Kuknur
Kuknoor is a town in Kukanoor taluk in the Koppal District of the Indian state of Karnataka, which is located about 40 km northwest of Hospet and 7 km from the Mahadeva Temple in Itagi. Kuknoor is known for the temples of the Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas in the town, with the most notable being the Navalinga Temple.
History
Kuknoor was an important town during the Middle Ages, and features many historical ruins, including those of the Navalinga Temples that were completed in the later Chalukya style of architecture during the 8th to 13th centuries A.D. Other important sites include the Kalleshvara and Mallikarjuna temples.Demographics
As of the 2011 Census of India, Kuknoor had a population of 18,033, constituting 9,075 males and 8,958 females.Temples
Kuknur is home to several important temples.Mahamaya Temple
Mahamaya Temple is located in the center of the town, and is mentioned in the Indian epic Mahabharata. The temple has three deities in the Garbhagriha. Two of the deities are female: Mahakali & Mahamaya, and one male: Kshetrapala. All 3 statues face south, in contrast to the regular orientation towards the north. Statues like these, which face south are often considered to be more powerful.This temple was mentioned in the Mahabharata, which suggests it was constructed before the 8th century B.C. According to legend, there exists a hidden underground temple dedicated to Kali below the Mahamaya Temple. This temple plays a role in the events of the epic, as it practices Narabali, a type of human sacrifice. In modern history, there were plans to unearth it, however they were cancelled after villagers protested, citing the possible release of evil spirits if it were to be uncovered.