Lord Lakshmi Narasimha
he Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli in Hassan is an excellent example of the architectural style dominant during the Hoysala period. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha who is believed to be an avatar of Lord Krishna.
Lakshminarasimha Temple at Nuggehalli. Image courtesy HoysalaPhotos
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli – An Overview
The temple was commissioned by a commander of the Hoysala army, Bommanna Dandanayaka in 1246CE. This was during the reign of King Vira Someshwara. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha but also has statues of other Gods and Goddesses as well.
The temple is constructed as a trikutachala i.e. it has three sanctums. The main temple is raised with a statue of Lord Narasimha in the northern sanctum, images of Kesava in the western sanctum and images of Venugopala in the southern sanctum. The western sanctum also has images of Durga, Sarasvati and Harihara in three devakosthas.
Quick Facts about Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli, Hassan
- Main deity: Lord Narasimha
- Best time to visit: March- April (during the Annual Brahmotsava)
- Temple timings: 7.30 am to 5.30 pm
- Entry fee: Free
- Address: Nuggehalli Main Road, Hassan 573131 (MAP)
Shrine outer wall. Image courtesy Dineshkannambadi
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli – The Architecture
The temple follows an east-west orientation and is built primarily with soapstone. To make the temple appear larger, an open mantapa was later added on. The three sanctums open out to a central mantapa that is supported by 4 round pillars.
The western sanctum is the most prominent. It has a sukanasi opening or an entrance with a superstructure or tower that leads to the main mantapa. The other two sanctums do not have such as sukanasi. The superstructure over the western sanctum is almost exactly as it was designed years ago. The eaves are decorated with ornate dentils and the architrave is marked by pilaster turrets.
The walls of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli are covered with intricate mouldings and friezes in a horizontal treatment. These friezes are taken exclusively from the Bhagavatha. The lower eaves feature images of Hindi Gods and Goddesses with their attendants. In all there are about 120 such sculptured panels. Below this, the wall is divided into 6 horizontal panels with two sections. These showcase elephant processions, horses, foliage, scenes from the Hindu epics, imaginary beasts and hamsas. The intricate work on these panels is credited to Baichoja and Mallitamma, 2 well-known sculptures of the 13th century.
The roof of the temple follows a square plan and has three tiers of smaller roofs with their own kalasas. This forms the body of the main tower. Since the sukanasi has only two tiers, it appears as an extension of the main tower.