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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}}
{{multiple image|perrow=2|total_width=400|caption_align=center
| title = Siddhesvara Temple
| image1 = Vesara style shrine and vimana (tower) in Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.jpg|caption1=''Vimana'' (Shrine and superstructure) at the Siddhesvara temple, Haveri.
| image2 = Siddhesvara temple with staggered square mantapa plan at Haveri.jpg|caption2=Siddheshvara Temple at [[Haveri]], a staggered square plan with ''dravida'' articulation and superstructure, late 11th century CE.
}}{{Cleanup lang|article|date=August 2021}}
The '''Siddhesvara Temple''' (also spelt '''Siddheshvara''' or '''Siddheshwara''' and locally called ''Purada Siddeshwara'' ) is located in the town of [[Haveri]] in [[Haveri district]], [[Karnataka]] state, India. It is considered an ornate example of 12th century [[Western Chalukya architecture|Western Chalukyan art]] and is well known for the many loose sculptures of Hindu deities that exist in it.<ref name="uma">{{Cite journal|title=Sculptures from the Later Calukyan Temple at Haveri|jstor=3249429|author=Rao, Nagaraja M.S.|journal=Artibus Asiae |volume=31 |issue=2/3 |year=1969 |pages=167–178}}</ref> However, [[epigraphy|inscriptional]] evidence would suggest that the initial consecration of the temple was in late 11th century.<ref name="cons">Foekema (2003), p. 56</ref> An interesting aspect about the temple is that it faces west, instead of facing the rising sun in the east–a standard in Chalukyan constructions.<ref name="east">Cousens (1926), p. 85</ref> Though it is currently used as a [[Shaiva]] temple dedicated to God [[Shiva]], historians are unsure by which faith or sect the temple was originally consecrated and to which deity.<ref name="east"/> This uncertainty perhaps stems from the many loose sculptures of deities that exist and the degradation of primary wall images.<ref name="east"/>

==Temple plan==
[[File:Profile of the vimana (sanctum outerwall and tower) of the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri 2.JPG|thumb|right|upright|Profile of shrine outer wall and ''dravida'' style superstructure (''[[shikhara]]'') at Siddhesvara temple]]
[[File:Wall sculpture on pilasters in Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Wall sculpture in [[relief]] includes [[aedicule]]s on pilasters and ''[[Kirtimukha]]s'']]
The Siddheshvara temple, which is built of [[soapstone]],<ref name="soap">Foekema (2003), p. 55</ref> is located at the east end of the town. From inscriptions, Haveri was originally called Nalapuri and was one of the oldest ''agraharas'' (place of learning) in modern Karnataka.<ref name="uma"/> An inscription dated 1067 CE in the town mentions the grant of the village to 400 [[Brahmin]]s.<ref name="linga"/> The temple bears close resemblance to a few other Chalukyan temples in the vicinity of Haveri; the Mukteshvara temple at Chavudayyadanapura, the Someshvara temple at Haralahalli and the Siddharameshvara temple at Niralgi. The entire basement of this temple has sunk by a few feet, making it necessary to descend into the open ''[[mantapa]]'' (hall).<ref name="east"/>
[[File:Sculpture at Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.JPG|thumb|right|upright|A medieval figure sculpture at the Siddheshvara Temple]]
The temple may have been consecrated initially as a [[Vaishnava]] temple (to the God Vishnu), later taken over by [[Jain]]s who may have removed some images from the temple and eventually become a Shaiva temple after coming under the procession of the worshippers of God Shiva.<ref name="multi">Cousens (1926), p. 85</ref> This conclusion is drawn because the image of the [[Sun God]] [[Surya]] exists below the little ''[[Kirtimukha]]s'' (gargoyle faces) on the eastern wall (back wall) of the temple, though, an image of Shiva, sculpted out of an independent slab of stone and mounted in front of the ''[[Shikhara]]'' (superstructure) above the ''mantapa'' roof, would suggest otherwise.<ref name="east"/> Overall, the temple plan bears all the hallmarks of a standard 11th century Chalukyan construction with ''[[Dravidian architecture|dravida]]'' architectural [[articulation (architecture)|articulation]] to which some innovative 12th century elements such as [[aedicule]]s, miniature decorative towers on [[pilaster]]s, were added.<ref name="add">Foekema (2003), p. 56–57</ref>

