Magadi Someshwara Temple, Karnataka: Architecturally rich temple needs urgent attention from the government

The most popular Magadi Someshwara Temple (of Magadi town) about 47 km from Bangalore city is said to be one of the oldest one near Bengaluru, Karnataka. With amazing architecture, it is a protected monument that was built in 1569 by Sri Kempe Gowda whose 516 anniversary was celebrated recently by the Karnataka government on a grand scale worthy of him. Exact dating of this temple is not known. Noted epigraphist and historian B. Lewis Rice is of the view that Kempe Gowda II built the Someshwara temple upon gaining ascendency to the throne in the same year. Other version points out it was built by Kempe Gowda III, a descendent of Kempe Gowda II, in 1712 CE. Information is sketchy about regular pujas in the sanctum at this temple. This temple is about 2 km from Magadi town.

Someswara temple,Magadi

Above image: The Someswara temple, Magadi, KA.Dradida style gopura with five tiers. image credit: Dineshkannambadi......

This temple that appears to have been built in Hoysala style is dedicated to one of the Trinity Gods God Shiva. Shiva's mount Nandi is in a separate mantapa. There is also a separate shrine for Parvati, consort of God Shiva. The latter two are slightly away from the main temple and they appear to be poorly maintained.

Parvati shrineupload.wikimedia.org

Above image: Someshwara temple, Magadi, Karnataka.Note the small tower with shikara and well polished outer walls below it........

Nandi mantap, Someswara temple,Magadi upload.wikimedia.org

Above image: Here this small Nandi mantapa with pillars at four corners is away from the main shrine. What is unique is the presence of a small tower with fine decoration atop the mantapa. image credit: Dineshkannambadi.

The large temple complex has spacious inner prakara (courtyard) with lofty towers and mantapas (halls) supported by ornate stone pillars which carry motifs of dancing girls, soldiers, birds, and animals such as lions in relief. With well chiseled Yali and in inner and outer prakaras the mantapas appear in ruins

Magadi Someshwara Temple.tripadvisor.com

Magadi Someshwara Templemyholidayhappiness.com

Magadi Someshwara Templecommons.wikimedia.org

Above image: Someshwara temple, Magadi. Yali pillars under the temple gopura (tower). Note the carved yali well hewn into the stone pillars, a tedious workmanship........

Magadi Someshwara Temple sksrinivas.wordpress.com

This heritage site, with richly ornate towers, beautiful stone carved sculptures, many mandapas supported by ornate pillars with well chiseled Yali and inner and outer prakaras appears to be in ruins because of a combination of many factors such as passage of time, official negligence and lack of regular maintenance. Apart, way in the past a lighting strike damaged part of the gopura and other places. Though restoration was carried out, it was not good enough because special care was not take up after repair works. This architecturally rich temple still remains neglected. Image credit: sksrinivas.wordpress.com