Kampli Sri Someshwara Temple is located at Kampli , Bellary, Karnataka. The shrine is dedicated to Mahadeva Shiva in Someshwara form. The idol or the deity worshipped in the temple is believed to have existed before 13th century CE. The shrine gained prominence during the rule of Veera Kampilaraya (1300–1327 CE).
Rare Idol Worshipped In Kampli Sri Someshwara Temple
The Someshwara idol in the sanctum sanctorum is a rare sculpture from the post-Vijayanagara period. This 8-foot-tall idol is decorated with a Kirthimukha motif. The jata makuta (matted hair crown) contains delicate carvings of a serpent, the sun, the moon, and the Ganga. The four hands hold a trident, sword, damaru (drum), and bowl respectively.
The deity is the family deity of Singeya Nayaka’s lineage. Someshwara deity of Kampli is depicted holding a sword in a fierce and wrathful posture suggesting he was worshipped mainly for military conquests.
Located on the banks of a lake in the heart of Kampli town, the historic Somappa (Someshwara) temple faces east and the current temple has a history of nearly 900 years.
The Someshwara Temple holds deep historical and spiritual significance, and is also tied closely to the legendary figures of Kumara Rama and the founding of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Divine Guardianship and Royal Devotion
The deity Someshwara, enshrined within the temple, served as the personal house god (family deity) of the legendary warrior Gandugali Kumara Rama. According to historical lore, neither Kumara Rama nor his father, King Kampila Raya, would ever embark on an important task or battle without first seeking the darshan (blessings) of Lord Someshwara. Many historians even believe that the ultimate establishment of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire was a direct result of Someshwara’s divine grace.
The Miraculous Origin of the Temple
Local historical records, including the Daroji Kaifiyat, recount a miraculous story regarding how the temple came to be:
The Journey: A ruler named Sindhu Ballala Raya was traveling from the town of Kalyana, transporting a sacred idol of Bhagavan Mahadeva Someshwara in a wooden cart.
The Breakdown: He halted for a rest at the exact site where the temple stands today. After four days, as the caravan prepared to resume its journey, the cart's axle suddenly snapped, forcing Ballala Raya to delay his departure and spend another night at the spot.
The Divine Vision: That night, Bhagavan Mahadeva Someshwara appeared in the king's dream. The deity commanded him not to move the idol any further, ordering him instead to build a shrine right there.
Honoring this divine decree, Ballala Raya halted his journey, constructed the temple, and permanently installed the Someshwara idol on the site—a sequence of events confirmed by local historical references.
Periodic Renovations
The Someshwara Temple has undergone renovations from time to time. During the Nolamba period, the adhisthana (base structure) was built, while the wall sections, tower plasterwork, and interior portions of the temple date back to the 14th century CE. Records indicate that the temple was renovated twice during the post-Vijayanagara period and in later times.
In the vestibule in front of the sanctum, there is a damaged sculpture of Bhairava. This sculpture is believed to belong to the 12th–13th century, and locals refer to it as the idol of Kampilaraya. On the wall of the assembly hall (sabhamantapa), there is a hero stone (veeragallu), and on the outer wall there is a relief panel depicting a warrior fighting a tiger.
The vestibule, assembly hall, tower, and the southern outer wall of the temple have been modernized.
The annual Jathare festival is held in the month of April.