==Sculptures==
[[File:Kirtimukha relief between half pilasters in the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.JPG|thumb|right|upright|''Kirtimukha'' at the Siddheshvara temple]]
[[File:Open mantapa facing sanctum in the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Open mantapa with bay ceiling supported by lathe turned pillars made of [[soap stone]] facing the sanctum in the Siddheshvara temple at Haveri]]
[[File:Herostone in Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri.jpg|thumb|right|upright|A [[Hero stone]] from the Chalukya period]]
The ''mantapa'' (hall) in the temple contains sculptures of ''Uma Maheshvara'' (Shiva with his consort [[Parvati|Uma]]), Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, the Sun God [[Surya]], [[Nāga]]-[[Nāginī|Nagini]] (the male and female snake goddess), [[Ganapati]] and [[Kartikeya]], the sons of Shiva. Shiva is depicted with four arms, holding his attributes: the ''damaru'' (drum), the ''aksamala'' (chain of beads) and the ''[[trishul (weapon)|trishul]]'' (trident) in three arms. His lower left arm rests on Uma, who is seated on Shiva's lap, embracing him with her right arm while gazing into his face. The sculpture of Uma is well decorated with garlands, large earrings and curly hair.<ref name="uma"/> The Naga and Nagini, with their tails intertwined, appear on the side of the door to the vestibule (antechamber) along with an image of [[Parvati]]. A niche depicts a curious male figure with six hands, the two lower hands each hold a ''[[linga]]'' (the symbol of Shiva) and the middle left hand holds a ''[[chakra]]'' (wheel).<ref name="east"/>

The architrave above the vestibule entrance bears images of [[Brahma]], [[Shiva]] and [[Vishnu]], with Shiva in the centre. [[Ganapati]] and [[Kartikeya]] flank Brahma and Vishnu. On either side of the doorway is a perforated stone worked window, and the main shrine (''[[garbhagriha]]'' or cella) has a plain ''[[linga]]'' (the symbol of Shiva). Some ceiling panels contain images of the ''[[saptamatrika]]'' ("seven mothers") while a square column contains images of the ''[[ashtadikpala]]s'' ("eight guardians") along with the Hindu ''[[trimurthy]]'' ("three forms") and Surya.<ref name="linga">Cousens (1926), p. 86</ref> The ''saptamatrikas'' are also carved into the wall of a [[step well]] outside.<ref name="body">Cousens (1926), p. 87</ref> The ''saptamatrika'' sculptures on [[frieze]]s has the female deities, generally each with a child on the lap to denote motherhood and are identified by the ''[[vahana]]'' (vehicle) of their male counterpart, found under them. At one end of the frieze is Shiva and at the other is Ganapati. Next to Shiva are the [[Matrika]] ("mother") goddesses: Brahmi (or Brahmani), Brahma's consort, with a goose; Maheshvari, the consort of Shiva has a [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]] (bull); Vaishnavi, the consort of Vishnu has a [[Garuda]] (eagle); Kaumari, the consort of Kartikeya has a peacock; Varahi, the consort of [[Varaha]], has a buffalo (instead of a boar); [[Sachi|Indrani]], the consort of Indra, has an elephant; and the last "mother" could be a skeletal image of [[Chamunda]] with a dog or could be a dead body.<ref name="body">Cousens (1926), p. 87</ref> Other loose sculptures in niches worthy of mention are those of Surya canopied by a seven hooded snake, and the [[Mahishasuramardini]] (a form of Durga). Within the temple premises are several old-[[Kannada]] inscriptions recording grants, the earliest of which is inscribed on a beam inside the temple and is dated to 1087 CE while another stone inscription (''shilashasana'') dated to 1108 CE stands outside.<ref name="linga"/>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Outerwall decorative relief in the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.JPG|Outerwall decorative relief in the Siddheshvara temple at Haveri
File:Profile of shrine and mantapa in Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.jpg|Lateral view of the Siddheshvara temple at Haveri
File:Kirthimukha sculpture in Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri.jpg|Kirthimukha sculpture in Siddheshvara Temple at Haveri
File:Kirtimukha relief on outerwall of Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.JPG|Kirtimukha relief on outerwall of Siddheshvara temple at Haveri
File:Old Kannada inscription (13th century) ascribed to the Seuna Yadava kingdom on pillar base in the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.JPG|Old Kannada inscription (13th century) of the Seuna Yadava kingdom on pillar base in the Siddheshvara temple at Haveri
File:Old Kannada inscription (13th century) on pillar base ascribed to the Seuna Yadava kingdom in the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri 2.JPG|Old Kannada inscription (13th century) of the Seuna Yadava kingdom on pillar base in the Siddheshvara temple at Haveri
File:Old Kannada inscription (13th century) on pillar base ascribed to the Seuna Yadavas in the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri 1.JPG|Old Kannada inscription (13th century) of the Seuna Yadava kingdom on pillar base in the Siddheshvara temple at Haveri

