Someshwara Temple Kurudumale

Someshwara temple in Kurudumale village located approximately around 10 kms from Mulbagal taluk in Kolar district of Karnataka state.

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 deity of this temple is Lord Shiva called as ‘Someshwara’ which is a linga 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 symbolic 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.

According to mythology there is a Ganesha idol which was installed by the Gods themselves. It is believed in the Kritha yuga, the trimurthis – Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara together (kudi – in Kannada) had installed the idol at the base of a mountain (male – in Kannada) .Hence this place was called ‘Koodumale”, later as time passed it was mispronounced and now it is called ‘Kurudumale’. Earlier this place was also called ‘Kootadri’ , ‘Koota’ meaning ‘together, ‘Aadri’ meaning ‘hill’.

All round the year and on special occassions, festival days. Shivaratri and on Mondays during the month of ‘Karthika’ are very special.