Karnataka   

Exquisite Dravidian architecture

SPLENDOUROUS: A view of the sprawling Kolaramma temple complex in Kolar.

Kolaramma temple, situated only a kilometre away from Kolar city, stands as another good example of the Dravidian style of architecture. A Centrally-protected monument, the temple attracts both devotees and connoisseurs of architecture. Devotees flock to the shrine on Tuesdays and Fridays for special pujas to the presiding deity Kolaramma. Another idol of Mookkanachchiyaramma is also worshipped at the temple. The king Rajaraja Chola of the Chola dynasty is believed to have built this beautiful temple in the 11th century. “Though Mahishamardhini is the main deity at the temple, people call her by the name Kolaramma,” Krishna, assistant superintendent (Archaeology) of the Archaeological Survey of India, Bangalore circle, told The Hindu. Kolaramma is also called Cheluramma. People also believe that the deity is an incarnation of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Though the temple is a simple structure in the shape of a mantapa, its entrance is very decorative. The temple complex is dotted with several stone inscriptions. There are about 30 such inscriptions in both Kannada and Tamil. “If the administration and the departments concerned take suitable measures, including proper publicity, the Kolaramma temple complex, along with the adjoining famous temple of Someshwara, could be made a tourist spot,” Vandana, a student of the Government College for Women, which is situated opposite the temple, said. In view of the growing demand among the public, the ASI took up cleaning and other maintenance work at the temple complex. Lime plastering of the walls of the prakara and cleaning of the bio-deteriorated area around the temple was carried out at a cost of Rs. 9,45,113 during 2006-07, sources revealed.

Vishwa Kundapura in Kolar

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