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.