Someshwara Temple, Kolar

Someshwara Temple is a Hindu shrine with a tall entrance tower made of brick and stucco, leading to an open pillared hall and the main sanctum. The complex includes several areas with intricately carved columns and is surrounded by structures that reflect different construction phases.

The temple was built in the 14th century during the Vijayanagara Empire period. Later rulers expanded and decorated the structure, adding new layers of architectural development.

The temple pillars display carvings that blend Indian, European, Chinese, and Thai artistic elements, reflecting international trade connections of that era. This mix of different styles makes the place a visible testament to cultural exchange between distant regions.

The temple sits about 68 kilometers from Bangalore, directly on the highway connecting Chennai and Bangalore. The location is easy to reach by car and offers good accessibility for visitors.

The Kalyana Mantapa wedding hall contains 64 sixteen-sided pillars with detailed carvings of horse riders and mythological scenes on granite surfaces. This remarkable number and complexity of pillars with their narrative decoration make this space a distinctive feature of the temple.

Location: Kolar district

GPS coordinates: 13.13747,78.13815

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:43