॥ Sri Ramalingeshwara Prathistana ॥
ॐSri Ramalingeshwara
Temple
Sacred Abode of Rudra Shiva
📍 Kadegunta · Sonda · Sirsi Taluk · Uttara Kannada · Karnataka
ಏಕೋ ಹಿ ರುದ್ರೋ ನ ದ್ವಿತೀಯಾಯ ತಸ್ಥುಃ
Rudra alone is — none stands equal. He rules all worlds with his powers.
An 800-year-old sanctuary in the sacred land of Sonda — where Lord Ramalingeshwara has blessed devotees across generations.
ಶಿವೋಹಂ — Shivoham
The Vedas declare — Shiva is not a deity among many, but the very Parabrahma. To know Shiva is to know the Self. "Shivoham" — I am Shiva.
Shiva — The Parabrahma
"Rudra alone is. None stands equal to him. He rules all these worlds with his powers." — Vedic declaration
The Vedas describe Shiva not merely as a personal deity, but as the formless Parabrahma Swaroopa — without form (Nirguna), yet taking form for the devotees (Saguna). He is beyond time, space, and all qualities.
Shiva's Linga form embodies this truth — it has no beginning and no end, symbolising the eternal consciousness that pervades all creation.
Shiva — Lord of Creation, Preservation & Dissolution
In the Puranas, Shiva energises Brahma to create, strengthens Vishnu to preserve, and himself absorbs the cosmos in dissolution. The cycle of existence cannot function without Shiva at its centre.
Shiva — The Compassionate Protector
During the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudramanthana), Shiva drank the terrible Halahala poison to protect all beings — holding it in his throat, becoming Neelakantha. He absorbs the suffering of his devotees, earning the name Karunakara — the compassionate.
Shiva — Guru, Refuge & the Path to Moksha
Shiva is the world's first Guru — in his Dakshinamurti form, he imparts supreme knowledge through sacred silence. Devotion to Shiva leads from ignorance to knowledge, from bondage to liberation, from fear to fearlessness.
Shiva is the Beginning, Middle and End
The Shiva Purana declares — Shiva alone is the Adi (origin), Madhya (middle), and Anta (end) of all creation. He is Mahakala — the master of time itself, whose eternal Tandava dance sustains the rhythm of the universe.
ಅಯಂ ಮೇ ಹಸ್ತೋ ಭಗವನ್ ಅಯಂ ಮೇ ಭಗವತ್ತರಃ ।
ಅಯಂ ಮೇ ವಿಶ್ವಭೇಷಜೋ ಅಯಂ ಶಿವಾಭಿಮರ್ಶನಃ ॥
This is my hand, O Bhagavan — this hand is supremely blessed. This hand is the universal healer; this is the very touch of Shiva's grace. — Vedic Mantra
History of the Temple
Born from the sacred soil of Sonda — a land of kings, sages, and centuries of living Shaiva tradition.
Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple
Kadegunta, Sonda · ~800 Years of Sacred History
The Sacred Land
of Sonda
"A land where every stone carries a story, and every step touches eternity."
The Sonda region (Sirsi Taluk, Uttara Kannada District) has been one of Karnataka's most spiritually and historically significant territories since ancient times. Known in different eras as Somadhapura, Sudhapur, Amrutapur, Sovade, Sode and Svadi, it served as the royal capital of the Sonda Nayakas from 1555 to 1763 CE.
Across this sacred landscape, inscriptions, hero stones (Veeragallu), stone sculptures, ancient temples, Mathas, and religious seats of learning are found at every step — bearing witness to a magnificent living tradition.
The Kadegunta area within Sonda is home to the ancient Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple — identified through Ashtamangala to have approximately 800 years of documented history. The sacred Shivalinga presently in the Garbhagudi is estimated to be around 400 years old.
