Kolaramma Temple – Kolar

About

The clan of Gangas ruled the “Kuvalala” country before the advent of Cholas. Kolaramma Temple – Kolar (Pidariyar Chamundeswary of Saptha Matrikas) was their principal God. Cholas reconstructed the temple. This temple is a very good specimen of Ganga- Chola art and architecture.

The ‘L’ shaped temple has two sanctums with a common Mukha Mantapa. Kolaramma is installed in the south of the northern Garbhagriha. The Goddess is to be seen through a grid of mirrors standing in Mukha Mantapa. The other idols of Sapthamatrikas along with Ganesha and Veerabhadra are facing east. There is a Sree Chakra in this sanctum. The other chamber to the north of this sanctum is divided into two, the inner one housing the idols of Saptha Matrikas made of Mortar. The outer enclosure has the Vigraha of Muka Nachch Iyar facing north near the north wall. Covered with a cloth, it is a Vigraha having the name of Cheluramma. The Ganapathi idol has Vahana’s that resemble Anjaneya and Garuda giving the impression of three Vigrahas in one. The Veerabhadra idol in the temple is also a masterpiece.

In the center of the temple, there is Saptamatrikas. They are seven mothers placed in a significant key position.