</gallery>

==Notes==
{{Reflist|1}}

==References==
{{commons category}}
* {{cite book|author=Cousens, Henry|title= The Chalukyan Architecture of Kanarese Districts|orig-year= 1926|year= 1996|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India |location= New Delhi|oclc = 37526233}}
* {{cite book |last=Foekema|first=Gerard |title= Architecture decorated with architecture: Later medieval temples of Karnataka, 1000–1300 AD|orig-year=2003|year=2003|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd|location= New Delhi|isbn= 81-215-1089-9}}
* {{Cite journal|title=Sculptures from the Later Calukyan Temple at Haveri|jstor=3249429|author=Rao, Nagaraja M.S.|journal=Artibus Asiae |volume=31 |issue=2/3 |year=1969 |pages=167–178}}

{{coord|14|47|26|N|75|24|39|E|display=title}}

{{Hindu temples in Karnataka}}

[[Category:12th-century Hindu temples]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Haveri district]]
[[Category:Chalukya dynasty]]
[[Category:Western Chalukya Empire]]
[[Category:Shiva temples in Karnataka]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:42, 16 February 2026
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			{{Short description\|Temple in Karnataka, India}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=August 2019}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=August 2019}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=August 2019}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=August 2019}}
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	\| image2 = Siddhesvara temple with staggered square mantapa plan at Haveri.jpg\|caption2=Siddheshvara Temple at [[Haveri]], a staggered square plan with ''dravida'' articulation and superstructure, late 11th century CE.		\| image2 = Siddhesvara temple with staggered square mantapa plan at Haveri.jpg\|caption2=Siddheshvara Temple at [[Haveri]], a staggered square plan with ''dravida'' articulation and superstructure, late 11th century CE.
	}}		}}
	The '''Siddhesvara Temple''' (also spelt '''Siddheshvara''' or '''Siddheshwara''' and locally called ''Purada Siddeshwara'' ) is located in ~~the town of~~ [[Haveri]] in [[Haveri district]], [[Karnataka]] state, India. It is considered an ornate example of 12th century [[Western Chalukya architecture\|Western Chalukyan art]] and is well known for the many loose sculptures of Hindu deities that exist in it.<ref name="uma">{{Cite journal\|title=Sculptures from the Later Calukyan Temple at Haveri\|jstor=3249429\|author=Rao, Nagaraja M.S.\|journal=Artibus Asiae \|volume=31 \|issue=2/3 \|year=1969 \|pages=167–178}}</ref> However, [[~~epigraphy~~\|inscriptional]] evidence would suggest that the initial consecration of the temple was in late 11th century.<ref name="cons">Foekema (2003), p. 56</ref> An ~~interesting~~ aspect ~~about~~ the temple is that it faces west, instead of facing the rising sun in the ~~east–a~~ standard in Chalukyan constructions.<ref name="east">Cousens (1926), p. 85</ref> Though it is currently used as a [[Shaiva]] temple dedicated to God [[Shiva]], historians are unsure by which faith or sect the temple was ~~originally~~ consecrated and to which deity.<ref name="east"/> This uncertainty perhaps stems from the many loose sculptures of deities ~~that exist~~ and the degradation of primary wall images.<ref name="east"/>		The '''Siddhesvara Temple''' (also spelt '''Siddheshvara''' or '''Siddheshwara''' and locally called ''Purada Siddeshwara'' ) is located in [[Haveri]] in [[Haveri district]], [[Karnataka]] state, India. It is considered an ornate example of 12th-century [[Western Chalukya architecture\|Western Chalukyan art]] and is well known for the many loose sculptures of Hindu deities that exist in it.<ref name="uma">{{Cite journal\|title=Sculptures from the Later Calukyan Temple at Haveri\|jstor=3249429\|author=Rao, Nagaraja M.S.\|journal=Artibus Asiae \|volume=31 \|issue=2/3 \|year=1969 \|pages=167–178\|doi=10.2307/3249429 }}</ref> However, [[Epigraphy\|inscriptional]] evidence would suggest that the initial consecration of the temple was in the late 11th century.<ref name="cons">Foekema (2003), p. 56</ref> An exciting aspect of the temple is that it faces west instead of facing the rising sun in the east–a standard in Chalukyan constructions.<ref name="east">Cousens (1926), p. 85</ref> Though it is currently used as a [[Shaiva]] temple dedicated to God [[Shiva]], historians are unsure by which faith or sect the temple was consecrated initially and to which deity.<ref name="east"/> Many people visit the temple for their spiritual beliefs, while evidence about temple visits can be found in Gita chapter 17, verse 23, which says otherwise. Most of the Lord Shiva sculptures are observed to be of him meditating. There are claims that he meditates on himself, whereas some proof can be found in [[Devi-Bhagavata Purana]] that Lord Shiva meditates for some other God. This uncertainty perhaps stems from the many loose sculptures of deities and the degradation of primary wall images.<ref name="east"/>

