1200 yrs old ancient Shiva Temple in Bangalore | Halasuru Someshwara Temple | Maha Shivaratri 2023

Halasuru Someshwara Temple is one of the oldest temples of Chola age. Vijayanagara kings have made modifications, but major improvements were done by Kempegowda, (1513–1569), the founder of Bangalore.
‘Soma’ means ‘Moon’ and ‘Eshwara’ is Lord Shiva. Thus He who wears Moon as a decorative object on His head is Someshwara, which is another name of Lord Shiva.
Thus temple is an Ancient heritage site . The temple is a piece of the classic architecture of south India .


According to legendary stories Kempegowda was instructed by Someshwara to build a temple using hidden treasure, which he got and build this beautiful temple, that has many elements of Vijayanagara architecture. It is a square sanctum (garbhagriha) surrounded by a narrow passage connecting mantapa (hall). The walls of this hall are decorated with pilasters and sculptures in wall painting. The hall leads to an open mantapa having four large areas connecting four pillars. The eastern gopuram is an imitation of 16th century structure.
Tower or Rajagopura is tall. In its front stone pillar called ‘kambha or Nandi’ stands at the entrance gate. There are number of sculptured images of gods and goddesses selected from mythology on the tower. I could count 48 pillars with beautiful carvings of religious painting.
We find Navagraha stand (stand where nine planet- gods are installed) on north where 12 pillars symbolic of Sages are located. Two Dwarapalakas standing at the entrance look like cautioning you to be disciplined inside. Curiously interesting mythological episode is the sculpture of Ten-headed Ravana attempting to lift Kailasa Mountain. The figures of Goddess Durga slaying demon Mahishasura and images of Tamil Saints known as Nayanar sages, delineation of Girija Kalyana, being the popular episode of Lord Shiva’s wedding with Parvati, Seven legendary sages called ‘Saptarishis’ would attract the attention of the viewers. The sacred Kalyani (stone stepped water tank) in the temple precinct is said to be of 1200 years ancient.


In the wedding sequence Lord Brahma is the priest, Lord Vishnu, 7 Rishis, 12 Adityas and 11 Rudras are VVVIPs apart from King of Himalaya and his wife Menadevi performing kanyadana (giving bride in marriage ceremony). The most sacred Srichakra is kept in goddess Kamakshi shrine. We will have an opportunity to worship here other gods Bhimeswara, Nanjundeswara, Arunachaleswara and Chandramouleswara.

This temple has 63 Nayanmars statues and it has Nagapushpa lingam tree which is rare to see.
Ideal if you find a quiet spot to meditate, powerful energy, crowded on Mondays.


Location and Address
Ulsoor Road, Someshwarpura, Someshwara Temple Ulsoor Bangalore, Karnataka 560008
Someshwara Temple Open Timings
Someshwara Temple Halasuru is open on all days. Mornings – 6AM to 12.30PM. Evenings – 5.30PM to 9PM.
How to reach Someshwara Temple Ulsoor
Bangalore International airport is connected to all cities. The distance to Someshwara Temple Halasuru is 37km can be done in a taxi or local public transport.
So is the Bangalore City Junction Railway Station. This distance is 7.5km. You can reach the temple in a taxi or by local public transport.
There is a metro stop at Halasuru, you can avail that too.