Siddhesvara Temple, Haveri

Karnataka, Haveri, Bengaluru

Siddhesvara temple is situated in the district of Haveri in the Karnataka State. It is one of the finest memorials of the Vishwakarma Brahmin sthapathis who were instrumental in sculpting the temple with their fine architectural work.Western Chalukyan influence is very much visible in the art and architecture of the temple. Based on the inscriptions in the Temple, it is evident that the temple was consecrated in 11th century. Though it is still not very clear as to which deity was worshipped here, it is presumed that the principal deity that worshipped was Lord Shiva. The Siddhesvara temple boasts of 1300 stone carvings. These carvings clearly reflect the style of the rulers then - The Rastrakutas and the Chalukyas.

Architecture

The architecture of the Siddhesvara temple is quite unique and exclusive. The temple is built of soapstone and bears close resemblance to a few other Chalukyan temples in the vicinity of Haveri. The entire basement of this temple has sunk by a few feet, making it necessary to descend into the open mantapa (hall).The temple may have been consecrated initially as a Vaishnava temple (to the God Vishnu), later taken over by Jains who may have removed some images from the temple and eventually become a Shaiva temple after coming under the procession of the worshippers of God Shiva. The temple plan bears the hallmarks of 11th century Chalukyan construction with dravida architectural articulation to which some innovative 12th century elements were added. The mantapa (hall) in the temple contains sculptures of Uma Mahesvara (Shiva with his consort Uma), Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, the Sun God Surya, Nāga-Nagini (the male and female snake goddess), Ganapati and Kartikeya, the sons of Shiva. Within the temple premises are several old Kannada inscriptions recording grants, the earliest of which is inscribed on a beam inside the temple and is dated to 1087 CE while another stone inscription (shilashasana) dated to 1108 CE stands outside.

Picture courtesy : commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

Temple timings : 6:00 AM To 6:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Clean and conservative clothing is preferred.

Famous Festival

Shiva ratri
Ugadi
Kannada Rajyotsava (November 1st)

Culture

The Haveri district dates back to the pre-historic era. There have been evidences about civilizations that existed on the Varada and Tungabhadra river basins. A core area of Western Chalukya architectural activity, Haveri epitomizes the rich culture and heritage of a bygone era with historical temples surrounded the place. The peacock sanctuary, a black buck sanctuary and old tanks all add up to the rich culture.