Kolaramma Temple

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Kolar is located along the southern region and eastern most part of state of Karnataka. The Kolaramma temple is built and dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The temple is built in Dravida Vimana Style and dates back to the Ganga period. The temple has several Chola renovations and additions were made by them in the 11th century, followed by Vijayanagara rule in the 15th century. The Cholas made several inscriptions in the temple, the earliest inscription belongs to the period of Rajendra Chola-I from 1012-1045 A.D. The temple is built in typical South Indian architectural style using granite stones and is around 800 years old. The temple is L-Shaped housing two shrines, one for Durga who is known as Kolaramma and another for Saptamatras. The main temple faces the east while the larger shrine faces the north. But both of them share a common vestibule. Though the temple resembles a mantapa, there are nearly 30 inscriptions in both Tamil and Kannada found in the temple complex. The temple has some tantric rituals depicted and a unique depiction of the tantric Goddess carrying a bow. The plastic art is another architectural feature at this temple. A slab with a battle scene depicted on it is now found on the front platform of the entrance to the temple. The heroic stone 'Viragal' which is around four and a half feet tall belonging to the Ganga period is covered with relief work of horses, soldiers, elephants, celestial cars and celestial nymphs.