Temple Precinct

Historical & Urban Setting

The Someshwara temple complex stands amidst a dense network of narrow streets and lanes in Ulsoor. Along the temple’s central axis, a street connects the temple forecourt, presided over by a majestic dwajastambha and the temple gopura, to the temple chariot at the other end. Historically, this street is said to have been lined with houses belonging to the priests serving at the temple; today, they have been replaced with towering buildings. A kalyani to the northeast of the temple would have once been an important part of temple rituals. To the north of the temple is Car Street, so named because the temple chariot rolls through this wide street during certain festivals. There are still some old, traditional houses along this street with jagalis and monkey tops, fragments of a past that is fast being erased. Just south of the temple is the ever-busy Baazar Street, lined with shops selling trinkets, jewellery, apparel and more. With rapid urbanisation, it is easy to miss the urban design elements around the temple precinct. Until a few decades ago, the temple gopura dominated Ulsoor’s skyline and was easily visible from all parts of the settlement. Nevertheless, one only has to look closely to see the precinct’s original characteristics and experience its charm.

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