Halasuru Someshwara Temple, Bangalore

About Halasuru Someshwara Temple

Halasuru Someshwara Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Someshwara Temple in Ulsoor area is one of the oldest monuments of IT city. The temple was built during the Chola period in the 12th and 13th centuries and is now maintained by a department of the Government of Karnataka. Apart from the main temple, the complex is dotted with smaller shrines of other deities including Kamakshamma, Arunachaleswara, Bhimeshwara, Nanjundeshwara and Panchalingeshwara. The temple has many exquisite sculptures, including a gopuram with carvings of deities.

Most mesmerizing are the elaborate sculptures of Ravana, where he is holding Mount Kailash to please Lord Shiva, giant images of the Saptarishis, marriage scenes of Shiva and Parvati to name a few. It is the best place to visit during Shivratri and many believe that the Hindu Gods Brahma and Vishnu were also worshiped in this temple.

Interesting facts about Halasuru Someshwara Temple

1. The pillars of the temple are very beautifully carved with various mythological characters.
2. This temple appears to have been built during the time of Vijayanagara as its carvings depict Vijayanagara architecture.
3. The temple had a beautiful ornate pillar hall where we can see fine carvings of deities, dancers, birds and animals.
4. The temple has a square sanctum (sanctum) surrounded by a narrow passage. And it has a mandapam with 48 uniquely carved pillars.
5. Apart from the main temple, there are smaller temples of Kamakshamma, Arunachaleswara, Bhimeshwara, Nanjundeshwara Panchalingeshwara and Navagraha in the vicinity.
6. Other notable works of art include sculptures that depict King Ravana lifting Mount Kailash to please Lord Shiva.

How to reach Halasuru Someshwara Temple

By Bus:- Begum Mahal Bus Stand is 8 minutes walk from the temple.

By Metro:- Halasuru metro station is 14 minutes walk from the temple, easily accessible by taking a rickshaw from here.

By Rail:- At a distance of 8 km from Bangalore Central Railway Station, there is Halasuru Someshwara Temple. The temple can be easily reached by auto.

Nearby famous places

• Cubbon Park 3.1 km away
• St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral 3.3 km away
• M Chinnaswamy Stadium 3.4 km away
• Vidhana Soudha 4 km away
• Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park 4 km away
• Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium 4.2 km away
• National Gallery of Modern Art 4.7 km away
• Bangalore Palace 5.5 km away