	==Temple plan==		==Temple plan==
	[[File:Profile of the vimana (sanctum outerwall and tower) of the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri 2.JPG\|thumb\|right\|upright\|Profile of shrine outer wall and ''dravida'' style superstructure (''[[shikhara]]'') at Siddhesvara temple]]		[[File:Profile of the vimana (sanctum outerwall and tower) of the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri 2.JPG\|thumb\|right\|upright\|Profile of shrine outer wall and ''dravida'' style superstructure (''[[shikhara]]'') at Siddhesvara temple]]
	[[File:Wall sculpture on pilasters in Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri.jpg\|thumb\|left\|upright\|Wall sculpture in [[relief]] includes [[aedicule]]s on pilasters and ''[[Kirtimukha]]s'']]		[[File:Wall sculpture on pilasters in Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri.jpg\|thumb\|left\|upright\|Wall sculpture in [[relief]] includes [[aedicule]]s on pilasters and ''[[Kirtimukha]]s'']]
	The Siddheshvara temple, ~~which is~~ built of [[soapstone]],<ref name="soap">Foekema (2003), p. 55</ref> is located at the east end of the town. From inscriptions, Haveri was originally called Nalapuri and was one of the oldest ''agraharas'' (place of learning) in modern Karnataka.<ref name="uma"/> ~~An inscription~~ dated 1067 CE in the town mentions the grant ~~of the village~~ to 400~~ ~~[[Brahmin]]s.<ref name="linga"/> The temple ~~bears close resemblance to~~ a few other Chalukyan temples in the vicinity of Haveri; the Mukteshvara temple at Chavudayyadanapura, the Someshwar temple at Haralahalli and the Siddharameshvara temple at Niralgi. The entire basement of this temple has sunk by a few feet, making it necessary to descend into the open ''[[mantapa]]'' (hall).<ref name="east"/>		The Siddheshvara temple, built of [[soapstone]],<ref name="soap">Foekema (2003), p. 55</ref> is located at the east end of the town. From inscriptions, Haveri was originally called Nalapuri and was one of the oldest ''agraharas'' (a place of learning) in modern Karnataka.<ref name="uma"/> A memorandum dated 1067 CE in the town mentions the village's grant to 400 [[Brahmin\|Brahmins]].<ref name="linga">Cousens (1926), p. 86</ref> The temple closely resembles a few other Chalukyan temples in the vicinity of Haveri; the Mukteshvara temple at Chavudayyadanapura, the Someshwar temple at Haralahalli and the Siddharameshvara temple at Niralgi. The entire basement of this temple has sunk by a few feet, making it necessary to descend into the open ''[[mantapa]]'' (hall).<ref name="east"/>
	[[File:Sculpture at Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.JPG\|thumb\|right\|upright\|A medieval figure sculpture at the Siddheshvara Temple]]		[[File:Sculpture at Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.JPG\|thumb\|right\|upright\|A medieval figure sculpture at the Siddheshvara Temple]]
	The temple may have been consecrated initially as a [[Vaishnava]] temple (to the God Vishnu), later taken over by [[Jain]]s who may have removed some images from the temple and eventually ~~become~~ a Shaiva temple after coming under the procession of the worshippers of God Shiva.<ref name="multi">Cousens (1926), p. 85</ref> This conclusion is drawn because the image of the [[Sun God]] [[Surya]] exists below the little ''[[Kirtimukha]]~~s''~~ (gargoyle faces) on the eastern wall (back wall) ~~of the temple~~, ~~though, an image~~ of Shiva, sculpted out of an independent slab of stone and mounted in front of the ''[[Shikhara]]'' (superstructure) above the ''mantapa'' roof, would suggest otherwise.<ref name="east"/> Overall, the temple plan bears all the hallmarks of a standard 11th century Chalukyan construction with ''[[Dravidian architecture\|~~dravida~~]]'' architectural [[~~articulation~~ (architecture)\|articulation]] to which some innovative 12th century elements such as [[~~aedicule~~]]s, miniature decorative towers on [[~~pilaster~~]]s, were added.<ref name="add">Foekema (2003), p. 56–57</ref>		The temple may have been consecrated initially as a [[Vaishnava]] temple (to the God Vishnu), later taken over by [[Jain\|Jains]] who may have removed some images from the temple and eventually became a Shaiva temple after coming under the procession of the worshippers of God Shiva.<ref name="multi">Cousens (1926), p. 85</ref> This conclusion is drawn because the image of the [[Sun God]] [[Surya]] exists below the little [[Kirtimukha\|''Kirtimukhas'']] (gargoyle faces) on the temple's eastern wall (back wall). However, a picture of Shiva, sculpted out of an independent slab of stone and mounted in front of the ''[[Shikhara]]'' (superstructure) above the ''mantapa'' roof, would suggest otherwise.<ref name="east"/> Overall, the temple plan bears all the hallmarks of a standard 11th-century Chalukyan construction with [[Dravidian architecture\|''Dravida'']] architectural [[Articulation (architecture)\|articulation]] to which some innovative 12th-century elements, such as [[Aedicule\|aedicules]], and miniature decorative towers on [[Pilaster\|pilasters]], were added.<ref name="add">Foekema (2003), p. 56–57</ref>

