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Thursday, October 27, 2022

Aghoresvara Temple, Ikkeri – History

Aghoresvara Temple, Ikkeri – History

The temple was constructed in 16th century by Keladi chief Hiriya Venkatappa Nayaka (1586 – 1629 CE). Italian traveler Pietro Della Valle, visited his kingdom in 1623 CE, called him an able soldier and administrator. He describes about the festival of this temple in his memoirs. The temple was ransacked by Tipu Sultan during an invasion on Nayakas of Ikkeri. Nayakas of Keladi (1499 – 1763CE), were an Indian dynasty based in Keladi in present-day Shimoga district of Karnataka, India. They were also known as Nayakas of Bednore and Ikkeri Nayakas. They initially ruled as a vassal of the famous Vijayanagar Empire.

They asserted their independence after the fall of the Vijayanagar empire in 1565 and ruled significant parts of Malnad region of the Western Ghats in present-day Karnataka, most areas in the coastal regions of Karnataka, and parts of northern Kerala, Malabar and the central plains along the Tungabhadra river. They were absorbed into the Kingdom of Mysore in 1763 CE with their defeat to Hyder Ali. Sadashiva Nayaka (1530–1566 CE) was an important chieftain in the Vijayanagar Empire and earned the title Kotekolahala from emperor Aliya Rama Raya for his heroics in the battle of Kalyani.

The coastal provinces of Karnataka came under his direct rule. He moved the capital from Keladi to Ikkeri. The word Ikkeri in Kannada means Two Streets. Ikkeri remained their capital from 1560 CE to 1640 CE. Then, the capital was moved to Bednur Nagara. However, Ikkeri continued to be their nominal capital, the Kings were called by its name, and the coins were called Ikkeri Pagodas and Fanams.

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