Lakshmi Lingeshwara Temple, Lakshmeshwar, Karnataka

Lakshmi Lingeshwara Temple, Lakshmeshwar, Karnataka

Someswar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Lakshmeshwar Town in Lakshmeshwar Taluk in Gadag District in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is considered as one of the largest neglected temples at Lakshmeshwar. This temple is situated close to the Someshwara Temple. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India. 

History

This temple is believed to be built in the early 10^th century CE based on the architectural style. Lakshmeshwar was called as Tirulugannada Nadu / Purigere / Porigere / Purikanagar / Pulikanagar / Huligere / Hurigere / Puligere (means pond of tigers) during ancient times. It was the capital of Puligere-300 division. The city was under the control of Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Western Gangas, Western Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Cholas, Seunas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara Kingdom. Adikavi Pampa composed Adi Purana and Vikramarjuna Vijaya (Pampa Bharata) in Lakshmeshwar. Lakshmeshwar was one of the famous Jain centres in ancient Karnataka region.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west. The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and east. The central shrine (eastern shrine) is the most prominent one. All the three shrines connects to the ranga mandapa via vestibule. The pillars of the ranga mandapa are lathe turned, round and polished. The sanctum of the main shrine enshrines a Shiva Linga on a pitha. There are no superstructures over these shrines. The exterior of the temple is decorated with turrets, pilasters, and niches.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 250 metres from Lakshmeshwar Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Yalavigi Railway Station, 37 Kms from Bankapura, 40 Kms from Gadag, 45 Kms from Dambal, 46 Kms from Haveri, 54 Kms from Hubli and 57 Kms from Hubli Airport. The temple is situated on Gadag to Bankapura route. There are private buses as well as KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses plying between Haveri, Gadag and Hubli.

Location