Abalur was a large town in ancient period, is situated at a distance of 4
km from Hirekerur tq Haveri. From early times, it was known as a famous centre of
Jainism. However, its influence started waning from the 12th century A.D. When
a proponent of Shaivism named Ekantada Ramaiah stood up against the Jains, the
legend has it that, he cut off his own head during a religious disputation with
the Jains and was brought back to life by Lord Shiva himself. The incidence is
narrated by an inscription of 1200 A.D. found at the Someshwara temple.
The same inscription
mentions by name a few other Shivasharanas as well The Brahmeshwara
(Basaveshvara) and Someshwara temples earned glory on account of the miracle
performed by Ekantada Ramaiah. The Brahmeshwara temple is a simple stone
structure in the Chalukyan style. The stone inscription found on the right wall
of the Someshwara temple, records that subsequent to the above cited miracle, a
local officer named Sanka Gavunda offered armed resistance against the breaking
up of the Basadi but was thwarted. Thereafter, Ekantada Ramaiah is said to have
restored the structure and converted it into a Shaiva temple. This incident is
depicted through sculptures.
The Someshwara temple
at Abalur is a triple-shrine (trikutachala) structure. The Garbhagriha, Ardhamantapa
and parts of Navaranga of this temple are believed to have been constructed by
Ekantada Ramaiah, while the other parts of the temple, including the two other Garbhagrihas,
appear to have been subsequent additions. There is a common Antarala immediately
adjoining the three Garbhagrihas, and there is an open ardhamantapa and a mukhamantapa
in the front having Kakshasana.
The miracles said
to have been performed by Ekantada Ramaiah are seen carved on the walls of the
temple along with labelled inscriptions furnishing their details. On the right
portion of the gateway is a sculpture showing Sankagavunda handing over a
document to Ekantada Ramaiah and another sculpture depicting the breaking up of
the Jina image and the consecration of the Shivalinga by the latter.
Other prominent
early sculptures show Shiva receiving a piece of cloth from the hands of Jedara
Dasimaiah, Shiva performing a dance before potter Gundaiah, and Siriyala. These
are believed to be some of the most ancient sculptures of Shivasharanas and epigraphically
references about this legend has it that the celebrated poet-philosopher
Sarvajna resided at Abalur.
Basaveshvara Tmple (Brahmeshwara) and Sarasvathi tmple, Abalur.
Another famous typical
Trikuta Brahmeshwara temple is situated near bus stand, the grand idol of Nandi
in the Brahmeshwara temple was originally known as Abaluru Basavanna. A fair
called Basavanna jatra is held annually. The interior is equality beautiful;
there are three Garbhagrihas at the west, south and north with a common
Navaranga.
The doorways of Garbhagrihas
are delicately carved. The Navaranga has beautifully carved Brahma, Durga and
Gansha idols.The three Garbhagrihas had Shiva, Vishnu and Surya sculptures of
excellent craftsmanship. A magnificent two-armed idol of Surya is found behind
this big Basavanna sculpture.
Besides
there is a Saraswathi temple adjacent to this Brahmeshwara temple.
