Sri Chennakesavanatha
Panchamukha Lingeshwara Temple

The Kesavanatha-Panchamukha Lingeshwara temple in Raikal, formerly known as RaviKanti, is indeed a historically significant and unique place of worship. This temple, built in the 11th century A.D. by the Chalukyas, is famous for its main deity, Panchamukha Lingeshwara Swamy, a form of Lord Shiva with five faces.

The temple itself is a triple-shrine structure or “Trikutalaya”, with shrines extending to the north, east, and west, and a portico projecting to the south. It is situated in an elevated position within the fort called Gudikota, to the east of a tank. While the fort has deteriorated over time, its remnants and crumbling mud walls can still be observed by visitors.

The architectural style of this temple is notable, with the temple’s mandapa (hall) contains four central pillars adorned with various figures in low relief like Dasavatharas, although the carvings appear to be somewhat disorganized.

The mandapa’s ceiling is covered by a Kadalikakarana process, and the bottom faces of the lintels are adorned with multi-petalled lotuses. Each of the three shrines in the temple is quite similar, consisting of an Ardhamandapa (front hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Interestingly, the Ardhamandapa before the Garbhagriha is open and lacks a doorway.

The annual Bhimanna Jatara, a Hindu festival, is held in the nearby Bhimanna Temple for three days during January to March, attracting much celebration and participation. This temple complex and its historical significance make Raikal an interesting place for both religious and architectural exploration.