Somesvara Temple, Balligavi – History

Somesvara Temple, Balligavi – History

Balligavi / Belagami / Balagame was called as Baligrama / Dakshina Kedara / Valliggame / Valligrame / Ballipura in ancient times. The word Balli in Kannada refers to creepers grown in forests or gardens. Gavi means cave. Balligavi was under the control of Satavahanas in 2^nd century CE and under Kadambas in 4^th century CE. Balligavi reached its golden period under Western Chalukyas during the 10^th – 12^th centuries CE.

The name Balligavi was mentioned in an inscription dated to 685 CE dated to Western Chalukyas. Balligavi was mentioned as Anadi Rajadhani (ancient capital) in medieval inscriptions attesting its significant antiquity. Balligavi houses six mathas, three puras (extensions), five vidyapithas (places of learning) and seven Brahmapuris connected with temples during the rule of Western Chalukyas. The mathas belonged to Shaivas, Vaishnavas, Jains and Buddhists.

Balligavi is the birthplace of the great Virashaiva saint Allama Prabhu and is closely associated with Vachana poet Akka Mahadevi who was born in nearby Udugani (also known as Udutadi). She was a contemporary of Allama Prabhu and Basavanna, the founder of the Virashaiva movement. She was married to a merchant hailing from Balligavi. Allama Prabhu, with Akka Mahadevi and Basava constitute the Trinity of Veera Shaivas.

Allama Prabhu was born to a temple performer and grew up in the village. He went insane after the death of his wife. He came back to his senses after meeting his guru, Animisha. There are places around Balligavi known as Animishaiyanakoppalu, Giggaiyanachauki and Ekadanta Ramaiyanagudda, named after the Veera Shaiva teachers Animishaiya, Goggaiya and Ekadanta Ramaiya. Balligavi is also the birthplace of Shantala Devi, queen of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana. 

Many famous Hoysala sculptors like Dasoja & his son Chavana, Malloja, Nadoja, Siddoja hailed from here. As per Archaeological survey report of Mysore for the year 1911 mentions about six Veera Shaiva mathas in the village namely Hosa Matha, Aridre Matha, Virakta Matha, Kallu Matha, Kashi Matha and Samayachara Matha. Most of the Mathas were in ruined state during that time. The tomb of Allama Prabhu is located in Virakta Matha. The Temple is believed to be built by Sovisetti in 1054 CE during the reign of  Somesvara 1 (1042 – 1068 CE) of the western Chalukyan dynasty and was extensively renovated by Hoysalas.