Somesvara Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Somesvara Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Somesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Balligavi Town in the Shikaripura Taluk of Shivamogga District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, Balligavi was the capital of Bali, an asura king. Hence, the place came to be called as Balipura (city of Bali). It is also said that Pandavas stayed in Balipura during their Vanavasa.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/somesvara-temple-balligavi-history.html

The Temple

This temple consists of  sanctum, antrala and a pillared mandapa. The temple is built on a plinth and provided with elephant balustrade steps. The front wall of the mandapa has pierced windows on either side of the entrance doorway. There are two niches inside the mandapa on either side of the doorway on the west wall.

These niches are empty at present. The pillars of the mandapa are lathe-turned and polished. The doorways of the sanctum and Sukanasi are exquisitely carved. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga housed on a bhadra pitha. The exterior walls are devoid of any decoration except the lozenge floral decorations in middle running around the temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 750 metres from Balligavi Bus Stop. Balligavi is located at about 2.5 Kms from Shiralakoppa Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Shiralakoppa, 23 Kms from Shikaripura, 23 Kms from Shikaripura Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Anavatti, 42 Kms from Sagar Railway Station, 50 Kms from Hangal, 60 Kms from Ranebennur, 61 Kms from Sirsi, 74 Kms from Shivamogga, 127 Kms from Hubli Airport and 353 Kms from Bengaluru. Balligavi is located at about 3 Kms from Shiralakoppa on Shikaripura to Hangal route.

Location