Local Veeragallu (hero stones) recount that about 800 years ago, when enemy forces attacked the Sonda kings, the original deity Linga was carefully moved to Kadegunta for protection and reinstalled — a sacred narrative of divine self-protection that lives in the faith of every devotee.
Historical Timeline
c. 13th Century CE
Temple Established
Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple is founded at Kadegunta, Sonda. Religious activities rooted in Shaiva tradition begin in this spiritually charged region of the Western Ghats.
c. 13th–14th Century CE
Divine Protection — The Linga Moves
During enemy attacks on the Sonda kings, the sacred Shivalinga is moved to Kadegunta for safekeeping and reinstalled with full Vedic rites — a story of divine self-protection that endures in local faith.
c. 16th Century CE (~400 Years Ago)
Present Shivalinga Consecrated
The current Shivalinga in the sanctum sanctorum is installed, marking a new sacred chapter. The temple becomes an important centre of Shaiva worship in the region.
1555 – 1763 CE
Golden Era — Sonda Nayaka Kingdom
The Sonda Nayakas provide great patronage to Shaiva-Vaishnava dharma. Temples, Mathas, and seats of learning flourish. Literature, music, and sculpture reach new heights under royal support.
Ongoing Heritage
Swarnavalli Mahasamsthana
The sacred Swarnavalli Mahasamsthana — a prominent Advaita Shaiva Matha established during the Sonda era — continues to strengthen the religious tradition of this region. Its blessings are considered integral to the Kadegunta temple's spiritual heritage.
Present Day
Jeernodhara — Sacred Renewal Begins
Centuries of weathering have taken their toll. A sacred sankalpa is taken to rebuild the temple entirely in stone (Shilamaya), following Agama Shastra, Mayamata, Manasara Vastu Shastra, and Vatullagama tradition.
Temple Architecture
Built according to Trikuta-style Shaiva Vastu Shastra and sacred Agama texts — every element placed with divine precision and intent.
Architectural Vision · Shilamaya Reconstruction
Front View · Side View · Ground Plan — envisioned per Trikuta Shaiva Vastu & Agama Shastra
Trikuta Shaiva Style
The temple follows the classical Trikuta style of South Indian Shaiva architecture — three shrines arranged in sacred geometric harmony, as prescribed by ancient tradition.
Agama Vastu Shastra
Designed per Mayamata, Manasara Vastu Shastra, and Vatullagama Agama — the authoritative ancient scriptural framework for sacred temple architecture.
Purva-Abhimukha (East-Facing)
The temple faces east so that the first rays of sunrise enter the sanctum sanctorum directly — symbolising divine energy, purity, and sacred positivity for worshippers.
🏗️ Sacred Structural Elements
- Garbhagudi — the sanctum sanctorum, home of the sacred Shivalinga
- Antarala — sacred transitional space between sanctum and main hall
- Navaranga / Mantapa — spacious assembly hall with stone pillars for rituals
- Pravesha Dvara — the main entrance gate with classical Shaiva sculptures
- Shikhara — the towering spire above the sanctum, designed per Agama norms
- Nandi — the sacred bull, installed in the traditional position before the Linga
📏 Dimensions & Regional Identity
- Original footprint: 80 × 80 sq. ft. — the sacred square Mandala plan
- East-facing design allows solar alignment at dawn prayers
- Stone pillars and stone-ceiling Navaranga hall throughout
- Located in Malla Desha — the region from Banavasi to Kodachadri
- New reconstruction: complete Shilamaya (all-stone) temple
- Ashtamangala-guided identification and Agama-compliant execution
Temple Renovation
An 800-year-old sanctuary calls for renewal. A sacred sankalpa has been taken to rebuild it in stone for the generations ahead.
Rebuild in Stone.
Renew in Faith.
"Among all acts of giving, the gift made for temple construction is declared the most supreme." — Shastra
Centuries of weathering, atmospheric impact, and the passage of time have caused significant deterioration to the temple's Garbhagudi, Mantapa, stone pillars, and roof structures. An urgent need for restoration has been recognised.
