Rameshvara Temple, Koodli, Karnataka

Rameshvara Temple, Koodli, Karnataka

Rameshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Koodli Village in Shivamogga Taluk in Shivamogga District in the Indian state of Karnataka. Koodli is situated at the confluence of Tunga river and Bhadra river. Koodli is considered as the birthplace of the mighty Tungabhadra river. Koodli is also known as Varanasi of the south.

History

The temple was built in 12^th century CE by the Hoysalas. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple is constructed in ekakuta (single shrine) style. The temple consists of sanctum, vestibule and sabha mandapa. The sabha mandapa has three entrance porches on the northern, southern and eastern side. Each of the entrance porches are supported by four lathe turned polished pillars. The sabha mandapa is supported by four central pillars.

Nandi can be found on the raised platform in the sabha mandapa facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Rameshvara in the form of Shiva Linga. The sanctum has a vesara style superstructure (shikara) and the vestibule (sukanasi) has a tower looks like a low protrusion of the main tower over the shrine. The royal emblem of Hoysala dynasty, a warrior stabbing a lion can be seen on the protruding tower of the vestibule.

The shikara over the sanctum is of three tiers and has a finial called the kalasha (decorative water-pot like structure) at the top. There is a heavy dome like structure called amalaka below the finial. This is the largest sculptural piece in the temple with a ground surface area of about 2x2 meters. The outer walls of the shrine are plain except the regularly spaced slender pilasters. There are three inscriptional stones in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms form Holehonnur Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Holehonnur, 17 Kms from Shivamogga Railway Station, 18 Kms from Shivamogga, 25 Kms from Bhadravathi, 31 Kms from Channagiri, 205 Kms from Mangalore Airport and 293 Kms from Bengaluru. The temple is situated at about 4 Kms from Holehonnur on Shivamogga to Chitradurga route.

Location