Mahakuteshwara temple is located in a small town called Mahakuta which is around 14 kms away from Badami. This place was once a center of Shaiva cult. It is often referred to as Dakshina Kasi due to its religious importance. This temple was built by the Chalukyas in Dravidian style. It can be dated to the 6th or 7th century. There are fifteen small temples with intricate sculptures in the courtyard.

Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Mahakuteshwara. There is a fresh water pond in the main courtyard called Vishnu Pushkarni. It is believed that this pond was constructed by sage Agastya. A lingam is seen on the pond`s margin. The entrance is under water and in the pond there is a chhatri containing a four- faced image of Lord Brahma. In the sanctum there is a Lingam that is surmounted by a storeyed tower with an octagonal domed roof. The basement has some of the best carvings that include intricate work of figures from the Hindu epics. Large images of Lord Shiva are seen on the walls.

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