A sacred sankalpa has been undertaken: to reconstruct Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple fully in stone (Shilamaya), guided by Vastu Shastra, Agama Shastra, and the ancient sculptural tradition.
Our scriptures remind us — the renovation of ancient temples carries even greater merit than building a new one. This is not merely construction; it is an act of collective devotion across generations.
What will be rebuilt:
- Garbhagudi — the main sanctum sanctorum
- Navaranga Mantapa and stone pillars
- Praakaara — outer enclosure and boundary walls
- Shikhara — the sacred tower and roof
- Infrastructure for ongoing Pooja, Utsavas & dharmic activities
Your Sacred Contribution
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Divine Sankalpa
Every rupee offered becomes an eternal brick in the foundation of this sacred temple. All donations are used with complete transparency and accountability.
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We welcome Tanu (labour) · Mana (prayers) · Dhana (funds)
Every form of seva is received with equal reverence
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Temple Construction
Cost Estimation
A detailed, segment-wise estimate for the complete Shilamaya (all-stone) reconstruction of Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple — shared with full transparency for every devotee and donor.
Budget Utilization Summary
Where each rupee of the ₹2 Crore Jeernodhara budget is allocated
Segment-Wise Detailed Cost Breakdown
Tap any segment below to view the full itemised estimate
▸ Site Preparation & Foundation₹28,06,000
| # | Description of Work | Quantity | Rate (₹) | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Site Clearing, Levelling & Soil Testing | 6,400 Sq.Ft | 45 | 2,88,000 |
| 2 | Deep Stone Foundation (Rubble & Lime Mortar) | 6,400 Sq.Ft | 280 | 17,92,000 |
| 3 | Anti-Moisture & Waterproofing Treatment | Lump Sum | — | 1,50,000 |
| 4 | Plinth Beam & Stone Plinth (2 ft height) | 320 Rft | 1,800 | 5,76,000 |
▸ Stone Masonry — Walls & Structure₹66,42,000
| # | Description of Work | Quantity | Rate (₹) | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Granite Stone Wall Masonry (Exterior, 18" thick) | 4,800 Sq.Ft | 650 | 31,20,000 |
| 6 | Interior Stone Wall Masonry (12" thick) | 2,400 Sq.Ft | 480 | 11,52,000 |
| 7 | Stone Columns / Pillars (Carved, 24 Nos) | 24 Nos | 35,000 | 8,40,000 |
| 8 | Stone Arches, Lintels & Beams | Lump Sum | — | 4,50,000 |
| 9 | Decorative Stone Carving (Friezes, Panels) | 1,200 Sq.Ft | 900 | 10,80,000 |
▸ Copper Plated Rooftop (Shikhara / Vimana)₹49,41,000
| # | Description of Work | Quantity | Rate (₹) | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Stone Roof Slab & Shikhara Structural Work | 6,400 Sq.Ft | 380 | 24,32,000 |
| 11 | Copper Sheet Plating (20 Gauge, Electro-coated) | 7,200 Sq.Ft | 320 | 23,04,000 |
| 12 | Copper Kalash / Finial (Top Ornament) | 1 No | — | 85,000 |
| 13 | Waterproofing & Sealing Under Copper | Lump Sum | — | 1,20,000 |
▸ Flooring, Steps & Paving₹12,76,000
| # | Description of Work | Quantity | Rate (₹) | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Mandap / Sanctum Granite Flooring (Polished) | 4,800 Sq.Ft | 180 | 8,64,000 |
| 15 | Outer Pradakshina Path Stone Paving | 1,600 Sq.Ft | 120 | 1,92,000 |
| 16 | Entrance Steps & Stone Ramp (Carved) | Lump Sum | — | 2,20,000 |
▸ Temple Doors, Windows & Fittings₹5,01,000
| # | Description of Work | Quantity | Rate (₹) | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Main Garbhagriha Teak/Bronze Clad Door | 1 No | — | 1,80,000 |
