In the ‘Gazetteer of Mysore’, 1887 edition, Benjamin Lewis Rice, the British historian, and educationist describes the great legend behind the commencement of the Halasuru Someshwara temple Bangalore. On one fine day, King Kempe Gowda of the great Vijayanagar empire went on a hunt and after getting tired he decided to rest under a tree on a hot sunny day. 

The King was so tired that he fell asleep and had a meeting with the local deity Someshwara in his dreams. The deity ordered the king to build a beautiful temple in his honor by using the treasure that was buried near the tree. The deity also promised the king that he will be receiving divine favors from the deity once the temple is constructed. The king respected the will of the deity and constructed a beautiful temple, he also found the treasure. 

Not every historian or devotee aligns with this version of the story. Another version of the story suggests that the Halasuru Someshwara mandir Bangalore was built by King Jayappa Gowda, by following the instructions provided by a man that appeared in his dream and told him to retrieve the Linga (idol symbolizing Lord Shiva), which is buried under the exact spot where the king was resting. The man also ordered the king to build a beautiful temple. Some even give credit to the Cholas for building this temple.

The domination of the famous Vijayanagar architectural style can be seen in the design and pattern of the Halasuru Someshwara temple Bangalore. The main square sanctum (garbhagriha) or the place of worship, is surrounded by a small passageway and is connected to a closed hall (mandapa). The mandapa is extraordinarily enhanced with the help of rectangular pedestals (pilasters) and frieze sculptures. Closely followed by the Mantapa, there is an open hall consisting of forty-eight large pillars and various bays.

The monumental gatehouse tower called gopuram stands tall in front of the open hall. The gatehouse tower is built in a typical 16th-century style of architecture.

• The main temple is the most important part of the temple and tourists usually come to see it. 
• The visitors can also take part in the Aarti (prayer) that takes place twice a day. 
• Overall the whole temple premise is an architectural marvel and everything present there is worth seeing. 
• The richly sculpted pillars of the temple are very beautiful. 
• Various sculptures of deities are present all over the temple premise, the sculptures are painted in different colors adding up to the beauty of the temple.

• You are supposed to leave your footwear at the chappal stand.
• Photography is allowed, but not in the interiors of the temple.
• The temple houses more than 10 shrines, notions, keep some loose change with you.
• Entry inside the temple is prohibited in shorts for both men and women. You are supposed to dress modestly.
• Non-veg food and alcohol are banned inside the temple.
• Do not litter or cause any kind of damage to the temple property just out of curiosity. 

The Halasuru Someshwara temple Bangalore on the auspicious day of Mahashivratri gets more visitors as compared to other days. So, try visiting the temple on this great day and you will be completely mesmerized by the atmosphere.

• Halasuru Lake
• Bangalore palace
• Vidhana Soudha
• National Gallery of Modern Art
• St Mary’s Basilica
• Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

• It is still pretty much unclear who is the founder of this temple.
• Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple.
• The vast presence of the Vijayanagar style of architecture is present all over the temple.