	==Sculptures==		==Sculptures==
Line 20:		Line 21:
	[[File:Open mantapa facing sanctum in the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.jpg\|thumb\|upright\|left\|Open mantapa with bay ceiling supported by lathe turned pillars made of [[soap stone]] facing the sanctum in the Siddheshvara temple at Haveri]]		[[File:Open mantapa facing sanctum in the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.jpg\|thumb\|upright\|left\|Open mantapa with bay ceiling supported by lathe turned pillars made of [[soap stone]] facing the sanctum in the Siddheshvara temple at Haveri]]
	[[File:Herostone in Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri.jpg\|thumb\|right\|upright\|A [[Hero stone]] from the Chalukya period]]		[[File:Herostone in Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri.jpg\|thumb\|right\|upright\|A [[Hero stone]] from the Chalukya period]]
	The ''mantapa'' (hall) in the temple contains sculptures of ''Uma Maheshvara'' (Shiva with his consort [[Parvati\|Uma]]), Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, the Sun God [[Surya]], [[Nāga]]-[[Nāginī\|Nagini]] (the male and female snake goddess), [[Ganapati]] and [[Kartikeya]], the sons of Shiva. Shiva is depicted with four arms, holding his attributes: the ''damaru'' (drum), the ''aksamala'' (chain of beads) and the ''[[~~trishul~~ (weapon)\|~~trishul~~]]'' (trident) in three arms. His lower left arm rests on Uma, who is seated on Shiva's lap, embracing him with her right arm while gazing into his face. The sculpture of Uma is well decorated with garlands, large earrings and curly hair.<ref name="uma"/> ~~The Naga and Nagini, with~~ their tails intertwined, appear on the side of the door to the vestibule (antechamber) along with an image of [[Parvati]]. A niche depicts a curious male figure with six hands~~, the~~ two lower hands ~~each~~ hold a ''[[linga]]'' (the symbol of Shiva) and the middle left ~~hand holds~~ a ''[[chakra]]'' (wheel).<ref name="east"/>		The ''mantapa'' (hall) in the temple contains sculptures of ''[[Uma–Maheshvara\|Uma Maheshvara]]'' (Shiva with his consort [[Parvati\|Uma]]), Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, the Sun God [[Surya]], [[Nāga]]-[[Nāginī\|Nagini]] (the male and female snake goddess), [[Ganapati]] and [[Kartikeya]], the sons of Shiva. Shiva is depicted with four arms, holding his attributes: the ''damaru'' (drum), the ''aksamala'' (chain of beads) and the [[Trishul (weapon)\|''Trishul'']] (trident) in three arms. His lower left arm rests on Uma, who is seated on Shiva's lap, embracing him with her right arm while gazing into his face. The sculpture of Uma is well decorated with garlands, large earrings and curly hair.<ref name="uma"/> With their tails intertwined, the Naga and Nagini appear on the side of the door to the vestibule (antechamber), along with an image of [[Parvati]]. A niche depicts a curious male figure with six hands. The two lower hands hold a ''[[linga]]'' (the symbol of Shiva), and the middle left has a ''[[chakra]]'' (wheel).<ref name="east"/>

