Search This Blog

Bhadravati Lakshmi Narasimha

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The construction of this temple by Hoysalas dates back to 13th century. King Veera Narasimha, grandson of King Vishnuvardhana, built this temple.

Lakshmi Narasimha is a trikuta temple, meaning temple with 3 shrines. The whole temple stands on a 3 feet high Nakshatra style (star shaped) platform.

The engravings though are not as rich as I saw in Amrutheshwara Temple nevertheless stunning and worth feasting your eyes on. One can see the abode of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha idol, one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu here.

The temple has idols of Lord Sri Krishna, Lord Purushottama, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sharadamba along with the deity the Lord Narasimha.

The temple has mukhamantapa at its entrance, open hall with black shiny pillars. There is a closed central hall with no windows. This connects the mukhamantapa with the three sanctums. The outer wall has two sets of carvings. The lower panel at our eye sight level has carvings of Gods and Goddesses accompanied by performing musicians.

Temple  Architecture

Some selected idols on the wall panel are worshiped by locals. They apply oil, turmeric, vermilion etc., to the idols. I don’t know whether their prayers are heard and desires fulfilled or not, but they have successfully managed to damage the soft stone features.

The temple complex has a huge banyan tree. Several idols are placed around it.

Legend

The temple is situated on the banks of River Bhadra. There is an interesting story how this part of Karnataka, Bhadravati was formed.

Lord Vishnu, taking the avatar of Varaha (wild boar), rescued Bhudevi (Goddess Earth) from under the sea where she was held captive, from the clutches of Hiranyaksha demon. When Varaha lifted Earth supported by his sharp tusks, the two trenches formed gave birth to the rivers Tunga and Bhadra.

Location

Lakshminarasimha Temple is located in the old town area of Bhadravathi. It is now maintained by the Archaeological Department of Karnataka State. Once you are in Bhadravathi, you can avail any local transport to reach to this temple.

Other Places to Visit

Other Hoysala temples nearby are Amruteshwara Temple near Tarikere and Sri Chintamani Narasimha Sri Rameshwara at Koodli, the place where Tunga and Bhadra merge to form Tungabhadra.