Someswar Temple, Lakshmeshwar
– History
The temple was built in 11th century CE by
the Western Chalukyas. A Ghatika (educational institution for vedic studies)
seems to be attached to this temple. Inscriptions recording the grants given to
the Ghatika can be seen in the temple. It is said that a 6th century
CE basadi existed at the place prior to the construction of this temple. There
are about 53 inscriptions found in the temple premises. Inscriptions dating
back to Western Chalukyan Kings Taila III, Somesvara IV & Vikramaditya VI and
Vijayanagara King Sadasivaraya can be found in the temple premises.
These inscriptions records the endowments made to this temple, renovation activities carried out in this temple and remission of
marriage taxes. Lord Shiva was mentioned as Muddesvara / Swaymbhu Somanatha / Dakshina Somanatha in the
inscriptions. It is said that a local chieftain named Lakshmerasa had
constructed Lakshmaneshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva during 11th
century CE. Later, the town came to be called as Lakshmeshwar.
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.
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