Lakkundi
A relief on the outer wall, Kasivisvesvara Temple
Gadag is a district in the state of Karnataka, India. It was formed in 1997, when it was split from Dharwad district. As of 2011, it had a population of 1064570. The overall population increased by 13.14 percent from 1991 to 2001. Gadag district borders Bagalkot district on the north, Koppal district on the east, Vijayanagara district on the southeast, Haveri district on the southwest, Dharwad district on the west and Belgaum District on the northwest. It is famous for the many monuments from the Western Chalukya Empire. It has seven talukas: Gadag, Gajendragad, Ron, Shirhatti, Nargund, Lakshmeshwar and Mundargi.
Image: 11th century Brahma Jinalaya temple, Lakkundi, Karnataka India 11
Image: 11th century Trikuteshvara temple, Gadag, Karnataka India 70
Image: 12th century Dodda Basappa temple, Dambal, Karnataka India 127
Image: 11th century Someshwara temple, Lakshmeswar, Karnataka India 13