Sacred Someshwar Temple Hattur, Dakshin Solapur, Solapur

A beautiful confluence of Shaiva and Nath traditions can be witnessed at the Someshwar and Bansiddheshwar temples in Hattur, which is considered the gateway to the South Solapur taluka. Someshwar is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva, while Bansiddheshwar is the samadhi site of the Siddha Yogis. It is said that the Shiva Linga in the Someshwar temple is consecrated upon a Shiva Yantra. Devotees frequent this temple throughout the year. The number of political leaders visiting this temple for darshan increases especially during election periods. There is a belief that if one prays sincerely to the Mahadev here, one achieves resounding success in the elections.

According to some archaeological scholars, the Hemadpanti-style Someshwar temple in Hattur dates back to the 11th to 13th centuries. Local legend suggests that Hattur has been a sacred place since ancient times, where many sages and seers performed penance. It was here that some sages performed penance and received the blessings of Someshwar Mahadev. Near this temple is a small temple of Bansiddheshwar. It is said that Bansiddheshwar was a Siddha Purusha of the Nath sect. He resided on Siddhagad before settling in the Hattur area. He performed long penance here and attained samadhi at this very spot. This temple was later erected at his samadhi site.

The courtyard of the Someshwar temple in Hattur is spacious. In this stone-paved courtyard, there are three platforms in front of the temple. On the smaller central platform stands a Nandi statue carved from a single stone, and on the two larger platforms beside it are two tall hexagonal lamp towers (Deepmalas). The bases of these lamp towers feature numerous small lamp niches. There are seven steps leading up to the entrance of the Someshwar temple, which stands on a high plinth. On both sides of these steps, on the plinth, are two small temples; one houses an idol of Ganpati and the other an idol of Hanuman. Paintings of gatekeepers (Dwarapalas) are depicted on the pillars on both sides of the entrance. The flat stone door frames feature small sculpted gatekeepers. Below the door frame is a Kirtimukh, and an idol of Ganpati is carved on the lintel. Above this entrance is a hand-shaped design followed by a decorative railing. Inside the entrance, there are guard chambers built into the walls.

Entering through the gateway leads into the temple courtyard. In this courtyard, near the boundary wall, there are two more large lamp towers. For the convenience of devotees, a large tin-roofed pavilion (mandap) has been constructed from the entrance to the temple. In this pavilion, in front of the temple, there is a large platform with two Nandi statues and a Shiva Linga in the center. The Someshwar temple is structured with a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In this semi-open Sabha Mandap, all pillars are connected by arched beams. In the niches on the front wall of the sanctum, there are four-armed gatekeeper statues. Inside the sanctum, the Someshwar Linga rests on a Vajrapitha near the ground level. The crown, eyes, nose, mouth, and mustache on this Linga are made of silver.

On a large platform behind the Someshwar temple stands a unique nine-foot-tall statue of Bhutalsiddha Maharaj. In the small temples to the left of the main temple are the idols of Oggannamutya Maharaj, Bansiddheshwar Maharaj, Paddansiddha Maharaj, Hullibandappa Vadiya, Kannamutya Maharaj, Jyotyappa Maharaj, Bhimmutya Maharaj, and Samannamutya Maharaj.

Throughout the holy month of Shravan, discourses and various religious programs are organized at the Someshwar temple. Every Monday, water is brought from the Sina River to perform a Mahabhishek on the Someshwar deity. Known as a deity who fulfills vows, many political parties begin their election campaigns from this village after seeking the Lord’s blessings. Every year on Makar Sankranti, a joint fair of Someshwar and Bansiddheshwar Maharaj is held.

Devotees can have darshan at the Someshwar temple from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and at the Baneshwar temple from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The morning Aarti at the Someshwar temple is at 6:30 AM and the evening Aarti is at 7:00 PM. The Aarti time at the Baneshwar temple is 6:30 PM. The Government of Maharashtra has honored this temple with ‘B’ grade pilgrimage status under the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Rural Pilgrimage Scheme’. Devotees can have darshan of Someshwar in this temple from early morning until late at night every day.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery