Temples: Trustees of Culture, Museums of Evolution, Fountains of Spirituality, Marvels of Architecture Part 3

कलेश्वर नेरूर

Next on our itinerary was the temple of Kaleshwar situated at Nerur , one or two kilometers away. Lord Kaleshwar (meaning the God of Arts), is an incarnation of Shiva and is the village deity or “Gram Devata” of Nerur. It is believed to be the oldest shrine in this part, having varying claims to its age from 1500 BC to 1200 AD. There is a legend associated about its discovery by a Brahmin, who observed his cow emptying her udder full of milk at this very spot, day after day. The Shivling so discovered after excavation at this spot, is placed on a square shaped platform called

as “Shalunka” in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. It is noticed that the water offered on top of the Shivling does not gather on the platform and it is said to be a mystery as to where the water seeps down.
The temple is very spacious with a large entrance hall. Its ceiling is has colorful decorations made out of paper forms, which amplifies its grandeur and adds pulsating atmosphere of vibrant dance floor.

 The enormity of this temple’s campus becomes evident when one visits the smaller temples around. Next to Kaleshwar is a temple dedicated to Brahma,

the propagator of all the life on earth and one of the Hindu Trinity of gods. It is the believed that this is the only known temple of God Brahma, after the well-known temple in Pushkar, Rajasthan. The tall idol of Brahmanath has a radiating face and is accompanied by many smaller idols.
The most striking temple is at the corn

er of the compound, God Ravalnath temple. According to Hindu mythology, Ravalnath is an incarnation of Shiva and commander of the army of Goddess Durga, who defeated the demon Kolhasur. All other idols of Ravalnath I have seen have blazing fiery eyes, tense determined look and all sinews straining with VeerRasa, befitting the image of commander at war. This six feet idol is different. The face is relaxed and there is a sanguine satisfied look in the eyes. There is a wide grin, with baring his teeth, as if to smirk at a conquered foe. This one is MUST SEE for students and devotees of Hindu idols. Beside the Ravalnath idol, there is an ancient carving, which rightfully belongs to a museum.