History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Siddhesvara Temple, Haveri, Karnataka, India
The Siddhesvara temple also spelled as Siddheswara or Siddesvara is the fusion of art, religion and beauty, located in Haveri, Karnataka. The temple is located at the east end of the town. Haveri has many intricately designed architectural and sculptural monuments of the later Chalukya period. Haveri is derived from two kannada words Hawu and Kerry meaning place of snakes. Haveri is a well-known place in the country for its cardamom and byakdi red chilies. As per inscription evidence, the temple was built in the late 11th Century. It has 1300 stone carvings, which make it one of the most astounding beauties to the Indian Heritage. The temple has been constructed following the Chalukyas architectural style. The unique feature of the temple is that it is facing west instead of facing the rising sun in the east which is common in Chalukyan constructions. Currently temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva but it is said that many loose sculptures of deities that exist showcase that during different period several deities worshipped here. The Siddhesvara temple is locally called ‘Puradha Siddesvara’.
The temple stands on a sunken courtyard or prakhar slightly below road level. There are several stone steps at different levels leading to it. The temple has the main hall along with three mukha Mantapas, Antarala, navrang. The doorways of the temple have also been carved with some of the beautiful images. The entire basement of this temple has sunk by a few feet making it necessary to descend into the open Mantapa. The carvings confirmed that the region was under the rule of prominent dynasties like the Chalukyas, the rashtrakutas, the Hoysalas and the kadambas. The rulers of these dynasties left their impression on Haveri in the form of exquisitely designed temples that have stood testimony of time till date. There are statues and carvings of lions, Elephants, horses, warriors on the back of the horses, nymphs on the pillars as well as their octagonal bases. Within temple premise you can see the six hand sculpture where the two lower hands hold the Linga while the middle left hands holds the wheel. You can find several inscription on stone and beam dated back to 1087 and 1108.
The Mantapa in the temple contains sculptures of Uma Maheshwara, Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, The Surya, Naga – Nagini, Ganpati and Kartikeya. Shiva is depicted as having four arms holding damaru, trishul and the mala. The entrance has the carvings of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh with Shiva in the center. No regular pujas are held in the temple.
The best time to visit Siddheswar temple is in March and April, during festival Ugadi and on 1st November during Kannada Rajyotsav which are celebrated here with great joy.
How to Reach Siddheshwar Temple, Haveri, Historical and Religious Site, Karnataka, India
Siddheshwar temple is located in hearth of city Haveri. As Haveri is one of the important historical and religious site and district of Karnataka and home to several ancient temple. Thus, it is easily accessible via road, rail and air network. Haveri has major railway station from where you can get train to all major station of India. You can get government and private vehicle from nearby cities to reach here by road. The nearest airport from Aihole are Hubli Airport at 70 km and Belgaum Airport at 177 km. There are regular flights to Belgaum from all major cities in the country. Haveri is located at just 66 km from Hubli, 130 km from Shimoga, 160 km from Belgaum and 300 km from Mangalore.
