Haranhalli Someshvara Temple, Karnataka

Address

Haranhalli Someshvara Temple, Haranhalli, Hassan district, Karnataka 573122

Deity

Someshvara

Introduction

The Someshvara Temple at Haranhalli, Karnataka, India, is a significant historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a part of the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the region.

Location and Historical Significance:

The Someshvara Temple is situated in Haranhalli, Karnataka, and is one of two major historic temples in the area, the other being the Lakshminarasimha Temple.
Both temples, Someshvara and Lakshminarasimha, reflect the Vesara-style Hoysala architecture and were completed in the 1230s. They are considered to be fine examples of Hoysala craftsmanship.

Construction and Architecture:

The temple is constructed on a jagati, a molded platform that enhances its visual appeal and provides a path for circumambulation.
It features a square plan Vesara architecture with an integrated circumambulation path, which allows devotees to move around the temple.
The temple’s design creates the appearance of three shrines (trikuta), although it has only one sanctum.
The main shrine has a stellate (star-shaped) design, a superstructure (tower or shikhara), and a sukhanasi (nose or tower over the vestibule).

Architectural Elements:

The temple’s superstructure is still intact, but the decorative kalasa (water-pot) at its apex is missing.
The exterior walls of the temple are decorated with a double eaves design, featuring miniature decorative towers (Aedicula) on pilasters between the two eaves.
The base of the temple includes multiple friezes with intricate carvings, such as depictions of birds, mythical creatures (makara), and friezes with scenes from epics (left blank in some instances).
The moldings at the base feature carvings of horses and elephants.

The Someshvara Temple, though more damaged compared to the nearby Lakshminarasimha Temple, is a testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of the Hoysala dynasty in the 13th century. It is a protected monument and continues to be an important heritage site in Karnataka, offering insights into the history and craftsmanship of the region.