Sri Virupaksha Someshwara Temple / Virupakshi / Virupaksha, Karnataka.

22^nd August 2018.

The visit to this temple was a part of Bengaluru / Bangalore & Kolar Heritage Visit. The Virupakshi or Virupaksha is 3 KM from Mulbagal. The Village Virupakshi was initially called as “Guttahalli”, but turned to Lord’s name as Virupakshi. The Temple was built similar to Sri Virupaksha Ishwara of Hampi. The Village with this temple was withing a fort and remains of the fort wall can be seen before the temple.

Moolavar    : Sri Virupakshishwara / Sri Someshwara

Concert      : Sri Parvati

Some of the important details are..

The temple is facing east with a base of an unfinished gopura ( Mottai Gopuram ) The Second level entrance Rajagopuram is of 3 tiers with three kalasa on the top with mandapas on both sides. The Rajagopuram was built with out any stucco images except 2 vimana supporters and 6 dwarapalakas.

The Moolavar Atma Linga is a one of the rarest Shiva Linga. Shiva Linga Changes it’s colour 3 times a day. In the morning it will be red and in the afternoon will change colour to white and in the evening it will become honey colour. Goddess Bagalamukhi  and Athri Maharishi worshiped Shiva Linga are also there in the same sanctum. It was told that a vibration can be be felt if one pray in front of Moola Linga with raised hand above head.

Parvati temple is on the north west corner of the Temple Complex with a beautiful simha in standing posture, is also a special feature of this temple. Sannadhi for Vinayaka, Nagars are in the south side of the main sanctum. The poojas are performed by the Agasthiya Gothra V A Subramaniya Dheekshit & Sons. This is the only family doing pooja for the past 8 generations, since the temple was constructed.

A rare posture of simha vahana 

The Temple was built in dravidian style architecture by the Chieftain Lakkana Dandesha of Muluvai province under Devaraya II, of Vijayanagara Dynasty during 1200s. The 1481 CE Kannada inscription was found in this temple.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 Hrs to 11.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 19 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

About 3 KM from Mulbagal. About 100 KM from Bengaluru / Bangalore and 30 KM from Kolar.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Someshwara Temple at Kolar, Karnataka.

22^nd August 2018.

The present Kolar was called as Kolara or ancient Kuvalapura in 3^rd Century, during Gangas period. Gangas were succeeded by Chozhas  following by Hoysala and Vijayanagara dynasty Kings.

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The chariot shed is on the right side of the Rajagopuram. The Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and stone stambha are in the outer prakara immediately after the Rajagopuram. The Kalyana mandapam, vasantha mandapa, Nagars under a bilva tree and Yagasala. Ambal sannadhi is in the north west corner of the outer prakaram.

The Temple was constructed in Dravidian style of architecture. The sanctum sanctorum consists of a sanctum, Antarala, arthamandapa and mukha mandappa. The nagara Vimana with 3 tiers is on the top of sanctum. The Mukamandapa consists of 48 numbers of intricately carved pillars, mainly warrior riding horse/ yazgi. The sanctum adhisthana has the mouldings of Pada, Adhokumuda, a Tripatta kumuda, a small kanda and an adhokumuda. The friezes like elephants, playing dwarfs  and squatting lions are in a separate line. The bitti or the walls are elaborately decorated with kumbha pancharas, 2 Pilasters forms niches or the deva koshtas and pilasters supports bitti/ walls. The Kalyana mandapam is an exquisitely beautiful compact structure well known for intricate workmanship on granite. 

 Mukha mandapam

 Mukha mandapam

 Mukha mandapam

As per Karnataka.com (www.karnataka.com/kolar/someshwara-temple/), the temple was constructed by the Chozhas in 11^th century and latter expanded by early Vijayanagaras during 14^th century.  To prove that it was built by the Chozhas, no inscription was found  But to the contrary Vijayanagara period Kannada inscriptions are found in  Yagasala and Store house.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.30 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

Kolar is in Karnataka state, buses facilities are available from various parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

1.2 KM from Kolar bus stand. Autos are available from bus stand.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 Shiva as Pichadanar

 Mahishamardini panel

Vasantha mandapa

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Kolaramma Temple / Chamundeshwari Temple, also called as Pidari Temple, Kolar, Karnataka.

21^st August 2018.

The present Kolar was called as Kolara or ancient Kuvalapura in 3^rd Century was ruled by the Gangas. Gangas were succeeded by Chozhas following by Hoysala and Vijayanagara dynasty Kings.

The temple is facing east with a gopura base with well carved door way. A stone sthamba is immediately after the entrance. There is an open mandapa before entering in to the inner prakaram. The open mandapa must be a reconstructed one, since the pillars are not uniform. On the left and right of the mandapa there are two Hero stones which will be written separately.  The Dwajasthambam and palipeda are immediately after the mandapa entrance.

