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Renovation work taken up by S.D.M. Dharmothana
Trust in the year 1991-93. This is one of the
best example for "Protection of Heritage
by the Scientists", as this ancient temple
of 12th century is situated inside the NAL campus
is now restored and well maintained by them.
Four inscriptions found near
the temple have already been published in Epigraphia
Carnatica, Vol. IX (verses 72 to 75 of Bangalore
Taluk). A fifth inscription was found in the Adhisthana,
of the temple during restoration. The earliest
of these inscriptions belongs to the period of
the Hoysala king Veera Ballala II (1173-1220).
The inscription now found refers to another Hoysala
king Veera Ramanatha Deva (1254-95), and can be
dated to 26 July 1295. Another inscription belongs
to the period of the Vijayanagara king Veera Hariappa
Wodeyar, and can be dated to 21 January 1381.
In these inscriptions the area in which the temple
is situated is called Velur in Turaivalinadu and
the diety is referred to as Sivanesvara Udaya
Nayanar According to experts, the Nandi and the
Shivalinga belong to the late Ganga/early Chola
period. A broken idol of Chandikeshwara at the
temple site is thought to belong to the Chola
period. Various niches around the temple, now
vacant, could at one time have housed images of
Gods like Surya, Vishnu, Durga and Ganesha. The
Shivalinga, characteristic of the period, has
a cubical bottom, an octoganal middle (under the
panjpeetha) and a cylindrical top worshipped as
Shiva. Experts are of the opinion that the main
temple must have been built in the 11th century,
and the navaranga constructed later during the
Vijayanagara period.
Condition of the Temple
The temple is of considerable architectural significance as it seems to belong to transition
phase and may even indicate Vijayanagar Style. Although the plinth (Adistana) does not
show the sophistication in moulding of vijayanagar period. The eave is unfinished, so far
as the ornamentation is concerned. Interesting is the axial strike is almost in one line
(sutra) with slight projection in the central bay on the northern & southern phasad.
The structure has sunk partly due to seepage of water & partly due to Jungle growth.
After part clearance of Jungle it has become possible to go round the temple.
The NAL authorities have agreed to get further clearance of debris and jungle growth around
the temple to a stretch of 60 ft and excavate to provide working space and expose the
plinth courses. The reconstructed portion in front is an eyesore.
After repairing the original temple, we may have to dismantle the reconstructed portion and
build to match the original. At this stage it is difficult to estimate the cost of repairs.
But a rough estimate can be made for dismantling and reconstruction of the veneer and roof.
If the inner phasad and core are intact all that could be necessary to reset
the dislodged stone and core water tightened. The present entrance on the
southern side is of reconstruction using original door jambs. The Lalata Bimba on
the Lintel is chipped off. The temple is in worship ownership of the temple lies with N.A.L.
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