Keladi Rameshwara Temple

Keladi Rameshwara Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in Keladi village, Sagar Taluk, Shivamogga District, Karnataka. Built in the 16th century by the Keladi Nayakas who made Keladi their first capital, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Rameshwara. The temple is notable for its unique blend of Hoysala, Vijayanagara and Dravidian architectural styles, intricate stone carvings, and a complex housing three shrines dedicated to Rameshwara, Veerabhadra and Parvati.

Visitors can expect a heritage temple complex set in a quiet village environment surrounded by areca plantations. The complex contains three main shrines dedicated to Rameshwara, Veerabhadra and Parvati connected by a common pillared hall. Visitors can see intricately carved stone pillars, detailed sculptures, stepped pyramidal vimanas, and a large courtyard. The adjacent Keladi Museum and Historical Research Centre displays artifacts, manuscripts and antiquities related to the Keladi Nayaka period.

The temple was constructed in the early 16th century by Chowdappa Nayaka, founder of the Keladi Nayaka dynasty, and later expanded by his successors including Hiriya Venkatappa Nayaka. Keladi served as the first capital of the Keladi Nayakas before the capital shifted to Ikkeri and later Bednur. The temple exemplifies the Keladi style of architecture that synthesizes late Hoysala, Vijayanagara and Dravidian elements and marks the rise of an important post-Vijayanagara kingdom in coastal and Malnad Karnataka.

The temple is an important Shaivite religious centre dedicated to Lord Rameshwara and remains an active place of worship. It reflects the cultural patronage of the Keladi Nayakas and is valued for its architectural synthesis and stone craftsmanship. The associated museum preserves the cultural heritage of the Keladi period for visitors and researchers.