Siddappajja temple rebuilt in Dravidian style using only interlocked stone

Pic: Rs 3cr structure on Unkal lake bank; committee says no cement, sand or bricks were usedHubballi: Unkal in Hubballi, already known for the Chandramouleshwara temple and its picturesque lake, will soon have another attraction. The new Siddappajja temple building, constructed entirely with interlocked stones and without bricks, cement, sand or string, was inaugurated by Prasanna Renuka Veera Someshwara Shivacharya of Rambhapuri Peetha on Monday eveningLocated on the Hubballi–Dharwad road, the temple has been built in Dravidian style at a cost of Rs 3 crore. Committee members said the structure has an ‘infinite life', barring natural calamities like earthquakes. Built on the Unkal lake bank, the temple was designed to offer a clear view of the lake and open air from the water surface.Rajanna Koravi, chairman, Sadguru Sri Siddeshwar Swami Math (Hosa Math) Pancha Committee, told TOI that the existing temple lost its sheen after the BRTS corridor was built. "When there was discussion about renovating the temple, devotees wished for a unique temple and took up the task on a crowd-funding basis two years ago. Since the temple has 2 acres donated by Neelamma and Sannafakkirappa Benachi a century ago, devotees came forward to donate. Within 10 minutes, Rs 42 lakh was mobilised, and this solidarity energised us. Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade motivated us by offering Rs 5 lakh," he said.Temple committee member Vishwanath Koravi said Siddharoodha and Siddappajja lived in the same era. While Siddharoodha was called ‘Rajayogi', Siddappajja was known as ‘Hathayogi'. "We incorporated Dravidian style with a slight mixture of Chalukya, Kadamba and Hoysala styles," he said.Chief sculptor Jayanth Jattayoa Naik from Murudeshwar said the lake view is provided from the backside of the temple. "We studied many ace temples of the state. An 8-foot granite block forms the foundation. The Gopura is 27 feet high, in Dravidian style. There is a Siddappajja statue in the sanctum sanctorum and the 6-foot Nandi statue in the Rajyangana. Two elephant idols are installed at the entrance," he said.Architect Guru Hiremath said only Bagepalli stone was used from the foundation to the Gopura. "We did not use cement, string or sand, but connected stones with an interlocking system. The temple is 35 feet wide and 61 feet long at plinth level. Dravidian style is incorporated in the carving, and lighting effects in the ceiling and columns highlight them. The space blends traditional Dravidian style with a modern look. Electrical work in the flooring illuminates the columns. Classical lighting creates a warm, calm and peaceful feeling among devotees. The temple will have tourism importance on the lines of Hampi, Badami and other heritage temples," he said.