The Kedareshvara Temple (also spelled Kedareshwara or Kedaresvara) is situated in the town of Balligavi, which is referred to by various names in ancient inscriptions, including Belagami, Belligave, Ballagamve, and Ballipura. The temple is located near Shikaripura in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India.
Balligavi, once a prominent center of learning (agrahara), was an important city during the 11th and 12th centuries under the Western Chalukya rule.
The term "Anadi Rajadhani" (ancient capital), used in medieval inscriptions to describe Balligavi, reflects the town's deep historical significance. Art historian Adam Hardy classifies the architectural style of the temple as "Later Chalukya non-mainstream, relatively close to mainstream.".
He dates the temple to the late 11th century, with inscriptional evidence indicating additions made up to 1131 by the Hoysalas during their rule over the region. The building material used is soapstone.