JOIN USKote Someshwara temple cries for renovation
A visit to the temple will take the visitor on a journey to architectural splendours of a bygone era. It throws light on many interesting facts and incidents.
It is interesting to note that though the temple belongs to Lord Someshwara, the walls of the temple are etched with scultpural beauties of Lord Rama, Krishna, Parashurama, Vamana, thus, including all the dashavataras of Lord Vishnu.
There are also sculptures of Bedara Kannappa offering his eyes to Lord Shiva and Lord Venkateshwara. Apart from idols of Gods and Goddesses, there are also other architectural wonders like a band of musicians performing on the mrudanga, flute, tablas, etc, a women adoring herself in the mirror, are equally arresting.
Special feature
Another special feature of the stone pedestal below the Garudagambha in front of the temple is the depiction of Lord Ganesha, flanked by two figurines carrying jackfruits on the heads. Yet another interesting sculpture is the three-dimensional view of Nandi. The main idol of Lord Shiva is also in a neglected state.
It is unfortunate to note that the temple is now in a dilapidated condition. Though it belongs to the Muzrai Department, it has not seen much development. Some of the devotees have voluntarily come forward to contribute some amount towards and repair and renovation works. It can be recollected that there was a Channakeshwara temple in the town earlier.
In due course of time, subject to neglect and ignorance, the temple was reduced to nothing and it soon faded away from the memories of the people.
However, some of the pillars and sculptors of the temple are now in the premises of Kote Someshwara temple, according to a few elders of the town.
There was an urgent need to renovate the temple and restore its former glory. The temple has some of the rarest of the rare sculptures which need to be conserved, says temple priest K N Rajashekhar.
Belongs to Chola period
According to an elderly resident, “The Kote Someshwara temple is of the oldest temples in the taluks. It is rich in its sculptural beauty and splendour and resembles the Bhoganandeeshwara temple temple in many respects. Even this temple was constructed during the Chola period.
Since, the temple comes under the purview of Government’s jurisdiction, concerned officers and elected representatives must take an initiative to renovate the temple. Donors and philanthropists should come forward to contribute generously to restore the temple to its former glory. The temple is a cultural symbol of the rich heritage of our country,” he added.
Chairman of the Dolphin Vidya Samsthe Nagaraj told Deccan Herald that on seeing the temple in a dilapidated condition, the residents have shown their enthusiasm to renovate it. Stone pillars have also been brought at a cost of Rs 4.5 lakh. All safety measures will be taken to ensure that the old charm is not lost during the renovation. The local MLA has also assured to provide grants to take up the project, he said.