	The architrave above the vestibule entrance bears images of [[Brahma]], [[Shiva]] and [[Vishnu]], with Shiva in the centre. [[Ganapati]] and [[Kartikeya]] flank Brahma and Vishnu. On either side of the doorway is a perforated stone worked window, and the main shrine (''[[garbhagriha]]'' or cella) has a plain ''[[linga]]'' (the symbol of Shiva). Some ceiling panels contain images of the ''[[saptamatrika]]'' ("seven mothers") while a square column ~~contains images~~ of the ''~~[[ashtadikpala~~]]~~s''~~ ("eight guardians") along with the Hindu ''[[trimurthy]]'' ("three forms") and Surya.<ref name="~~linga~~">Cousens (1926), p. 86</ref> The ''saptamatrikas'' are also carved into the wall of a [[step well]] outside.~~<ref name="body">Cousens (1926), p. 87</ref>~~ The ''saptamatrika'' sculptures on [[~~frieze~~]]~~s has the~~ female deities, generally each with a child on the lap to denote motherhood and are identified by the ''[[vahana]]'' (vehicle) of their male counterpart, found under them. At one end of the frieze is Shiva and at the other is Ganapati. Next to Shiva are the [[Matrika]] ("mother") goddesses: Brahmi (or Brahmani), Brahma's consort, with a goose; Maheshvari, the consort of Shiva has a [[Nandi (bull)\|Nandi]] (bull); Vaishnavi, the consort of Vishnu has a [[Garuda]] (eagle); Kaumari, the consort of Kartikeya has a peacock; Varahi, the consort of [[Varaha]], has a buffalo (instead of a boar); [[Sachi\|Indrani]], the consort of Indra, has an elephant; and the last "mother" could be a skeletal image of [[Chamunda]] with a dog or could be a dead body.<ref name="body">Cousens (1926), p. 87</ref> Other loose sculptures in niches worthy of mention are those of Surya canopied by a seven hooded snake, and the [[Mahishasuramardini]] (a form of Durga). Within the temple premises are several old-[[Kannada]] inscriptions recording grants, the earliest ~~of which is~~ inscribed on a beam inside the temple and is dated to 1087 CE while another stone inscription (''shilashasana'') dated to 1108 CE stands outside.<ref name="linga"/>		The architrave above the vestibule entrance bears images of [[Brahma]], [[Shiva]] and [[Vishnu]], with Shiva in the centre. [[Ganapati]] and [[Kartikeya]] flank Brahma and Vishnu. On either side of the doorway is a perforated stone worked window, and the main shrine (''[[garbhagriha]]'' or cella) has a plain ''[[linga]]'' (the symbol of Shiva). Some ceiling panels contain images of the ''[[saptamatrika]]'' ("seven mothers"), while a square column includes photos of the [[Ashtadikpala\|''ashtadikpalas'']] ("eight guardians") along with the Hindu ''[[trimurthy]]'' ("three forms") and Surya.<ref name="body">Cousens (1926), p. 87</ref> The ''saptamatrikas'' are also carved into the wall of a [[step well]] outside. The ''saptamatrika'' sculptures on [[Frieze\|friezes]] have female deities, generally, each with a child on the lap to denote motherhood and are identified by the ''[[vahana]]'' (vehicle) of their male counterpart found under them. At one end of the frieze is Shiva, and at the other is Ganapati. Next to Shiva are the [[Matrika]] ("mother") goddesses: Brahmi (or Brahmani), Brahma's consort, with a goose; Maheshvari, the consort of Shiva, has a [[Nandi (bull)\|Nandi]] (bull); Vaishnavi, the consort of Vishnu has a [[Garuda]] (eagle); Kaumari, the consort of Kartikeya has a peacock; Varahi, the consort of [[Varaha]], has a buffalo (instead of a boar); [[Sachi\|Indrani]], the consort of Indra, has an elephant; and the last "mother" could be a skeletal image of [[Chamunda]] with a dog or could be a dead body.<ref name="body">Cousens (1926), p. 87</ref> Other loose sculptures in niches worthy of mention are those of Surya, canopied by a seven-hooded snake, and the [[Mahishasuramardini]] (a form of Durga). Within the temple premises are several old-[[Kannada]] inscriptions recording grants, the earliest inscribed on a beam inside the temple and dated to 1087 CE, while another stone inscription (''shilashasana'') dated to 1108 CE stands outside.<ref name="linga"/>

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==
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	* {{cite book\|author=Cousens, Henry\|title= The Chalukyan Architecture of Kanarese Districts\|orig-year= 1926\|year= 1996\|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India \|location= New Delhi\|oclc = 37526233}}		* {{cite book\|author=Cousens, Henry\|title= The Chalukyan Architecture of Kanarese Districts\|orig-year= 1926\|year= 1996\|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India \|location= New Delhi\|oclc = 37526233}}
	* {{cite book \|last=Foekema\|first=Gerard \|title= Architecture decorated with architecture: Later medieval temples of Karnataka, 1000–1300 AD\|orig-year=2003\|year=2003\|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd\|location= New Delhi\|isbn= 81-215-1089-9}}		* {{cite book \|last=Foekema\|first=Gerard \|title= Architecture decorated with architecture: Later medieval temples of Karnataka, 1000–1300 AD\|orig-year=2003\|year=2003\|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd\|location= New Delhi\|isbn= 81-215-1089-9}}
	* {{Cite journal\|title=Sculptures from the Later Calukyan Temple at Haveri\|jstor=3249429\|author=Rao, Nagaraja M.S.\|journal=Artibus Asiae \|volume=31 \|issue=2/3 \|year=1969 \|pages=167–178}}		* {{Cite journal\|title=Sculptures from the Later Calukyan Temple at Haveri\|jstor=3249429\|author=Rao, Nagaraja M.S.\|journal=Artibus Asiae \|volume=31 \|issue=2/3 \|year=1969 \|pages=167–178\|doi=10.2307/3249429 }}