The L shaped sanctum houses two shrines , one for Chamundeswari ( Kolaramma ) in the form of Mahishasuramardini with eight hands and the demon Mahishan is under her feet and the other for  Saptamatrikas with a common ardha mandapa/ vestibule.  The exact copies of stucco Saptamatrikas are in the north facing shrine by the Chozhas. Scorpion images are found in the Chelamma shrine. It was told that if prayed Sri Chelamma, one will be free from scorpion bites. There is a six feet Kala bhairavi, but people used to call as Mukanacharamma owing its nose having been broken. Originally the temple was a Pidari Amman temple for a Village deity. Latter it was changed by the Chozhas.

The sanctum sanctorum was built in Dravidian style of architecture and the base was constructed with Jagathy, tripatta kumudha and maha patti. The walls top is with bhootha gana, kabotham ( with Nasi koodu )and Yazhivari. The Kolaramma Shrine facing east sanctum has the Vimana. The out side wall has the pilasters inscribed with inscriptions. There are more than 21 inscriptions of which 18 are in Tamil and 3 are in kannada. The period of inscriptions ranes from 996 CE to 1538 CE. The majority of the Tamil inscriptions are inscribed during Rajendra Chozha –I, period ( 1012 to 1045 CE ). The original brick temple by the Ganga was changed Stone temple in 1033 CE by Rajendra Chozha-I. 1071 CE inscription speaks about the deities of the temple and poojas to be conducted.

  

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 12.30 hrs and 18.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

Kolar is in Karnataka state, buses facilities are available from various parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

1.2 KM from Kolar bus stand. Autos are available from bus stand.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

 Mukha mandapa

 Chozha inscription on the pillar

 Kudakoothu

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Sri Kala Bhairava and Sri Patishwara Temples at Sitti Betta near Kolar, Karnataka

21^st August 2018.

This visit to Stti betta hill Kala Bhairava was a part of Bangalore and Kolar Heritage visit to the Chozha period temples. The Sitti Betta hill was one of  a considerable important hill during Chozha and Hoysala periods in Nolamba territory. The twin temples Sri Patishwara and Kala bhairava temples are on the top the hill. Sri Patishwara temple was constructed utilizing the natural cave. The mandapas are supported by the Nolamba ornate pillars. In the Kala Bhairava temple sannadhi for Virabhadra and Mahishasuramardini. The twin temple is facing east with a palipedam and a Dwajasthambam. A Tamil inscription, mentioning "Rajaraja" stone is standing in front of the temple. The Linga is called as "Sripatiswara", since Vishnu is also called as Sripati and in Kannada Sihatti or Sihati, which corrupted as Sitti. In the inscription Kala bhairava is mentioned as Tribhuvana vidanga-Kshetrapala Pillaiyar. Ashtadik balakas panel is on the Kala Bhairava Sannidhi navrang mandapam.

There are about 40 inscriptions and most of them belongs to Tamil Gangas and balance belongs to early Vijayanagar period. Behind Mahisasuramardini’s back side projecting rock has the 1024 AD Rajendra Chozha period inscription. Kulothunga Chozha –I, 1071 AD inscriptions are found on the back wall of Kala Bhairava Temple.  The oldest inscription belongs to Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana.  One of the 14^th century inscription speaks about offering the finger to god Kala Bhairava.

The legend of offering forefinger goes like this. The legend is associated with the story of demon Bhasmasura. Demon Bhasmasura  received a boon from Lord Shiva that whoever he touches they should reduced to ash. After getting the boon the demon wants to test on Lord Shiva who gave the boon. Fearing Bhasmasura, Shiva hide in this hill cave, When the demon asked a Morasu Wokkalu  tribe farmer ( These people are from Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu, came in carts and settled here. They are latter called as Wodeyars and the founder of Bengaluru city was founded by KempeGowda belongs to Morasu Wokkalu Community ), he pointed this hill with his fore finger. In the mean time Lord Vishnu took the mohini avatar and killed the demon, making him to touch his own head in the process of dance. The demon Bhasmasura reduced to ashes in the hill. Hence this hill was called as Bhasmasura betta.

From then on wards the Morasu Wokalu tribes used to offer their fore finger. If the family do not have male, female member offered 2 finger. This practice was continued till, 1876s, and the practice was banned by the Government. ( This was recorded by Sri Narasimhachariar of ASI, after Visit to this Sitti hill in 1906 CE )  Now instead of offering forefinger, finger will be wounded with flower and the same will be cut and offered to God. In addition to this finger the devotees has to offer money and rice, which will be divided in to certain proportions between, Archaks, Shanbag, Patel, Goldsmith, Barber. A 14th  century inscription clearly mentions the division of proportions of the rice offered, among goldsmith and others.

It was told that during rain,  water will be absorbed by the hill Bhasmasura opposite to Sitti Betta. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will get opened between 06.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

Mallur 24 Km, Orati Agrahara 9 KM and Yeliyur 28 KM

LOCATION: GPS Co-ordination 13°14'33"N   78°0'34"E

 Sripatishwara 

 Kala bhairava

 Mahishasura Mardini- Chozha inscriptions on the back rock

 Nolamba Pillars

 Ashtadikpalakas

 Ashtadikpalakas

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

Sri Ramalingeshwara / Sri Ramalingeswara Group of Temples, Avani, in Kolar District, Karnataka.

