Someswar Temple, Lakshmeshwar – History

Someswar Temple, Lakshmeshwar – History

The temple was built in 11^th 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 6^th 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 11^th 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.