Mahakuta, since early Chalukya times in the 7th century, till today has been an active place of worship. The early pilgrims reached Mahakuta crossing over rock hills from Badami 5 km away. The temples here have both northern and southern influence. Here, most of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The principle temple is devoted to Shiva of Mahakuta, or Mahakuteshwara, and another to Mallikarjuna - another aspect of Shiva.
Languages : The language spoken here is Kannada. A few people are conversant with English and Hindi.
The principal temple is devoted to the Shiva of Mahakuta, or Mahakuteshwara. At the entrance, one comes across an impressive statue of "Nandi", a bull, which is the mount of Lord Shiva. There is a Lingam in the sanctum, surmounted by a storeyed tower with an octagonal domed roof. The best carvings can be seen on the basement frieze, which has fine scrollwork and figures from the epics. In the wall niches one can see large figures of Shiva, including that of Shiva as Ardhanarisvara (half man and half woman). This restored temple complex of about two dozen Shrines dedicated to Shiva, is built around a large spring-fed tank which is within an enclosed wall. On the old gateway to the south-east, one can see figures of Bhairava and Chamunda.
On the other side of the tank one comes across the Mallikarjuna Temple which has a similar structure. It has fine specimen of carvings at the entrance and on the ceiling of the columned Mandap inside, depicting Hindu Gods and Goddesses and Mithuna Couples (couples in love). Inside the enclosure, there are various smaller shrines, with fine wall carvings of Shiva with Parvati, Brahma and flying couples with lotuses. Naganatha Temple, which is 2 km away, is also worth visiting.