Kolar is the Golden City located towards the north-eastern side of Bengaluru. Kolar was invaded andruled by many empires such as the Gangas, Cholas, Chalukyas Hoysalas and Vijayanagara. Due to theinfluence of so many invaders, Kolar boasts of a cultural and architectural diversity of temples.Sri Someshwara Temple is an example of the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple was first builtby the Cholas, who ruled this region in the 11 th century. The temple was expanded by the VijayanagaraEmpire in the 14 th century. It has a combination of both Chola syle of architecture and Vijaynagara styleof architecture.At the entrance of the temple, stands a huge Gopura, which has a significant influence of the Chola styleof architecture.

 

The temple has heavy Prakara walls, which give the temple a grand appeal. Inisde theconfines of the temple is a Kalyana Mantapa, which is the wedding hall, a Mukha Mantapa, with massivepillars and a Vasantha Mantapa, which is a marriage podium. Located to the south-west of the temple,the Kalyana Mantapa, has intricate carvings done on a granite stone .There are carvings of squattingelephants, lions and playing dwarfs. The pillars of the Mukha Mantapa, have lion brackets. The Yogasalaor the arena, where people practice yagnas, has been altered. Amidst all the grandeur, towards thenorth-west is the shrine for the Goddess Parvati Devi.

 

As it was expanded by the Vijayanagara Empire,the carvings on the inner pillars of the temple have carvings, which depicts the importance and value oftrade to the King.This temple is definitely worth a visit for its fascinating history and detailed architecture. To really soak into the beauty of the temple, one has to spend long hours at the temple and let the temple soak intothem.