| 18 | Side Entrance Teak Doors (Carved) | 3 Nos | 35,000 | 1,05,000 |
| 19 | Stone Jali / Lattice Windows | 8 Nos | 12,000 | 96,000 |
| 20 | Brass Fixtures, Rings & Temple Bells | Lump Sum | — | 1,20,000 |
▸ Electrical, Lighting & Sound₹6,30,000
| # | Description of Work | Quantity | Rate (₹) | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Complete Electrical Wiring & DB Boards | Lump Sum | — | 1,80,000 |
| 22 | Decorative LED & Spotlight Lighting (Interior) | Lump Sum | — | 2,20,000 |
| 23 | Exterior Façade & Rooftop Lighting | Lump Sum | — | 1,50,000 |
| 24 | Temple Sound System & PA Setup | Lump Sum | — | 80,000 |
▸ Paintings, Murals & Decorations₹6,75,000
| # | Description of Work | Quantity | Rate (₹) | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Interior Traditional Mural Paintings | 1,500 Sq.Ft | 250 | 3,75,000 |
| 26 | Idol Platform (Peetham) — Stone Carved | 1 No | — | 1,80,000 |
| 27 | Mandap Decorative Ceiling Work | Lump Sum | — | 1,20,000 |
▸ Compound Wall, Gopuram & Landscaping₹14,64,000
| # | Description of Work | Quantity | Rate (₹) | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Compound Stone Wall (320 Rft, 6 ft height) | 320 Rft | 1,200 | 3,84,000 |
| 29 | Entrance Gopuram (Tower) — Stone Work | Lump Sum | — | 7,50,000 |
| 30 | Flagpole (Dhwajasthamba) — Stone & Brass | 1 No | — | 1,80,000 |
| 31 | Landscaping, Garden & Paving Around Temple | Lump Sum | — | 1,50,000 |
▸ Contingency & Miscellaneous₹10,65,000
| # | Description of Work | Quantity | Rate (₹) | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | Scaffolding, Equipment & Labour Facilities | Lump Sum | — | 3,50,000 |
| 33 | Architect, Engineer & Agama Consultant Fees | Lump Sum | — | 4,15,000 |
| 34 | Contingency & Price Escalation Provision (5%) | Lump Sum | — | 3,00,000 |
Important Notes & Conditions
- All stone used shall be high-grade Granite / Sandstone sourced locally from Karnataka quarries.
- Copper plating on the Shikhara / Vimana roof is of 20-gauge electrolytic copper sheets with anti-oxidation treatment.
- All stone carvings are to be executed by certified traditional Sthapathis (temple architects) following Agama Shastra.
- Rates are inclusive of material, skilled labour, transportation and finishing unless otherwise stated.
- GST @ 18% on services and applicable rates on materials are to be levied over and above as per Government norms.
- Work shall be carried out in phases: Foundation → Walls & Columns → Roof & Copper → Finishing & Gopuram.
- All electrical works shall comply with IE Rules 1956 and BIS standards.
- The contingency provision of 5% covers unforeseen site conditions, design changes and price escalation.
- Payment milestones shall be agreed upon signing of the formal contract agreement.
Prepared 2026 by the Project Estimation Team · Figures are indicative and subject to final contractor quotations · ொ Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah ொ
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
We worship the three-eyed Shiva, the fragrant nourisher of all beings. May He liberate us from the bondage of death and grant us immortality, as a fruit is freed from its vine. — Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
Contact Us
For any information about the temple, services, donations, Jeernodhara works, or to offer your support — we welcome you.
Reach the
Temple Trust
Your questions, suggestions, and cooperation are the very strength and inspiration of our seva. We are always open to hearing from you and will respond at the earliest.
Location
Kadegunta, Sonda
Sirsi Taluk, Uttara Kannada District
Karnataka, India