Someswara Temple

Karnataka > Kolar > Someswara Temple

Someswara Temple is a fine example of the Vijayanagara style, complete with a massive pillared Mukha Mandapa, heavy Prakara walls, ornate Kalyana mantapa, a Devi Shrine and a lofty Gopura with fine stucco figures on the tower; while the door frame is carved in the typical Vijayanagara style, with dwarapalas, etc. Lord Shiva is worshipped as someshwara. The temple was built by the chola kings who ruled the region in about 11th century. The cholas were eventually driven out by the Kannada-speaking Chalukyas, but the temples which they built still remain a testimony to the magnificent architecture of the Cholas. The someshawara temple is built in the typical Chola style of temple building with a huge gopuram at the entrance of the temple.