21^st August 2018.

Sri Ramalingeshwara Group of temples are constructed in the names of Heroes of the epic Valmiki Ramayan in Kolar district of Karnataka. The temples are built in Dravidian style of architecture by the 10^th century  Nolamba king Tribhuvana Kartara Bhatara or Deva, who ruled this Avani sthana for 40 years and constructed 50 temples, two tanks and died in the year 961 AD.  Latter renovated by the Chozha and Vijayanagara Kings.  The temples and sub shrines in the premises are…

1.   Sri Ramalingeswara Temple

2.   Sri Lakshmana Lingeshwara Temple

3.   Sri Bharateshwara Temple

4.   Sri Shatrughna Lingeshwara Temple.

5.   Sri Ramanjaneya Temple

6.   Sri Parvati Temple.

7.   Pancha Lingas.

8.   Sri Vigneswara Temple

Sri Ramalingeswara Temple….. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and ardha mandapa / Navrang. The pillars of the arthamandapa are with ornate carvings resemble to manasthamba ( jains  ???). The adhisthana has moldings with kirthimukas and yazhi. The walls are supported with pilasters and Dravidian architecture vimana on the sanctum.  Moolavar Shiva Linga is made of dark stone but in smaller size compared to Sri Lakshmana Lingeshwara Temple.

Sri Lakshmana Lingeshwara Temple….. This temple was built by Nolambas in 10^th Century CE. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, an antarala and artha mandapa / Navarang. In the sanctum Shiva lingam is the largest of all the temples of this Complex. Nandhi is in the ardha mandapa. The ceiling, above Nandhi has the bas-reliefs of Ashtadik balakas keeping Uma-Maheswara at the centre. Saptamatrikas are installed in the arthamandapa.The vimana above the sanctum is of Dravidian style of architecture made out of brick and mortar during Vijayanagara period.

The South mahadwara was built by Chozhas. The adhisthana is with Upana, Jagati, Kumuda ( three faces ) has the five mouldings, ornate with kudus, friezes of elephants, lions, yazhis and makara head. The Adhisthana is called as kapothabandha adhisthana. The sanctum walls are supported by the pilasters and sculptures of Dwarapalakas ( Chozha period ), Shiva, Bairava, Bairavi, Vishnu, Ganesha, Nataraja, Mahishamardini. The adhithanam has 10^th century inscription  starts with “Sri Tribhuvana Kartara Bhatra” 

 

Sri Bharateshwara Temple…. This temple is smaller and less ornate than that of Sri Shatrughna Lingeshwara Temple. The entrance  contains the auspicious  symbols like Kalasa, Lamp and sanga Nidhi and Padmanidhi. The Gajalakshmi is on the top. Dwarapalakas are also carved on the sides. The pillars resembles the manastambha. An  octagonal shape  pillared mandapam with Rishabam is  in front of the temple. A panel Ashtadikpalakas with Uma-Maheswara is in the arthamandapa above Nandhi. The 10^th century Nolamba inscription is on the adhistanam.  This temple is also called as Nolambanarayaneshwara   and constructed by Divabbarasi The the inscription is on the plinth. 

 

Sri Shatrughna Lingeshwara Temple…  This temple is very much similar to Sri Lakshmana Lingeshwara temple, both shape and size. But the adhisthana has three cornice only. One of which is rounded and another has the rows of poorly carved lions. The entrance is made of dark strap stone and ornate bond with Gajalakshmi on the lintel. The navarang mandapa is similar to that of Sri Lakshmana Lingeshwara temple, has the 16 face pillars with floral hanging. This has the contribution of Chozhas. The adhisthana has the Rajaraja-II and Kulothunga Chozha's 10th year rule inscriptions. The inscriptions mentions as "கல்யாணபுரம் கொண்ட சோழவளநாட்டு ஆவணி...திருமீஸ்வரமுடையார்"...  "நிகரிலி சோழமண்டலத்து"...

Sri Ramanjaneya Temple… This temple is similar to Satrughan Lingeshwara Temple except the base and cornice / Kumudam and Yazhi vari. Here elephants are shown prominently. The entrance to this shrine seems to be small. The alter / balipeedam and Dwajasthambam are in front.

Sri Parvati Temple…. It was told that parvati is of swayambhu and sita is near parvati. 

  

As per the legend Rama  after the war with Ravana, returned to Ayodhya and on the way stayed here for some time. Lava & Kusha are born to Sita here and was brought up by Valmiki who wrote the epic Ramayana. The Vijayanagar symbols may be worth to see. The relief of Tirthankara without mukkudai….???? And manasthamba mentioned by the historians needs  to be studied further. This temple Complex is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI)

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

Bus facility is available from Mulbagal

Avani is about 30 km from Kolar and 100 KM from Bangalore City.

LOCATION:CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---