Someshwara Temple, Kolar

Someshwara temple is noted for its tall gopuram over the main entrance. The open mantapa has a central hall surrounded by a raised floor. Several ornate pillars on the raised floor support the ceiling of the mantapa. The main shrine has a dravida style shikhara, a vestibule (sukanasi) that connects the sanctum to a navaranga (closed hall) which leads to the large pillared mukhamandapa. The temple is enclosed by a cloistered wall (prakara). At the frontal extension of the hall are four full length pillars depicting riders on Yalis ("mythical beasts"). An ornate Kalyana mantapa ("marriage hall") built of granite, at the south-west corner of the complex, has pillars with decorative sculptures in reliefsl. The base of the temple outer wall (adhishthana) consists of decorative moldings, with friezes of elephants, dwarfs and lions embellishing the upper moldings . The outer wall of the temple has miniature decorative pilasters (kumbha) with turrets