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	{{multiple image\|perrow=2\|total_width=400\|caption_align=center		{{multiple image\|perrow=2\|total_width=400\|caption_align=center
	\| title = Siddhesvara Temple		\| title = Siddhesvara Temple
	\| image1 = Vesara style shrine and vimana (tower) in Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.jpg\|caption1=''Vimana'' (Shrine and superstructure) at the Siddhesvara temple, Haveri.		\| image1 = Vesara style shrine and vimana (tower) in Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.jpg\|caption1=''Vimana'' (Shrine and superstructure) at the Siddhesvara temple, Haveri.
	\| image2 = Siddhesvara temple with staggered square mantapa plan at Haveri.jpg\|caption2=Siddheshvara Temple at [[Haveri]], a staggered square plan with ''dravida'' articulation and superstructure, late 11th century CE.		\| image2 = Siddhesvara temple with staggered square mantapa plan at Haveri.jpg\|caption2=Siddheshvara Temple at [[Haveri]], a staggered square plan with ''dravida'' articulation and superstructure, late 11th century CE.
	~~}}{{Cleanup lang\|article\|date=August 2021~~}}		}}
	The '''Siddhesvara Temple''' (also spelt '''Siddheshvara''' or '''Siddheshwara''' and locally called ''Purada Siddeshwara'' ) is located in the town of [[Haveri]] in [[Haveri district]], [[Karnataka]] state, India. It is considered an ornate example of 12th century [[Western Chalukya architecture\|Western Chalukyan art]] and is well known for the many loose sculptures of Hindu deities that exist in it.<ref name="uma">{{Cite journal\|title=Sculptures from the Later Calukyan Temple at Haveri\|jstor=3249429\|author=Rao, Nagaraja M.S.\|journal=Artibus Asiae \|volume=31 \|issue=2/3 \|year=1969 \|pages=167–178}}</ref> However, [[epigraphy\|inscriptional]] evidence would suggest that the initial consecration of the temple was in late 11th century.<ref name="cons">Foekema (2003), p. 56</ref> An interesting aspect about the temple is that it faces west, instead of facing the rising sun in the east–a standard in Chalukyan constructions.<ref name="east">Cousens (1926), p. 85</ref> Though it is currently used as a [[Shaiva]] temple dedicated to God [[Shiva]], historians are unsure by which faith or sect the temple was originally consecrated and to which deity.<ref name="east"/> This uncertainty perhaps stems from the many loose sculptures of deities that exist and the degradation of primary wall images.<ref name="east"/>		The '''Siddhesvara Temple''' (also spelt '''Siddheshvara''' or '''Siddheshwara''' and locally called ''Purada Siddeshwara'' ) is located in the town of [[Haveri]] in [[Haveri district]], [[Karnataka]] state, India. It is considered an ornate example of 12th century [[Western Chalukya architecture\|Western Chalukyan art]] and is well known for the many loose sculptures of Hindu deities that exist in it.<ref name="uma">{{Cite journal\|title=Sculptures from the Later Calukyan Temple at Haveri\|jstor=3249429\|author=Rao, Nagaraja M.S.\|journal=Artibus Asiae \|volume=31 \|issue=2/3 \|year=1969 \|pages=167–178}}</ref> However, [[epigraphy\|inscriptional]] evidence would suggest that the initial consecration of the temple was in late 11th century.<ref name="cons">Foekema (2003), p. 56</ref> An interesting aspect about the temple is that it faces west, instead of facing the rising sun in the east–a standard in Chalukyan constructions.<ref name="east">Cousens (1926), p. 85</ref> Though it is currently used as a [[Shaiva]] temple dedicated to God [[Shiva]], historians are unsure by which faith or sect the temple was originally consecrated and to which deity.<ref name="east"/> This uncertainty perhaps stems from the many loose sculptures of deities that exist and the degradation of primary wall images.<ref name="east"/>

