Pulakesi II - Early Life and Accession

Early Life and Accession

Ereya, who assumed the name Pulikeshi on his coronation, was born to the Chalukya king Kirtivarman I. When Kirtivarma died in 597, Ereya was still a young boy and Kirtivarma's brother Mangalesa governed the young kingdom as regent until Ereya came of age. Mangalesa was a capable ruler and continued expanding the kingdom. However, when Ereya came of age, desire for power perhaps made Mangalesa deny prince Ereya his rightful place on the Chalukya throne, and he sought to perpetuate his own line by making his son heir apparent.

Ereya took shelter in the Bana territory (Kolar), organised an army with the help of his associates and declared war on his uncle. According to the Peddavadagur inscription Mangalesa was defeated and killed in the ensuing battle at Elapattu Simbige. Ereya ascended the Chalukya throne as Pulikeshi II and assumed the title Chalukya Parameshwara. pulikeshi built many a temples such as badami,Papanatha,durga and ladhkhan