Theru Malleswara swamy temple

The complex is also known as dakshina Kashi (Benaras in south) since the presiding deity is facing towards south. The Teru utsav (car festival) came in to practice with stone wheels of a theru were washed ashore of river Vedavathi flowing beside, some four centuries ago, as such the deity came to be known as Theru Malleswara, the devotees believe. The other deities Chandramouleswara and UmaMaheswara are also equally revered by devotees.The temple must have been built in the beginning of 10th century by Cholas. We can see the temple is clearly the architecture of chola empire.

While one Kenchanna nayaka was ruling Hiriyur province, Rangappa nayaka ruler of Sira attacks Hiriyur in 1637-38. Then Kenchanna nayaka seeks help from Kasturi Rangappa nayaka ruler of Chitradurga, by sending ear studs of his wife through secret agents. The attacker fails to withstand the fury of two armies and runs away from the war field. Then Kasturi Rangappa nayaka accompanied by Kenchanna nayaka offers ‘arathi’ to Theru Malleswara swamy with the ear studs sent by the latter. In later years the Hiriyur province was annexed to Chitradurga province by its palegars and in 1666-67, Medakari nayaka II builds gopuram of Theru Malleswara swamy temple.

The restoration of beautiful temple complex of Sri Theru Malleswara swamy temple was taken up by the trust of Sri kshetra Dharmastala in right earnestness on an understanding entered in to with a local committee. The trust has restored the sanctum-sanctoram of the deity and stopped further works. But further works are halted due to non payment of some 7 lakhs it is learn due to non payment of some 7 lakhs it is learnt. The members of the committee must respond immediately for resumption of restoration works, many devotees honestly opine