Famous Temples in India

Architecture

Vishnu and Shiva came together in a new avatara called Hari – Hara (Harihara). Hari Hareshwara temple is facing in East direction, the temple has nice stone Garuda Gamba at the entrance. The carvings on the pillars of the temple are quite intricate and lovers of history will admire each and every detail of the temple. Great care has to be taken to depict the stories and teachings. Each of them turned and polished to mirror finish. Sabhamantapa, which is the largest part of the temple and is supported by 56 lathe-turned pillars symmetrically placed. A microscopic image of Goddess Lakshmi represented on the lintel of the doorway testifies the architectural proficiency and inimitable craftsmanship of the Hoysala artists. The original tower over the shrine (Vimana) is missing and has been replaced. Even if the Garbhagudi is closed you can still view the deity from the grilled doors of the Garbha Gudi.

Mandapams : The striking feature of the temple is the symmetrical big hall, square in shape. The roof has projections and recesses adding charm to the temple. The ceiling is also carved with different flowers like lotuses and lilies. Sabhamantapa, it has five entrances and there is a provision for seating along the half-walls. An ornate doorway leads to a smaller closed Mantapa called as Navaranga Mantapa and then comes the Antarala (vestibule) which connects this Mantapa to the Garbhagriha. The Antarala and the Garbhagriha have simple but well-carved doorways. The ceilings of all the parts of the temple have some ornate and beautifully carved elements. Ornate door jamb relief at entrance to inner Mantapa.

Shiva and Ganesha idols are carved on the south wall, Outer wall has fully decorated with half pillar shapes. Within the temple premises are several old-Kannada inscriptions and hero stones. Inscriptions dominate the temple premises. About 20 slabs of various sizes stand around the temple. Of these 20 about 5 of them are more than six feet tall and the tallest one is 12 feet- the biggest. Halegannda inscription close to Garbhagudi entrance. The image of Harihara in the sanctum is made of a Saligrama stone (black stone) and the temple was built with Soap stone. There is a lot of repair work which is being carried out here and the Vimana is being replaced with mortar and brick ceilings.