Arakeshvara Temple, Hole Alur, Karnataka

Arakeshvara Temple, Hole Alur, Karnataka

Arakeshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Hole Alur village near Chamarajanagar Town in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka state, India. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was constructed by King Butuga II of Western Ganga Dynasty around 949 A.D to celebrate his victory over the Cholas of Thanjavur in the historically important battle of Thakkolam. The battle is considered as the climax of the confrontation between the two imperials powers, the Cholas and the Rashtrakutas, for mastery of south India. It was a military engagement between crown prince Rajaditya, son of the Chola King Parantaka I, and King Butuga II, a powerful vassal of the Rashtrakuta emperor Krishna III. During the battle, Rajaditya was struck while seated atop his war elephant by an arrow from prince Butuga. The Chola prince died instantly. The Chola army was subsequently defeated and retreated in disorder.

The temple was extensively renovated by Cholas when the region came under Chola control during Rajaraja Chola I. It was under Chola dominion till Kulotunga Chola I period. Tamil inscriptions can be seen on the adhistana of the temple. Alur is also called as Southern Ayyavole (Aihole) in the inscriptions. Most of the inscriptions in the temple talks about the gifts, grants, donations and renovation activities carried out to the temple. The temple also received patronage from Hoysalas. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/12/arakeshvara-temple-hole-alur-temple.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Kagalvadi, 9 Kms from Chamarajanagar, 9 Kms from Chamarajanagar Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Chamarajanagar Railway Station, 12 Kms from Yelandur, 60 Kms from Mysuru Airport, 68 Kms from Mysuru and 170 Kms from Bengaluru. The Temple is situated on Chamarajanagar to Yelandur route via Kannegala.

Location | Photos