Kadambesvara Temple, Rattihalli – History

Kadambesvara Temple, Rattihalli – History

This temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE. The earliest inscription recording this temple belongs to the Western Chalukya King Jagadhekamalla II (1138-1151 CE). The temple was extensively renovated during the reign of Yadava King Singhana II. The temple was under the priesthood of the Kalamukha pontiffs. Murujavideva, the priest who was the pontiff during the Yadava period. He was responsible for converting the single cell temple into trikuta structure.

There are about ten inscriptions found in this temple. Most of these inscriptions belonged to Western Chalukya King Jagadekamalla II, Kalchuri King Rayamurari Sovideva and Yadava king Singhana II. These inscriptions records the genealogy of Western Chalukyan dynasty, genealogy of Kadamba chiefs of Rattihalli, genealogy of Seuna Yadavas, political conditions & military conflicts of medieval period, Kalamukha sect, land grants, rituals and burning of perpetual lamps.

Rattihalli was an important town during the rule of Kadambas of Banavasi and Rashtrakuta. Rattihalli was called as Rashtrapalli during the Rashtrakuta period. Rattihalli was the capital of the Banavasi division during medieval times. The division was known as Rattipalli Nurumbada (Rattihalli-100) comprising of 100 villages with Rattihalli as their capital. Kadambas ruled over Rattipalli Nurumbada under the suzerainty of Western Chalukyas, Kalachuris and Yadavas. Kadambesvara was the tutelary deity of the Kadambas of Rattihalli.