Kurudumale fort ruins and Someshwara Devastana

Kuduremale, located in Kolar district, North of Mulbagilu town, road distance is 12 km. Kurudumale is said to be the capital of Hoysala kingdom. However, official records say capital of the Hoysalas was initially at Belur (Hassan district) and later moved to Halebidu. Perhaps, Kurudumale was a capital for the eastern part of Hoysala kingdom. In this village are ruins of fort walls and two shrines; Ganesha temple (XV century) and Someshawara temple (V to VII century).

Kurudamale's actual name is Kudumale. It is believed that Trimurthis were the first to offer pooja to Lord Ganesha which happened here, hence the name Kudumale. In fact Kurudumale is known for its 13½ feet tall Ganesha. Kurudumale Ganesha temple was built during Vijayanagara rule. The other shrine i.e. Someswara temple was built during Chola period. It is believed that Jakanachari started building the temple, later taken over by his son Dankanachari. An interesting fact of Someshwara temple is it has no foundation. it is built off the rock it stands on.

August 17, 2012
After our visit to Kaki Bise Gowda fort at Harappanayakanahalli we arrive at Kurudumale. We head straight to the Ganesha Devastana. Unfortunately the temple was closed and for some reason I did not shoot pictures of the temple. We were in no mood to wait another hour, so we head towards the ruins of fort walls which were visible from the temple. Nothing much is left of the walls.

This is the most intact part of the wall.

The fort is situated at the base of a hill.

Deepak found a black colored iron piece which looked ancient. We got it home but I cannot locate it now.

Looking towards the town; Ganesha temple is on the left in this picture.

In the village are ruins of an ancient temple, a length of wall and a gateway- all in ruins.

A closer look at the deity-less temple. I'm not sure if temple construction was completed or abandoned before completion.

This is Someswara temple. Notice the lower and middle levels are stone work while the upper level is brick and mortar. Temple is East-West oriented, Garbhagudi is East facing but the entrance is South-facing. At the entrance is a 4½ feet Ganapati. nicely protected by a metal cage.

Other end of the temple.

5-steps leading into to the temple.

though the temple is simple on the outside, intricate works of sculptures decorate the temple interior.

Couple of sculptures depicting important members of Chola dynasty.

A goddess with one leg.

A separate mantapa for Nandi. Mantapa columns are architecturally different from columns in the temple. In fact this mantapa reminds me of Nandi Mantapa atop Savandurga.

We head back towards Mulbagilu, pay a quick visit to Anjaneya temple near the town bus-stand. Later we have bajji and double-chai and head towards Bengaluru... calling it a day.

I'll have to make another trip for Avani fort and locate few more smaller forts. Also, monuments of Kolar town are pending on my list.


Kurudumale Fort Ruins Coordinates: 13°12'45"N   78°22'18"
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