About

Sanctorium of Lord Somanatha at Shree Kshetra Someshwara is considered to be one of the 12 sacred Shiva Kshetras of Indian continent. It is situated on the banks of Arabian Sea at the Western Ghats of South India thirteen kilometres away from Mangalore. The kshetra is known as Rudrapada Kshetra, and is also a famous piligrimage centre for performing Pitrakrayas (last rituals of departed soul). It is also a hot tourist spot known for its beautiful scenic spot for viewing the sunset and for its beach.

The Temple has been built at an elevated spot in form of fort and it has its own legendary history. It is believed that King Kharasura has built this temple and worshipped Lord Somanatha. Kharasura was the relative of Raavana, the demon King and as such the temple is believed to have been existing right from Ramayana period of Trethayuga.

It is also believed that Pandavas of Mahabharata times visited this place and worshipped Lord Somanatha. A lake near Somanatha temple is called as "Gadha Teertha" said to have been built by Bhimasena.

Historically it is said to have been built by Kings of Alupa Dynasty in 10th century A.D. The temple was under the Administrative rule of Kadambas of Banavasi, and Choula Kings of Ullala of 12th Centrury A.D. The two inscriptions found in the temple says that it was renovated in 15th Century A.D. at the time of Vijayanagara King Immadi Devaraya by Rajaguru Sree Kriyashaktri Devavodeya.

The temple is surrounded by Nagabana on its southwestern side and has a Udhbhava Naga and there are other temples of Lord Siddivinayaka, Lord Gopala Krishna, Lord Janardhana and Raktheswari.

Stone inscriptions at Someshwara Temple

Two stone inscriptions are found in the vicinity of the temple. While one is at the western side Gopura (tower) of the temple another is inscribed on a small stone pillar near Pakashala. They were numbered as 467 and 468 by the Archeology department in 1929 and reported to have been in damaged condition. Several attempts were made to read them by ephigraphies and recently it was found possible to know the details by Sri Umanathashewari, history lecturer of Sri Venkataramanaswamy college Bantwala who could read the same recently.

The first inscription numbered 467 has got 25 lines and said to be written on Monday the Chandrasuddha Padya of Dondhibi Samvatsara i.e., on April 1, 1443 AD. The inscription details narrates as : "Vijayanagar Empire was ruled by Rajamaharajadhi Raja, Rajaparameshwara Immadi Devaraya between 1424 AD to 1446 AD. At that time his designated Governor Sri Triyamaka Devaodeya was ruling the Tulu kingdom of Mangalore State. During this period Sri Kriyasakthi Devaodara the Rajaguru of Vijayanagara Emperor Immadi Devaraya visited Someshwara Temple and renovated it and prescribed as certain regulations for permanent poojas and sevas of Lord Someshwara on stone inscription. The inscription regulates that the produce of the land and other otherings made by kings of Banga and Chouta Dynasty as well as by the Brahmin community be used scruplusly for the continuous pooja sevas of Lord Someshwara till sun & moon exists on the earth and utsavas and fairs to be conducted as laid down by the governers as Vijayanagar Empire. It also cautions that any misuse will lead to severe punishment and wishes good to all who obey the regulations."

The second stone inscription numbered 468 bears only two links the rest of which is completely perished. The two links read as

"Saka 1117"

"Swasthi Samastha Bhuvivikyatha"

Though we could read only there two lines on this inscriptions, it provides a lot of information on the period of this temple construction. The "Saka 1117" reveals that the temple is of more than 791 years old and the other line "Swasthi Samastha Bhuvivikyatha" reveals that it is the title of Alupa King Nalvadi Veerakalasekhara who ruled between Saka 1092 to 1142 i.e., 1195 AD. As such this line of inscription reveals the fact that the temple was built earlier than the period of Veerakulasekhara i.e., it was built before 1195 AD.

It is unfortunate that we have no more details in view of the delaminated condition of the inscription. However we can predict that King Veerakulasekhara must have made offerings to Lord Someshwara as a disciple of Shiva. He was known for his bravery by defeating the Pandya Kings of Madhure to protect his kingdom Alvakheda. As described in another inscription of 1205 AD. He has also brought out Gold coins known as Mangalore Gadyanas. As such it is presumed that Alupa Kings as a disciples and devotees of Lord Someshwara might have be the great patrons of the temple and worshipping right before 650 AD itself.

Queen Abbakka was the devotee of this temple and she has donated Jaladhani about 450 years back. It is well preserved in the temple and used during Jathra festval.