Shri Hoysala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli - Hassan, Karnataka

Experienced: May 2023

Unique Aspects

• Wonderful statues and amazing carvings.
• The temple's architecture is unique with a style called "Trikutachala," which means it has three shrines dedicated to different deities.

The Lakshmi Narasimha temple, constructed in 1246 CE by Bommanna Dandanayaka, a commander in the Hoysala Empire during King Vira Someshwara's reign, is a fine representation of 13th-century Hoysala architecture. In close proximity in Nuggehalli and also dating back to the same period is the Sadashiva temple. In ancient times, the town was known as Vijaya Somanathapura and later gained significance as an agrahara (a place of learning) during Bommanna Dandanayaka's era. Nuggehalli, or "Nuggihalli," is situated in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India, along the Tiptur-Channarayapatna state highway, approximately 50 km from Hassan city. It is well-connected by road to Bangalore, the state capital.

This temple serves as an excellent illustration of the intricately adorned Hoysala style, characterized by its trikuta (three towers) vimana (shrine) design and adorned walls featuring exquisite sculptures. Crafted from Chloritic Schist, commonly known as Soapstone, the temple stands on a jagati (platform) following the temple's layout. Originally, the temple was relatively small, and later, a larger open mantapa (hall) was added. The three shrines encircle a central closed mantapa with nine "bays" (compartments between four pillars).

The closed mantapa's ceiling is supported by four lathe-turned pillars, featuring a deep dome at the center. The central shrine stands out with a large tower, connected to the mantapa through a vestibule. This vestibule, in turn, has its own tower, known as sukanasi, resembling a shorter extension of the main tower. According to Foekema, it appears like the "nose" of the main tower. In contrast, the other two shrines possess smaller towers. Since these shrines lack a vestibule connecting them to the central mantapa, they do not have a sukanasi.

From an external perspective, the temple gives the impression of being an ekakuta (single tower and shrine) temple, as the two lateral shrines appear as simple extensions of the mantapa's wall. Their towers were added later. It's a classic example of a trikuta (three shrines and towers) that visually resembles an ekakuta. In later periods, a spacious open hall with tall pillars was added, transforming the original porch and closed mantapa into the temple's inner section.

The central shrine has five projections on each side, and although the tower is complete, it lacks the kalasha (decorative structure on top). As the shrine has a square plan, the roof on top (a helmet-like sculptured stone) follows the same plan. Three tiers of decorative smaller roofs, each bearing its own kalasa, form the main tower's body. The superstructure above the vestibule (forming the nose) has only two tiers of decorative roofs, explaining why the sukanasi looks like an extension of the main tower. The two lateral shrines also have five projections on each side, and their tops, along with the mantapa wall, are adorned with a row of decorated roofs, similar to the main shrine.

According to art critic Gerard Foekema, the temple represents a "newer" Hoysala style. Just below the superstructure of the vimana, where the roof meets the outer walls, there are two eaves encircling the temple. The upper eaves extend about half a meter from the wall. A second eaves runs about a meter below the upper eaves, featuring decorative miniature towers (aedicule) between them. Below the lower eaves, there are sculptured panels depicting Hindu gods, goddesses, and their attendants—amounting to 120 such panels. Beneath these panels, six equal-sized moldings with frieze decorations form what historian Kamath broadly terms as "horizontal treatment."

The six moldings at the base of the wall are divided into two sections. The first horizontal molding, starting from the base where the wall meets the jagati, features a procession of elephants, horsemen above them, and a band of foliage on the third. The second horizontal section depicts scenes from Hindu epics and puranic tales with intricate details. Above this, there are two friezes adorned with yalis (or makara, imaginary beasts) and hamsas (swans). The vimana tower, divided into three horizontal sections, is even more ornate than the walls.

The sculptured panels predominantly depict Vaishnava faith, and they are credited to two renowned Hoysala sculptors, Baichoja and Mallitamma. Most of the images reflect the Vaishnava tradition, with a few representations of the god Shiva in the form of Bhairava, accompanied by his consort Bhairavi. Baichoja's sculptures are situated on the south side of the temple and, as described by Foekema, exude a sense of peace and dignity. On the other hand, Mallitamma's sculptures, located on the north side, may not be as finely detailed, but they are vibrant and showcase greater variety. Within the three shrines, you'll find images of Venugopala, Keshava, and Lakshminarasimha, all of whom are avatars of Vishnu.

Location

Nuggehalli is located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, approximately 140 kilometers from Bangalore. To reach there, you can take the Bangalore-Mangalore national highway and turn right at Hirisave. Alternatively, you can continue on the highway until Channarayapatna and then take the road towards Tiptur, which is about 16 kilometers from Channarayapatna.

Address

Shri Hoysala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple,
Nuggehalli,
Hassan Region,
Karnataka,
India, Pincode: 573131.