Famous Temples in India

Architecture

There are three entrances to the Someshwara Temple. The high walls of the Someshwara Temple lend a feeling of a fort. It is a superb specimen of exclusive Chalukya art and architecture. There are many small temples surrounding this big temple. All these temples also boast of rich architecture and sculptures that have been so neatly carved. The temple’s hall, navaranga, entrance porch or mukha mantapa has beautiful stone carvings. The beautiful idols of Shiva Parvathi and Nandi have been exquisitely sculpted. The Badami Chalukyas of Deccan encouraged art and architecture and this is clearly visible in the paintings and art structures of the temple. It was during this time (1050 to 1200 C.E.) that the Gadag art form was encouraged by King Someshwara-I. Around 50 temples were erected during this period. Carved figurines of gods and goddesses have been chiselled beautifully in the temple. As per an inscription dated 1102 C.E. Inside the Someshwara temple complex, behind the temple, there is an open step-well. This step-well, being richly carved and ornamented, is of architectural and artistic significance.

Kannada inscriptions -

• At the Someshwara temple complex, there are many Kannada inscription. Over 50 stone inscriptions(records) show the cultural importance.
• The Kannada (Kannadiga) poet Kayasena of Mulgund, who wrote in the Bharmamrita, was a disciple of Narendrasena II of the Lakshmeshwar inscription of 1081.
• Lakshmeshwar inscription of the reign of Jagadekamella-II.
• Two Jain Inscription of Mulgund and Lakshmeshwar.
• The Lakshmeshwar inscriptions (in Kannada dated 13 January 735), during 733–744 CE Vikramaditya-II was the son of King Vijayaditya who ascended the Badami Chalukyas throne following the death of his father.