Someshwara Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built by the Great Cholas during the 11th century in the Kolar District of Karnataka, India. The temple’s presiding deity is Someshwara, also known as Lord Shiva. The Archaeological Survey of India protects the temple as a national monument.

The Temple is rich in architecture, with a magnificent structure built of brick and stucco. The temple is famous for its beautiful ornamental carved pillars of apsara and Gods. There is a separate Shrine for Navagraham, and the Temple has a well-built compound wall around all four sides. A wedding hall could also be seen.

Significance of Someshwara Temple Kolar

Someshwara Temple is located in the heart of the Kolar region and is one of the famous temples in this town. Kolar is 68 kilometres from Bangalore, along the Chennai-Bangalore National Highway. Kolar has a rich history, with fortresses and temples built during the reigns of various dynasties.

History of Someshwara Temple Kolar

The temple was built by the Cholas, who ruled the region in the 11th century before being dethroned by the Chalukyas. The Vijayanagara Empire later expanded the temple, making it a fine example of Vijayanagara architecture.

The carvings on the temple’s inner pillars have an international connection and depict the importance and value of trade to the King.

The Architecture of Someshwara Temple Kolar

The Someshwara Temple in Kolar is an architectural feast for the eyes. From the massive gopuram (the temple gates of South Indian temples) to the main sanctum sanctorum, every detail of the structure demonstrates the Dravidian rulers’ exquisite architectural tastes.

The Cholas built the temple in the 11th century, and the Chalukyas later expanded it by adding pillars inside the halls in the quintessential Vijaywadan architectural style.

The Mukha Mandapa, the heavy Prakara walls, the Kalyana Mantapa, the Vasantha Mantapa, and the Vijanagara-style inscription of the dwarapalas are notable features within the sanctum that awe devotees.

Inside the temple, there is also a stepped tank known as Kalyani, which is a symbol of Vijayawada architecture. Visitors are still drawn to the magnificent edifice because of its stunning architecture.

Important Facts About Someshwara Temple Kolar

• The Someshwara temple in Kolar, Karnataka, India, is an ornate Dravidian-style structure from the 14th-century Vijayanagara period.
• The Someshwara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this temple, he is worshipped as Lord Someshwara.
• According to historians, the Cholas built the temple, which was later expanded by the Chalukya rulers.
• Given the beauty of Dravidian architecture, the temple is a dream come true for architects. The massive gopura at the entrance demonstrates the Cholas’ involvement in the temple’s construction.
• Someshwara Temple features heavy Prakara walls, a Kalyana Mantapa (wedding hall), a Mukha Mandapa with massive pillars, a Vasantha Mantapa (marriage podium), and a shrine to the goddess Parvati Devi.
• The door frame of this magnificent temple is carved in the pure Vijayanagara style, complete with dwarapalas (guards).
• The Someshwara Temple entrance features a carved granite bull. The temple also features a large stepped tank in the Vijayanagar style known as Kalyani.
• The Someshwara Temple is very sacred to Lord Shiva devotees. It is a prominent temple in Kolar district, attracting pilgrims and visitors from all over the region.

Best Time to Visit Someshwara Temple Kolar

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

Famous Festivals In Someshwara Temple Kolar

• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual in the last week of February – March Begining. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. Priests and the temple committee arrange a Grand Celebration.

How to Reach Someshwara Temple Kolar

Someshwara Temple is a famous Hindu temple in the Kolar District of Karnataka, India.

By Air: The nearest airport to Kolar is located in Bangalore which is just 69 km from the Someshwara Temple. From the airport, travellers can hire cabs or rely on public transport to reach Kolar.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Bandarpet which is located 15 km away from Someshwara Temple. There is a well-connected rail network from Bangalore, Mangalore, Hassan, Kolar and Hubli.

By Road: Kolar is located 68 kilometres from Bangalore and 35 kilometres from the Kolar Gold Mines. It has excellent connections to almost all major cities and towns in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

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