Ikkeri Aghoreshwara Temple

Also located in the taluk of Sagar, Ikkeri is 6 km south of the town of Sagar. The little town is famous for the magnificent Aghoreshvara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built during the reign of the Nayakas again, this temple is built in a unique style that has the influences of the Dravida, Kadamba, Hoysala and Vijayanagara schools of architecture.
Built using granite as the main material, the temple is housed within a rectangular complex and is on a slightly elevated level. A stupendous statue of the sacred bull or Nandi in front of the temple is hard to miss. Handcrafted to perfection, the statue has immaculate finishing and a glazed finishing that is evident even today. The main temple adorns numerous pillars that have detailed sculptures and carvings. The ceiling is particularly ornate. The main deity is in the form of a ‘Linga’. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, there is also a smaller temple dedicated to Goddess Akilandeshwari within the main complex.