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	[[File:Profile of the vimana (sanctum outerwall and tower) of the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri 2.JPG\|thumb\|right\|upright\|Profile of shrine outer wall and ''dravida'' style superstructure (''[[shikhara]]'') at Siddhesvara temple]]		[[File:Profile of the vimana (sanctum outerwall and tower) of the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri 2.JPG\|thumb\|right\|upright\|Profile of shrine outer wall and ''dravida'' style superstructure (''[[shikhara]]'') at Siddhesvara temple]]
	[[File:Wall sculpture on pilasters in Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri.jpg\|thumb\|left\|upright\|Wall sculpture in [[relief]] includes [[aedicule]]s on pilasters and ''[[Kirtimukha]]s'']]		[[File:Wall sculpture on pilasters in Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri.jpg\|thumb\|left\|upright\|Wall sculpture in [[relief]] includes [[aedicule]]s on pilasters and ''[[Kirtimukha]]s'']]
	The Siddheshvara temple, which is built of [[soapstone]],<ref name="soap">Foekema (2003), p. 55</ref> is located at the east end of the town. From inscriptions, Haveri was originally called Nalapuri and was one of the oldest ''agraharas'' (place of learning) in modern Karnataka.<ref name="uma"/> An inscription dated 1067 CE in the town mentions the grant of the village to 400 [[Brahmin]]s.<ref name="linga"/> The temple bears close resemblance to a few other Chalukyan temples in the vicinity of Haveri; the Mukteshvara temple at Chavudayyadanapura, the ~~Someshvara~~ temple at Haralahalli and the Siddharameshvara temple at Niralgi. The entire basement of this temple has sunk by a few feet, making it necessary to descend into the open ''[[mantapa]]'' (hall).<ref name="east"/>		The Siddheshvara temple, which is built of [[soapstone]],<ref name="soap">Foekema (2003), p. 55</ref> is located at the east end of the town. From inscriptions, Haveri was originally called Nalapuri and was one of the oldest ''agraharas'' (place of learning) in modern Karnataka.<ref name="uma"/> An inscription dated 1067 CE in the town mentions the grant of the village to 400 [[Brahmin]]s.<ref name="linga"/> The temple bears close resemblance to a few other Chalukyan temples in the vicinity of Haveri; the Mukteshvara temple at Chavudayyadanapura, the Someshwar temple at Haralahalli and the Siddharameshvara temple at Niralgi. The entire basement of this temple has sunk by a few feet, making it necessary to descend into the open ''[[mantapa]]'' (hall).<ref name="east"/>
	[[File:Sculpture at Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.JPG\|thumb\|right\|upright\|A medieval figure sculpture at the Siddheshvara Temple]]		[[File:Sculpture at Siddhesvara temple at Haveri.JPG\|thumb\|right\|upright\|A medieval figure sculpture at the Siddheshvara Temple]]
	The temple may have been consecrated initially as a [[Vaishnava]] temple (to the God Vishnu), later taken over by [[Jain]]s who may have removed some images from the temple and eventually become a Shaiva temple after coming under the procession of the worshippers of God Shiva.<ref name="multi">Cousens (1926), p. 85</ref> This conclusion is drawn because the image of the [[Sun God]] [[Surya]] exists below the little ''[[Kirtimukha]]s'' (gargoyle faces) on the eastern wall (back wall) of the temple, though, an image of Shiva, sculpted out of an independent slab of stone and mounted in front of the ''[[Shikhara]]'' (superstructure) above the ''mantapa'' roof, would suggest otherwise.<ref name="east"/> Overall, the temple plan bears all the hallmarks of a standard 11th century Chalukyan construction with ''[[Dravidian architecture\|dravida]]'' architectural [[articulation (architecture)\|articulation]] to which some innovative 12th century elements such as [[aedicule]]s, miniature decorative towers on [[pilaster]]s, were added.<ref name="add">Foekema (2003), p. 56–57</ref>		The temple may have been consecrated initially as a [[Vaishnava]] temple (to the God Vishnu), later taken over by [[Jain]]s who may have removed some images from the temple and eventually become a Shaiva temple after coming under the procession of the worshippers of God Shiva.<ref name="multi">Cousens (1926), p. 85</ref> This conclusion is drawn because the image of the [[Sun God]] [[Surya]] exists below the little ''[[Kirtimukha]]s'' (gargoyle faces) on the eastern wall (back wall) of the temple, though, an image of Shiva, sculpted out of an independent slab of stone and mounted in front of the ''[[Shikhara]]'' (superstructure) above the ''mantapa'' roof, would suggest otherwise.<ref name="east"/> Overall, the temple plan bears all the hallmarks of a standard 11th century Chalukyan construction with ''[[Dravidian architecture\|dravida]]'' architectural [[articulation (architecture)\|articulation]] to which some innovative 12th century elements such as [[aedicule]]s, miniature decorative towers on [[pilaster]]s, were added.<ref name="add">Foekema (2003), p. 56–57</ref>