Shanteshwara Temple, Tilavalli, Karnataka

Shanteshwara Temple, Tilavalli, Karnataka

Shanteshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Tilavalli Village in Hangal Taluk in Haveri District in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was constructed by Savanta Kalideva, a subordinate of the Seuna King Singhana II (1200 – 1246 CE), in memory of his father, Savanta Thakkura in 1237 CE as per the inscription in the temple.  This inscription is found on the slab of the compound wall. This inscription is dated to the reign of Seuna King Singhana II dated to 1237 CE. It records the genealogy of the king and his exploits. It further records the gift of the Sudangi village to this temple by Savanta Kalideva for conducting worship.

It also mentions that he carried out the renovation activities in the temple built by him and the genealogy of Savanta Kalideva. Lord Shiva was referred as Savanteshvara in the inscription. The priests conducting rituals in this temple were from Kalamukha lineage as per the inscription. A hero stone dated to the 29^th regnal year of Seuna King Singhana I (1160 CE) can be seen in the temple. It records a death of a warrior, the Sena Nayaka of Sovi Deva of Aguri, in a battle.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple measures 75 feet long and 57 feet wide. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa with entrances on eastern, northern, and southern sides. The sabha mandapa is supported on 48 lathe turned pillars. The central ceiling of the mandapa has ashta dikpalas on its offsets. The antrala doorway is provided with perforated panels on either sides. The doorjambs are plain and devoid of any decoration.

There are niches provided on either side of the doorway and the northern and the southern side walls. The southern niche has an image of Sapta Matrikas, the left side western niche has an image of Saraswathi, the right side western has an image of Mahishasura Mardini, and the northern niche has few sculptures. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Santesvara in the form of Shiva Linga. The tower over the central shrine and the vestibule are intact and highly decorative.

The kalasa on top of the tower is replaced with metallic pinnacle at later stage. The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The exterior of the temple is decorated with niches, turrets, erotic figures, floral motifs, and geometrical patterns. Inscription slabs and hero stones can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 500 metres from Tilavalli Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Haunsbhavi, 24 Kms from Hangal, 33 Kms from Haveri, 33 Kms from Haveri Railway Station, 37 Kms from Banavasi and 106 Kms from Hubbali Airport. The temple is situated on Hangal to Haunsbhavi route.

Location