Temples and Trade Network in South India: The Cult of Gavareshvara

Abstract

Along with the emergence of Ayyavole Five Hundred in Karnataka and other parts of South India, there was also the appearance of the cult of Gavareshvara. It represented the importance of the Gavares, a dominant trading community of Ayyavole Five Hundred. The Gavareshvara temples attracted donations from the Gavares, Mummuridandas, Settis and Settiguttas apart from officials. The article shows that the assortment of traders exhibited their devotion to god Gavareshvara, thereby demonstrating their respect for the dominant Ayyavole traders, the Gavares. Consequently, Gavareshvara became a major deity of the Ayyavole Five Hundred in Karnataka.