Balligavi Somesvara Temple - Karnataka

Address

Balligavi Somesvara Temple – Karnataka

Balligavi, Shikaripura Taluk,

Shivamogga district,

Karnataka 577428

Moolavar

Somesvara

Introduction

The Somesvara Temple in Balligavi Town, Shivamogga District, Karnataka, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Historical Significance:

The Somesvara Temple is believed to have been constructed in 1054 CE during the reign of King Somesvara I (1042 – 1068 CE) of the Western Chalukyan dynasty. It was originally built by Sovisetti and later underwent extensive renovations by the Hoysalas.

Location:

The temple is located in Balligavi Town in the Shikaripura Taluk of Shivamogga District, Karnataka, India.

Architectural Features:

The temple consists of a sanctum, an antarala (vestibule), and a pillared mandapa (hall). It is built on a raised platform, and the entrance is accessed via steps with elephant-shaped balustrades.
The mandapa’s front wall features intricately designed windows on both sides of the entrance door.
Inside the mandapa, there are two empty niches on either side of the doorway along the west wall.
The pillars in the mandapa are finely crafted and polished.
The doorways to the sanctum and sukanasi (a secondary chamber) are adorned with exquisite carvings.
Inside the sanctum, a Shiva Linga is enshrined on a bhadra pitha, a raised platform.
The exterior walls of the temple have limited decorations, with floral patterns in a lozenge shape running around the middle portion of the temple.

The Somesvara Temple holds historical and architectural significance, reflecting the artistic and sculptural traditions of the Chalukyan and Hoysala periods. It is an important cultural and religious site in Karnataka, India, preserving the legacy of its construction during the Western Chalukyan dynasty and subsequent renovations by the Hoysalas.