Famous Temples in India

Architecture

Someshwara temple tower features several beautifully carved sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, 7 kalasa on it. The temple has a square sanctum (garbhagriha) which is surrounded by a narrow passageway, at the entrance to the sanctum is a huge Nandi (bull, Lord Shiva’s vehicle). It is made of brass and shines like gold. The entrance to the sanctum exhibits sculptures of two 'door keepers' (dvarapalakas) and there is koneru in this temple. The temple has beautifully carved pillars and produces music upon touch. The open mantapa consists of forty eight pillars with carvings of divinities in frieze. To the north is the navagraha temple with twelve pillars, each pillar representing a saint (rishi), All are in Vijayanagar Art style. The sanctum is connected to a closed mantapa (hall) whose walls are decorated with pilasters and sculptures in frieze. The closed mantapa is connected to a spacious open mantapa consisting of four large projecting 'bays' (area between four pillars). The pillars leading to the sanctum and those facing outward from the open mantapa are the standard Yali (mythical beast) pillars. The open mantapa consists of forty eight pillars with carvings of divinities in frieze.

Temple walls : The walls are sculpted with several images,sculptures that depict King Ravana lifting Mount Kailash in a bid to appease the god Shiva, Durga slaying Mahishasura (a demon), images of the Nayanmar saints (Tamil Shaivaite saints), depictions of the Girija Kalyana (marriage of Parvati to the god Shiva), the saptarishis (seven sages of Hindu lore).