Last edited August 31, 2025
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Papnash Shiva Temple
ಪಾಪನಾಶ ಶಿವ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Papnash Shiva Temple
Religion
DistrictBidar
DeityShiva
Governing bodyGovernment of Karnataka
Location
StateKarnataka
CountryIndia
Coordinates17°55′43″N 77°29′30″E / 17.9286°N 77.4918°E / 17.9286; 77.4918


Papnash Shiva Temple (also transliterated as Papnash; ಪಾಪನಾಶ ಶಿವ ದೇವಾಲಯ) is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bidar, Karnataka, India. The temple is recognized for its historical significance and blend of architectural styles.

History[edit | edit source]

The temple's origins date to the Kalyana Chalukya period (12th century), as documented in the Karnataka District Gazetteer: Bidar.[1] It underwent modifications during the Bahmani Sultanate era, evident in its blended architectural features.[2]

Architecture[edit | edit source]

The temple complex features:

  • A trikuta (three-shrine) layout characteristic of Chalukyan design[1]
  • Later additions including local/regional-style arches and motifs[3]
  • An ancient stepped tank (kalyani) still in ritual use[4]

Festivals[edit | edit source]

The temple is renowned for its Maha Shivaratri celebrations:

  • Over 25,000 devotees attended in 2023, performing synchronized prayers called the "Papnash Pose"[5]
  • Unique rituals were documented by ETV Bharat in 2020[6]

Conservation[edit | edit source]

Recent initiatives include:

  • A 2022 cleanliness drive by district administration[7]
  • ₹12.42 crore funding under the PRASHAD scheme in 2023[8]
  • Additional ₹5 crore announced in 2024 for water facilities[9]

Environmental concerns[edit | edit source]

In 2023, reports emerged about pollution in the temple lake:[10]

  • Local residents reported wildlife deaths
  • Karnataka Pollution Control Board initiated water testing

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Chapter 17: Temples and Monuments". Karnataka District Gazetteer: Bidar (PDF). Government of Karnataka. 1980. p. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2023-05-30. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  2. ↑ Michell, George (2002). Temples of Karnataka. Oxford University Press. p. 112.
  3. ↑ "The forgotten history of Paapnaash Temple". The Hindu. 2016-03-12. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  4. ↑ "Bidar City Tour". Bidar Municipal Corporation. Retrieved 2024-06-20.[permanent dead link]
  5. ↑ "ಮಹಾಶಿವರಾತ್ರಿಂದ್ರೆಂದು ಪಾಪನಾಶ ದೇವಾಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಕ್ತರ ಆರಾಧನೆ" [Devotees Offer Prayers at Papnash Temple on Maha Shivaratri]. Vijay Karnataka (in ಕನ್ನಡ). 2023-03-05. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  6. ↑ "ಶಿವರಾತ್ರಿ ಸ್ಪೆಷಲ್: ಬೀದರ ಪಾಪನಾಶ ದೇವಾಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಶೇಷ ಪೂಜೆ" [Shivaratri Special: Unique Ritual at Bidar's Papnash Temple]. ETV Bharat (in ಕನ್ನಡ). 2020-02-21. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  7. ↑ "Cleaning drive at Basavakalyan fort, Paapnaash Temple". The Hindu. 2022-05-15. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  8. ↑ "Development of Pilgrimage Destinations under PRASHAD Scheme". Press Information Bureau. 2023-02-20. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  9. ↑ "5 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂಪಾಯಿಗಳಿಂದ ಪಾಪನಾಶ ದೇವಾಲಯದ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ" [₹5 Crore for Papanasha Temple Development]. Asianet News Kannada (in ಕನ್ನಡ). 2024-02-15. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  10. ↑ "ಪಾಪನಾಶ ದೇವಾಲಯದ ಸರೋವರ ಮಾಲಿನ್ಯ" [Pollution at Papnash Temple Lake]. TV9 Kannada (in ಕನ್ನಡ). 2023-08-14. Retrieved 2024-06-20.