Nice place to Hangout and More Spirituality

This is a major historic Hindu temple complex in Lakshmeswar town of Karnataka, about 40 kilometers southwest of Gadag-Betigeri city between Hampi and Goa. Though a small town now, it once was a major city before the 14th-century. Inscriptions and regional literature suggest that Laxmeswar was already a prosperous town by the 7th-century CE. The Someshwara temple is complex that was built over time. The earliest firm evidence is an inscription from 1102 CE found here that states a dedication to the Svayambhu-Someswara temple. It also mentions a Vedic college with students boarding (sala, ghatika), one run by Mahendra Pandita. More interesting in the inscription is the mention of a collaboration between the school attached to this temple and a Vedic college in Gujarat (now lost), along with manuscripts bhandara and exchange. Another inscription states that a priest and his students escaped the destruction of Somnath temple in Saurashtra in Gujarat, then resettled here. This led to an expansion of the temple and the building of fortified wall around the temple complex. The complex has many shrines, mandapas and a pushkarini (water tank/well). The Hindu artwork here is exquisitely detailed, highlighting all major traditions: Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Vedic deities. The spire of the Somesvara temple here has been restored a bit (it was partly torn down during a raid and plunder in the 15th century). The spire (Shikara) illustrates the Vesara architecture, while the overall floor plan follows the square and circle principles for Hindu temples, as found in Sanskrit texts. The photos I have posted are with GPS- and date-stamped exif data. I own them. I release them into the public domain with CC0 1.0 Universal dedication. You may copy, download, use, modify, distribute them without asking for permission, and without attribution, even for commercial purposes. They are free. For even better view, visit this Indian monument.

It's easy to find and road leading to temple from the main road is well. Although the temple has entrance from 3 different direction, out of which one which is holds the main tower is closed. Temple hosts a unique sculpture of Shiva sitting on Nandi along with Parvathi, which is said to be bought from Sourastra, hence also called "Sourastra Somanatha". A mirror is kept behind the idol so that devotee can see the Parvathi sitting at the back of Shiva. The temple is restored with the help of ASI and financial support of Infosys foundation. You will find number of small temples around main temple all belong to different eras, being from Badami Chalukya to Vijayanaga. A large well is just behind the temple, with steps to access the bottom of the same. You will also find lot of inscriptions in the campus.

Sudha Murthy mam made some renovations but the local people are not maintaining it. Even the temple is not swept properly. Gram panchayat is waste there. No place nearby to buy coconut, flowers for God. We have to go to market for that. This temple has history but nothing is taken care of. No place to sit for visitors

Worth to visit. Lord Shiva riding bull and Gowri Maatha sat behind him in riding position. Unique temple in Laxmeshwar, Karnataka state.

Temple restored by Infosys foundation. Many stone sculptures lying around. Carvings are great. There is huge well next to temple. KSTDC make honest efforts to attract more tourist. Currently it's more like pilgrimage destination for local people.

Those with architectural interest, have a flair to know more about history this a must hold a place in their itinerary. Temple that was built during the 6th century stands as a testimonial proving engineering skills and flawless execution. Historians say this temple was raided initially by the Muslim dynasty and destroyed the artefacts. It further lost glory due to the apathy of politicians and misuse of commoners around led to the dilapidation of this treasure. However, Mrs.Suda Murthay, from Infosys with her philanthropic act pumped in funds as restoration. The conservative efforts have been fruitful though few damages cannot alter the wrongdoings.

The most important monument at Lakshemshwar is the Someshwara temple complex (11th century). The temple complex with three main entrances is surrounded by high walls look like a fort. It is a splendid specimen of Chalukya architecture. In middle of the temple complex, there is a Someshwara temple, surrounded by many small temples mainly dedicated to Shiva, along the compound wall, built with granite, some halls in the complex meant for resting devotees.

Very quiet and clean place. Maintained well very tidy. Refreshed feeling

11th century temple situated in the heart of Laksmeshwar. The beauty of this temple is it is being restored and still open for public. Restoration done by Infosys foundation. Recommended.

Very calm and nice garden maintenance 🙏

This is the place where I spent my childhood. It has a great historical importance. Must visit place.

Need to maintained But nice garden view

It has an elegant piece of history. A temple complex that is a public place also. Very much approachable from the Bus station.

Shree someswara temple @Laxmeswara Gadag district One of the ancient temple very well structured in chalukya style Shree Pravathi Parameswara nandi idols there in Garbhagudi Near so many devotional places are there Visit with family and friends 😊

Calm environment and one of the historical place😊

Shree Someshwar temple is oldest Shiva temple in township, but this temple quite special that other shiva temples around because here in this temple idle Shiva and paarvati are on Nandi, the temple architecture is so beautiful but most of carvings outside temple are damaged, turned pillars are highlight.

Good place , It has been renewed now,

Well Maintained. It appears this is the only temple where Lord Shiva with his consort Parvathidevi sitting on Nandi his vahana in South India. Since Lord Shiva is decorated with ornaments, devotees cannot view the original sculpture. They have kept a mirror back of the sculpture so that one can see Parvathidevi. The sculpture was brought from Saurashtra and installed during 6th century by a devote as per the information given by the archaeology department.

Very beautiful someshwara temple in Laxmeshwar

One star less just because South entrance of the temple has not been reconstructed. If that is done everything will be fine.

Excellent old temple. Very beautiful

The temple was built by the Chalukyas during the 12th century and a token of their devotion to Lord Shiva. The temple's hall, navaranga, entrance porch or mukha mantapa has beautiful stone carvings.

Very Beautiful Temple of Shiva Parvati on Nandi, renovated by smt Sudha Murthi of infosis. Temple built in Chalukya period.

Shrine dedicated to lord someshwar an incarnation of lord Shiva located in laxmeshwar town One of oldest temple complex is said to be built by the jakanachri the renowned builder in ancient times with outstanding art works with stone and it's restored recently by infosys foundation

Ancient someshwara temple. Peaceful place. Idol of God is unique.