Someshwara temple Kurudumale

History of Someshwara temple Kurudumale

Someshwara temple at Kurudumale is a Shiva temple which is believed to be 1330 years old, built by Raja Raja Chola. The idol is believed to be installed by Koundinya Maharishi. The main  sculpturist of this temple was ‘Jakkanna chari’, but was later taken over by his son ‘Dankkana Chari’. Hence we can see two different styles of  architecture. The temple has the Chola architectural style, and the temple has no foundation and has been built on a rock. 

The main diety of this temple is Lord Shiva called as ‘Someshwara’ which is a linge in the main sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). The next hall has a series of deities placed which have been revered since ages. The first idol is of ‘Kalabhirava’ believed to free the ill effects of  ‘Kala sarpa dosha’. ‘Kalabhirava’ is stepping on a serpent which is a synibolic representation. Next is the idol of ‘Guru Dakshina murthi”, next is  ‘Lord  Venkatachalapathi’ along  with ‘Sridevi and Bhoodevi’ , and a small idol of Lord Anjaneya. Idol of “Koundinya Maharshi” is placed in the temple and another carving of Koundinya Maharishi is carved on a pillar. Here in this carving we see the fingers of Maharshi pointing  towards the ground , which is believed that there is a  tunnel from here to ‘Kashi’. This place is also called  ‘Dakshina Kashi’. The temple has  beautiful carvings on the stone pillars, there is also a stage with pillars on all eight directions.