Kolaramma Temple, Kolar.

The Kolaramma Temple is only three blocks from Someshwara Temple. Kolaramma is the presiding deity of Kolar town. So it’s no wonder that this temple is a prominent one in this town. The temple was built by the Cholas. It has two shrines in Dravidian style of Architecture. The main temple faces east whereas the larger shrine faces north and they share a common entrance. The Saptamataras is worshipped in one shrine and Goddess Durga in the other.

The Scorpion Goddess Chelamma is also worshipped here. It is believed that by offering prayers to Chelamma, they will be guarded by Scorpion bites. The most interesting part about this temple that inspired me to drive down from Bangalore is the presence of the Kolaramma Hundi (which accepts coins from devotees). Right next to the Chelamma is a small opening in the floor that acts as a Hundi. The Hundi is believed to be a huge well dug into the earth. On an extremely quiet day you might actually hear the clicking sound of the coin falling into the well, which has been accumulating millions and millions of coins over hundreds of years. We however, could hear only a faint sound a split second after we dropped it.
There’s also a nice lawn and garden maintained around the temple for you sit and relax in the peaceful atmosphere of a sleepy town. It is a must-visit place if you are in Kolar along with Someshwara temple and Anthargange – where we were headed next.

Getting-there: About three blocks from Someshwara Temple.

Maps: From Bangalore.

Must-Do: Drop a coin into the Hundi when (and if) you have a deafening silence around you.

Must-Don’t: Destroying the serenity and up-keep of the temple and its monuments.

My Rating: 5/10