Ramalingeshwara Group of Temples at Avani – Part 1

Avani is a quiet village in the Kolar district of Karnataka, located about 80 kilometres from Bengaluru. At first glance, it appears like many other small settlements in the region. But a closer look reveals that this modest village preserves layers of history that span mythology, early medieval dynasties, and remarkable temple architecture.

The village lies close to a scenic hill known as Avani Betta, a rocky hill that rises prominently above the surrounding landscape. Near the base of this hill stands a beautiful waterbody, adding to the tranquil setting of the place. Near this waterbody and the rising hill is located an ancient temple complex that has silently witnessed centuries of history, the Ramalingeshwara group of temples.

This complex is not a single shrine but a cluster of temples that together form an important monument of early medieval South Indian architecture.

The Nolambas – Builders of the Temple Complex

The temples here were constructed during the period of the Nolamba dynasty, a Kannada-speaking ruling family that governed parts of present-day Karnataka between roughly the 8th and 11th centuries CE. Their territories included regions around present-day Kolar and Tumkur, and at different times they controlled areas extending into parts of Andhra Pradesh as well.

Although they were not as powerful as the Cholas, Chalukyas, or the later Vijayanagara rulers, the Nolambas played a significant role in the political and cultural history of the region. They were feudatories of the Rashtrakutas and were known for their strong devotion to Shaivism.

Many temples dedicated to Shiva are attributed to them, and several of these monuments still survive today. Notable among them are the Kalleshwara Temple at Aralaguppe, the Bhoganandeeshwara Temple at Nandi village, and the Ramalingeshwara temples at Avani.

The temples at Avani were originally commissioned by the Nolambas using granite blocks and built in the Dravidian architectural style. In later centuries, when the Cholas overpowered the Nolambas, they carried out certain renovations and additions to the complex.

Thus, the monument we see today reflects a blend of architectural activity spanning multiple dynasties.

PC - Priya Thyagarajan

The Ramayana Connection

While history attributes the construction of the temples to the Nolambas, local tradition connects the site to one of the most dramatic episodes from the Ramayana.

According to legend, after Rama returned to Ayodhya and ascended the throne, circumstances arose that led to Sita being sent away from the palace. Although she had already passed through the ordeal of fire and her purity had been affirmed, Rama, placing royal duty above personal life, chose to part from her.

At that time Sita was pregnant.

She found refuge in the hermitage of sage Valmiki, believed to have been located on the nearby hill of Avani Betta. It was here that Sita gave birth to the twin princes Luv and Kush.

Valmiki raised the children in his ashram, teaching them the Vedas and training them in warfare, though he did not reveal their true parentage.

Years later, when Rama performed the Ashvamedha Yajna, the ceremonial horse released as part of the ritual wandered into the forests around Valmiki’s ashram. The young princes captured the horse, unaware of its significance, and challenged the accompanying warriors.

What followed was a remarkable confrontation. Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna were each defeated by the two young boys. Finally Rama himself arrived to confront them.

Before the battle could escalate further, sage Valmiki intervened and revealed the truth, that the two warriors were none other than the sons of Rama and Sita.

Realizing what had happened, Rama and his brothers sought to atone for having fought their own children. According to tradition, each of the four brothers installed a Shiva Linga at this place.

These lingas came to be known as:

• Ramalingeshwara

• Lakshmanalingeshwara

• Bharathalingeshwara

• Shatrugneshwara

Over time, successive rulers constructed temples around these sacred lingas, eventually forming the temple complex that survives today.

A Place Where Legend and History Meet

Thus Avani is a place where epic legend, dynastic history, and temple architecture intersect.

On one side rises the rugged hill of Avani Betta, associated with Valmiki and the childhood of Luv and Kush. Nearby lies a serene waterbody that reflects the surrounding landscape. Between them stands the ancient Ramalingeshwara temple complex, a silent reminder of the Nolamba rulers and the many generations that preserved this sacred site.

In the next part of this series, we shall step inside the temple complex and explore the individual shrines that form the Ramalingeshwara group of temples.

Happy travelling.