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Uma Maheshwar Temple in Sagar, Shimoga - Famous for Erotic Carvings

The 12th century Uma Maheshwar temple at Hosgunda in Sagar Taluk of Shimoga District, Karnataka, has been in news lately for the renovation works taken up in the temple. The temple is noted for its intricate and erotic carvings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva but there was no ‘shivling.’

The temple was neglected for a long period mainly because it was outside the purview of the state and central archaeological department.


The Hindu reports
The temple is believed to have been built during the period of the Sthanik dynasty that ruled this part of the State with Hosgunda as its capital. A stone inscription of 1103 AD bears the description of the temple that has a height of 21 m and width of 9 m. 
The Uma Maheshwar temple, nestled in the verdant forests of the Western Ghats, is being taken up for conservation by the Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Dharmothan Trust in association with the Uma Maheshwar Seva Trust.

The temple will be renovated in strict adherence to its original plan. The stones and slabs will be numbered and placed in their original position. Only those parts that have been irreparably damaged will be replaced. 
The temple, which has intricate carvings, was in a state of neglect. Although widely known as an Ishwar temple, there was no "linga" there. What was left in the sanctum sanctorum was only a pedestal. The erotic carvings on the temple walls lend it architectural significance.

Now Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Dharmothan Trust in association with the Uma Maheshwar Seva Trust has taken up the renovation of the temple. The State Department of Archaeology and Museums have also contributed towards renovation.