Famous Temples in India

SRI HARI HARESHWARA TEMPLE

Harihar, Karnataka, India

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God

The main deity of this temple is Harihara or Shankarnarayana and Sambhu-Vishnu, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The beautiful 4 feet height idol is a powerful combination of the protector (Lord Vishnu) and the destroyer (Lord Shiva). On the right side of Harihara idol is carved Shiva’s trishul and the hair styled as an ascetic and on the left side Vishnu is carved with the discuss and head is covered with a crown.

Interesting Facts

  • Temple Located at Tungabhadra bank and the temple is surrounded by several hills of Harihareshwar, Pushpadri.
  • The most unique part of this temple is the presence of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva in the same idol.

Best Season To Visit

The best season to visit this temple is Winter season. The best months to visit are September to February.

Weather

Highest - April to June (38°C during day and 26°C during night)Average - May (37°C during the day and 21°C during night)Lowest - October to February (27°C during day and 18°C during night)Monsoon season - August to September

Dress Code

  • For men the dress code is Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth.
  • For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.
  • These rules are applicable for foreigners also. Shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans and short-length T-shirts are not allowed.
  • Pilgrims/visitors will not be allowed inside the temple if dress code is not followed.

Do's & Dont's

  • Do bathe and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  • Do respect ancient customs and co-piligrims while at temple.
  • Smo​king is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.

transport connections

Name Distance Contact Number
Harihar Bus Stand
1.2 KM 08192242294
Harihar Railway station
1.5 KM 139
Hubballi Airport
138 KM 0836-2237921

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.

Religious Significance

God had to take this avatara / form because the places from Uchchangi Durga in the east, Govinahalu in the south, Mudanur in the west and Airani in the north were under the control of the demon Guhasura and the place was known as Guharanya. The demon had a boon from Brahma that no human or Shiva or Vishnu could kill him. This gave him the power and evil mind to harass people living around the place. When the people complained to the devas / gods about Guhasura, the gods in turn approached Vishnu and Shiva for a solution. Vishnu and Shiva came together in a new avatara called Hari – Hara (Harihara) and killed demon Guhasura. From then onwards, this place came to be known as Harihar.

History

This temple was built in 12th - 13th century by Polalva a commander and minister of the Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha - II.

Temple Timings

Day Timings
All Days 07:00 AM - 02:00 PM 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Tours










Airports

Airport Name Distance
Shamshabad 40 KM
Lorem Ipsum 12 KM

Railway Stations

Railway Station Name Distance
Secunderabad 10 KM
Nampally 12 KM
Begumpet 6 KM
Lingampally 20 KM

Bus Stations

Bus Station Name Distance
MGBS 35 KM
CBS 28 KM
kukatpally 20 KM
Lingampally 30 KM
Uppal 35 KM

Private Transports

Transport Name Distance Contact Number
Private Transport 8 KM 9546858757
Private Transport1 8 KM 9546858757
Private Transport1 8 KM 9546858757
Private Transport1 8 KM 9546858757
Private Transport1 8 KM 9546858757

Local Transports

Transport Name Distance Contact Number
Local Transport 5 KM 9546858757
Local Transport1 5 KM 9546858757
Local Transport1 5 KM 9546858757
Local Transport1 5 KM 9546858757
Local Transport1 5 KM 9546858757

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Distance:61.5 KM

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SRI HARI HARESHWARA TEMPLE

Harihar, Karnataka, India

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