In the district of Kolar, Karnataka, the Kolaramma Temple offers a fascinating look into the architectural and cultural history of South India. Built during the Chola period, this temple dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries and holds a rich legacy of devotion, art, and historical inscriptions that highlight the influence of the Nolambas and Cholas in the region.
A Temple of Many Eras: The Story of Kolaramma
Originally known as the Pidari Temple, the Kolaramma Temple is dedicated to Chamundi, who was initially worshipped here as “Pidari.” Over time, the deity became known as Kolaramma, the powerful goddess who continues to be the main focus of worship today. During the 9th and 10th centuries, Kolar was part of Nolambavadi, the territory governed by the Nolamba dynasty. The area was later annexed by the Cholas, who incorporated it into the Nigarilisola Mandalam, renaming the region “Kuvalalam.”
Chola Inscriptions: Echoes of a Glorious Past
The temple houses numerous Tamil inscriptions from the Chola period, documenting the generous endowments made by Chola rulers. A notable inscription from King Raja Raja I records his endowments to the temple, while another from his successor, Rajendra I, details land and material donations to enhance the temple’s splendor. One inscription even reveals that the temple was initially built from brick; it was later reconstructed in stone under the guidance of Uttamasola Brahmarayan, a general of Rajendra I. Other inscriptions speak to the influence of the yogini cult and mention the installation of images related to it during the rule of Kulottunga I, providing insight into the temple’s cultural significance.
Architectural Highlights and Floor Plan
The Kolaramma Temple is a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture. The temple complex comprises two shrines, each featuring a garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) and an ardhamantapa (antechamber).
- Main Kolaramma Shrine: The main shrine, dedicated to Kolaramma (Chamundi), faces east and features a high Griva and Sala-type Shikara (tower). This shrine also houses images of the Saptamatrikas, Ganapati, and Virabhadra.
- Second Shrine: This additional shrine, with larger stucco images of the Saptamatrikas, faces north. It has a row of four supporting pillars in its ardhamantapa and a life-size statue of a female deity. Interestingly, there is no superstructure over its garbha griha, giving it a unique architectural simplicity compared to the main shrine.
The two shrines share a common four-pillared mandapa and are encircled by a prakara (enclosure) with a truck-churru-maligai (corridor surrounding the enclosure). The entrance to the temple complex is located on the east wall but is slightly off-axis from the main shrine.
At the entrance of the main shrine, flanked by the mandapa, two stone figures stand as guardians: Bhairava on the left and Bhairavi on the right.
Exploring Kolaramma Temple: A Step Back in Time
The Kolaramma Temple is not just a place of worship, it is a window into a bygone era. Its architecture, inscriptions, and serene ambience all invite visitors to pause and connect with Karnataka’s vibrant history and the enduring legacy of the Chola dynasty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to the Kolaramma Temple is a journey into the art, devotion, and history that have shaped this ancient land.
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