Suryanarayana Temple is at Magala village near Hoovina Hadagali in the Bellary district of Karnataka is famous for Kalyana Chalukyan temples. One such temple is the Suryanarayana Temple constructed in 1209 A.D. by Sameyada Garuda Marmmarasa of Magala. This temple is an ornate Chalukyan structure of great architectural merit.
One of the most important gods in Hinduism is Lord Surya, the sun god. He is also called Aditya or Surya Bhagavan and represents the sun in Hindu astrology. Lord Surya is the main deity among the Navagraha, the nine planets in Hindu tradition, which include Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, the Sun, and the Moon.
Surya is worshipped as a creator god and the source of life in the universe. According to Hindu beliefs, he rides across the sky on a golden chariot, destroying the darkness of night. His chariot is pulled by seven horses, symbolizing the seven colours of the rainbow and the seven chakras (energy centres) in Hindu philosophy. Sometimes, he is accompanied by the goddesses Usha and Pratyusha, who represent dawn and twilight.
The Suryanarayana Temple is located in the centre of the village and is a Trikutachala temple, meaning it has three sanctums (Garbhagrihas). These sanctums house the deities Somanatha, Venugopala, and Surya.
The main sanctum in the west features a 3-foot-tall statue of Venugopala (also known as Prasanna Kesava), holding a conch (Shanka), a discus (Chakra), and a flute. The statue is beautifully carved with intricate details, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
The eastern sanctum contains a rare and exquisite sculpture of Surya from the Chalukya period, known for its historical and artistic significance.
The temple’s Mantapa (hall) ceiling is divided into twelve sections, each with twelve compartments. The central part features a large, beautifully decorated lotus with a hanging lotus bud in the middle. This ceiling is considered one of the finest examples of Chalukyan architecture.
The four half-pillars of the Mantapa are supported on stone benches, while the Navaranga and Mukhamantapa (halls) are connected, forming a large space supported by ten pillars. The walls of the Sabhamandapa (assembly hall) have niches with images of dancing gods.
The ceilings throughout the temple are intricately carved, depicting Kirtimukhas (mythical faces) with scrolling designs filled with lotuses, flying Gandharvas (celestial beings), guardians of directions (Dikpalas), flowers, and mythical creatures. These carvings highlight the artistry and creativity of the Chalukya era.
