Kalleshvara Temple, Bethuru, Karnataka

Kalleshvara Temple, Bethuru, Karnataka

Kalleshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bethuru Village near Davanagere Town in Davanagere Taluk in Davanagere District in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is believed to be built by the Cholas. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum and sabha mandapa. The sabha mandapa is a pillared and open hall. However, the sabha mandapa was closed on a side by hero stones and inscription slabs. There is an ashta dikpalas panel in the middle of the mandapa ceiling. This panel has Gaja Samharamoorthy in the centre surrounded by the eight guardian deities. All the guardian deities are depicted with their consorts and respective mounts, except Nriti who is shown alone. Sculptures of Saraswati and Sapta Matrikas can be seen in the sabha mandapa.

The base of the doorjamb of the sanctum has dvarapalas accompanied with three male attendants and one female attendant. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Kalleshvara in the form of Shiva Lingam. The shikara over the sanctum is of stepped pyramidal style. The top over the shikara is of square on plan. It has window (kudu) on each side. A spherical stupi can be seen above this portion. There is an intricately carved sculpture of Mahishasuramardhini can be seen outside the sabha mandapa. The sculpture is about 4.5 feet tall including its pedestal. She is eight armed holding several weapons.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4.5 Kms from Davanagere Railway Station, 5 Kms from Davanagere, 5 Kms from Davanagere Bus Stand, 47 Kms from Jagalur and 157 Kms from Hubballi Airport. The temple is situated on Davanagere to Jagalur route.

Location