Someshwara temple , Kolar - Magnificent piece

In this article , we share our visit experience of Someshwara Temple at Kolar - about 80 kms from Bengaluru city .

About the temple

This is an ornate temple of typical Dravidin style. The temple is assignable to early Vijayanagara period , constructed durign the 14th century .

It is known for a high stone Mahadwara and tall brick and stucco tower over it. The temple has a Garbhagriha , a large Sukanasi and a Navaranga and a large pillared Mukhamantapa all enclosed by a cloistered Prakara

The adhishtana of main temple is treated with conventional mouldings of Pada , Adhokumuda , a Tripattakumuda , a small Kantha and an Adhokumuda. Interestingly , the adhokumuda mouldings are treated with friezes of elephants , playing dwarfs , squatting lions. The bhitti of main temple is elaborately decorated with kumbha pilasters in the recesses and slender pilaster turrets and the corners of the walls with double pilasters. The sanctum wall at cardinal directions have Devakoshtas flanked by two slender pilaster turrets. The pillars of Mukhamantapa have lion brackets. The Kalyana Mantapa situated to the South - west is a beautiful compact structure well known for intricate workmanship on granite. The small shrine towards north - west is dediated to consort of main diety Shiva. Dravida sikhara of moderate size one provided over the garbhagriha of both shrines. Yagashala is situated to north - east is much altered.

This temple is almost adjacent to Kolaramma temple. Usually crowded during sundays and Mondays , special poojas are conducted during Shivarathri & village festivals.