Kalleshvara temple is situated in the village of Aralaguppe at the Tiptur taluk located in Tumkur district of Karnataka. The temple exhibits spectacular example of Western Ganga art belonging to 9th century. However according to historian I.K. Sarma, influences of Nolamba and Badami Chalukya can also be witnessed in the temple. Kalleshvara temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva, also known as Ishvara. A vassal king of the Nolamba dynasty had commissioned the temple.

History of Kalleshvara Temple
The chronology of the temple has been estimated by two inscriptions found in the temple. One of the inscriptions dates back to 895 C.E. which narrates the event of the commissioning of the temple by a king of Nolamba under his overlord the Western Ganga King Rachamalla II. King Rachamalla II had also made a grant himself for the construction of the temple which also finds its mention in the inscription. This inscription is called as Kalla-degula.

Another inscription was found in the temple tank called `pushkarni`. It has been referred to as a `hero stone`. This inscription has established the fact that the region was completely controlled by the Western Ganga dynasty during this era. It has also been inferred that the Nolambas and the Western Gangas had close relationship in terms of cultural art. Common elements of architecture and sculptures have been found in both the regions. During the Hoysala period, three lateral shrines having an enclosure for the vehicle of Lord Shiva (vahana) and Nandi the bull (Nandi sala) can be found.

Architecture of Kalleshvara Temple
Kalleshvara temple exhibits an impressive architecture with a square pyramidal Garbhagriha having a simple and plain exterior. A vestibule separated the sanctum from the Mantapa, called closed hall. Mahamantapa of the temple is magnificently sculptured. Phenomenal art can be witnessed at the door jamb and the lintel located above the main door. The door jamb is adorned with sculptures of Dwarapalas at its base with decorative creepers that run along the sides of the door. The ceiling of the temple comprises a panel of images. In addition to these, various other intricate and elegant ornamentations can be spotted at the nooks and corners of the temple.