Siddheswara Temple Inscriptions

May 10, 2023

The Siddheswara Temple at Hemavati in India offers a glimpse into the past and how education was promoted and supported by the Nolamba Pallavas and their predecessors. Built between the 7th and 10th centuries for the propagation of Shaivism, the temple was surrounded by regions that passionately promoted education. The inscriptions on the pillars of the temple provide valuable information about the educational system implemented and the support provided by the rulers.

Key Facts About the Inscriptions at Hemavati

The inscription on the big pillar in front of Hemavati Siddheswara temple contains details of the Nolamba Pallava clan, the religious dharma followed by the Nolamba kings, and the educational system implemented.
The 72-line inscription on the four-faced pillar holds information about the education system and the spread of religion during that time. King Iriva Nolamba Diliparaja encouraged education by offering land to support teachers, providing meals for students, and building shelters for their accommodation.
The inscription on a pillar found by Britishers around Hemavati describes Ghatikasthanas, built for Vedic learning by the Pallavas. It was inscribed during King Dilipa Raja’s rule, containing information from the 3rd to 9th centuries about the promotion of Vedic learning in present-day Karnataka. The Pallavas attached such Ghatikasthanas in temples to promote Vedic learning.
The inscription also mentions the names of the kings who ruled over 32,000 villages in the region.

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