Hariharapura Swayambhu Dakshahara Someshwara Temple - Karnataka

Address

Hariharapura Swayambhu Dakshahara Someshwara Temple – Karnataka

Hariharapura, Chikmagalur district,

Karnataka 577120

Moolavar

Someshwara

Introduction

Hariharapura is one such ancient kshetra located in the Chikmagalur district in Karnataka. The Tunga River flowing in the north direction at Hariharapura. At holy places (Kshetram) where rivers flow in the north direction are considered as ‘Siddha Kshetras’, performing any kind of spiritual practice improves spiritual and material lives. In myths (Purana) and various Vedic texts, seers praised Hariharapura as one such Siddha Kshetra, the great pilgrimage which takes out one’s sins. There is a Yagashala by name ‘SRI SOMESHWARA YAGASHALA’, located adjacent to the Sharada LakshmiNarasimha Swamy temple at Hariharapura.

Puranic Significance

Harihararaya, the second ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire ruled an Agrahara, renovated and was named after him Agrahara of Hariharapura. Harihararaya and other rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire had been very much devoted to the Shankaracharya Dharmapeetham of Hariharapura. They donated many villages and lands to Srimutt. From the inscriptions, it appeared to have been an Agrahara established by Sambanna Wodeyar. The religious formation of Sringeri also intimately connected with the foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire and Hariharapura.

According to Skanda Puran, Sahyadri Kand Hariharapura was the place where Daksh Maha Yagna took place, so it addresses Hariharapura as”Daksharama”. As per the historical details, an ancient temple of the self-manifested idol of Lord Shiva, known as”Swayambhu Dakshahara Someshwara” is there. At that time Hariharapura is called”Kapalam”. Thus, being the sacred land where Lord Shiva emerged as Yagna Purusha from Homa Kunda of Daksha Prajapati, Hariharapura is regarded as Yagna Bhoomi, a very pious place to perform Homa or Yagna.

Special Features

Hariharapura was a 1500-year-old temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu located across each other on the banks of the river Tunga. Sri Someshwara Swamy temple has complex carvings depicting the entire Ramayana on its three sides.

There is a Yagashala by name ‘SRI SOMESHWARA YAGASHALA’, located adjacent to the Sharada Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Hariharapura. This Yagashala is designed intricately based on Agama and Vastu Shastras. The very architecture of the Yaagashaala with pyramid shaped roofs & pillars depict energy centers that ensure maximum benefit to the performer.

It is a rare feature that the deity of Lord Yagnyeshwaraa (the Lord of fire) along with consorts-Swaaha & Swadhaa (the carriers of Ahuti) are installed inside the Yagashala premises. Homas and Yagnyas are performed all round the year by well qualified Purohiths.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com