Someshwara Temple, Kurudumale, Karnataka

Someshwara Temple, Kurudumale, Karnataka

Someshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kurudumale Village in Mulbagal Taluk in Kolar District in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is situated at about 200 metres from Kurudumale Ganesha Temple. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

Jakanachari & his son Dankanachari:

As per legend, when Jakanachari had gone out for few days, his son, Dankanachari, who was a small boy came in search of his father, saw the unfinished temple and completed it in three days and nights. The difference in the carvings in the temple is due to the change of sculptors. 

Shamada Ambal:

As per legend, the goddess Parvati of this temple forgave a fierce demon. Hence, she came to be called as Shamada Ambal (Shamey means forgiving in Kannada).

Sage Koundinya installed Shiva Linga here:

As per legend, the Shiva Linga of this temple was installed by Sage Koundinya

History

This temple is believed to have been built by the Cholas in 10^th century CE. This temple is considered to be older than the Ganesha Temple. It is believed that Jakanachari started building the temple, later taken over by his son Dankanachari. Due to change of sculptors, the difference in pattern of carvings can be noticed. The part of the temple supposedly built by Dankana has more intricate carvings rather than the part carved by his father, Jakanachari. Kurudumale was one of the provincial capital of the Hoysala Empire.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with the entrance on the southern side. The temple is situated on top of a mound and can be reached via flight of steps. The main shrine consists of sanctum, ardha mandapa and maha mandapa with an entrance porch on the southern side. Nandi housed in a mandapa can be seen in front of the main shrine on the eastern side. Nandi is facing towards the sanctum through a stone window.

The entrance porch is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The pillars are carved with Shaivite images. An image of Ganesha of about 4.5 feet can be seen at the entrance porch. This image is protected by a metal cage. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Someshwara in the form of Shiva Linga. The super structure over the sanctum is a brick structure and follows vesara style of architecture.

There is an east facing shrine for goddess Kshamadamba Devi in the temple premises. Her shrine consists of sanctum, antrala and maha mandapa with an entrance on the southern side. The super structure over the sanctum of her shrine is a brick structure and follows Vallabhi style of architecture. Shrines of Chennakesava with her consorts Sridevi & Bhoodevi, Kala Bhairava along with a Lingam and Dakshinamoorthy and can be seen in the temple premises.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 08.00 AM to 01.00 PM and 03.00 PM to 07.00 PM.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Kurudumale Cross Road, 11 Kms from Mulbagal, 11 Kms from Mulbagal Bus Stand, 28 Kms from Srinivaspur, 28 Kms from Srinivaspur Railway Station, 35 Kms from Kolar and 99 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated at about 4 Kms to the east of Kurudumale Cross Road on Mulbagal to Srinivaspur route.

Location