The lesser – known Someshwara Temple in Bandalike, the ancient capital of Nagarakhanda Seventy region of the Kadambas has one of the finest friezes depicting episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharat. The carved screens are on either side of the entrance doorway extending from the ground to the lintel level.
What is most remarkable about the friezes is its artistic mastery, attention to the minutest detail and almost life – like representation of the events. Historians and artists have praised the delicate nature of the figure work, facial features, postures, movement and arrangement of significant scenes on each tier.
The temple also known locally as Anekal Somayya or Boppeshwara Temple was built in 1274 CE by Boppa Setti. The temple originally had an entrance porch (that has since collapsed), a pillared mandapa, an antarala and a garbha griha.
The entrance doorway is profusely decorated with Dwarapalakas and figures at the base, repetitive bands, foliage and floral patterns and gods and goddesses. Gajalakshmi is seated in the centre of the lintel with an elephant on either side.
The pillared mandapa has shiny lathe – turned pillars and niches that are now empty. The doorway of the antarala has perforated screens on either side. Lord Shiva is seated in the Lalata Bimba as Nataraja along with Lord Ganesha, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Mahishasuramardini.
There is a Mahanavami Mandapa behind this temple built in 1207 CE by the Hoysalas.
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
sahasa.in 
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