The temple of Siddheshvara, made of soapstone, is in the town of Haveri in the district of Haveri, Karnataka.An inscription in the town of Haveri dated 1067 CE mentions the village's grant to 400 Brahmins.The temple is closely resembling some other Chalukyan temples in the vicinity of Haveri; Chavudayyadanapura temple of Mukteshvara, Haralahalli temple of Someshvara and Niralgi temple of Siddharameshvara.

Siddhesvara Temple,Haveri - History,architecture


Inscriptional evidence may suggest that the temple was initially consecrated in the late 11th century. An curious feature about the temple is that it faces west, rather than eastward facing the rising sun ,a tradition in Chalukyan constructions.



Initially as a Vaishnava temple, it was later taken over by Jains who may have removed some images from the temple and finally became a Shaiva temple.Shiva is represented with four hands, carrying his attributes in three arms: the damaru (drum), the aksamala (bead chain), and the trishul (trident).His lower left arm rests on Uma, sitting on Shiva 's lap, looking into his face with her right arm.

Siddhesvara Temple,Haveri - History,architecture


On the side of the door to the vestibule, the Naga and Nagini are entangled with their tails and Parvati's portrait.There are images of the saptamatrika in some ceiling columns, while a square column includes images from the ashtadikpalas ('eight guardians') along with Hindu trimurthy and Surya.

Siddhesvara Temple,Haveri - History,architecture


The temple is located at a distance of 330 kilometres from bangalore. The journey will take another seven hours to reach Haveri for individuals taking the train to Bangalore.

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