Sharana Basaveshwara Temple

Sharana Basaveshwara Temple is a prominent Hindu temple in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, dedicated to the 12th-century Lingayat saint Sharana Basaveshwara. Located in the centre of Kalaburagi city, it enshrines the saint's samadhi and is a major pilgrimage centre for the Lingayat community. The temple is noted for its spacious courtyard, traditional South Indian architecture and large annual car festival that draws thousands of devotees.

Visitors can expect a large, active temple complex with a central sanctum housing the samadhi of Sharana Basaveshwara, pillared halls, courtyards and a temple tank. The surroundings include shops selling offerings, prasad counters and open areas used during festivals. The atmosphere is devotional with regular prayers, darshan queues and cultural displays related to Lingayat traditions. Areas for circumambulation and seating are accessible within the complex.

The temple is dedicated to Sharana Basaveshwara, a 12th-century Lingayat saint and philosopher regarded as an incarnation of Nandi. The shrine is built over his samadhi and has been a centre of Lingayat faith for centuries. The temple complex has been expanded and renovated over time by devotees and the Sharanabasaveshwar Samsthana trust.

The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for the Lingayat community in Karnataka and neighbouring states. It hosts the annual Sharana Basaveshwara Jatra and car festival, which is a major cultural and religious event featuring processions, devotional music and community gatherings, reflecting Lingayat traditions and teachings.