An
architectural Wonder
This temple is a Trikutachala and is facing East direction. The temple
complex houses Sri Lakshmi Narayana facing East, Sri Venugopala Swamy facing
North and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha facing South direction.
There is a structural addition to the main entrance built during the
Vijayanagara times and one can easily identify of the structure which are
similar to Dravidian style of construction.
The moment one enters the temple, one can find fine carvings on the
pillar at the entrance.
As one goes around the Navaranga, they can find an intrinsic work
executed in the roof and enjoy the beauty of the same. Each roof top is different from the other and
posses unique design and locking mechanism such as single washer, double
washer, hexagonal nut, etc.,
One can spot the Ganesh idol being carved and housed between the Sri Venugopala
Swamy and Sri Lakshmi Narayana, the intent of this is to have a look at Ganesha
at the first instance and then proceed towards watching Venugopala.
The original Venugopala Swamy has been restored at Kanamabadi, but
recently during 1950's a new image was sculpted and restored here. One can see
the small idol of the original image on the door way of the same.
The Lakshmi Narayana idol is very beautiful and one can observe the
Dashavathara being sculpted in the Prabhavali. The idol itself is very cute and
attracts ones attention by the delicate work executed. On the entrance of the
Garbhagirha, one can find the Dwarapalakas, who are standing with greater
details of the ornaments and clothes they are wearing. Also they are housed in
a mantapa which is decorated with Nagara, Dravida, Kalinga, Vesera and Bhumija
style of Gopuras or Vimanas.
Also, one can find the fine lace work or embroidery work being executed
on the entrance of the Garbha griha. A small idol representing Vishnu has been
identified on the roof top as well.
Other Deities
After we proceed from Lakshmi Narayana, one can spot the Parvathi idol in
the form of Mahishasura Mardhini and the craftsmenship is at its peak. One can
clearly find the rib cage of Mahishasura being crushed due to the extreme
pressure exerted from the foot of Mahishasura Mardhini.
The Lakshmi Narasimha idol is beautifully carved and Sri Lakshmi is
seated on the left thigh of Sri Narasimha.
With a keen sight, one can find Sri Anajeneya Swamy drinking Coconut
water on the right hand side pillar before the entrance of Sri Lakshmi Narayana
Garbhagirha. The carving is so small and it can be covered with a thumb.
While coming out of the temple one really feels the workmanship executed
on the pillars especially and each pillar is having unique design, also to the
surprise, there is one masterpiece which is executed on the pillar with 64
corners, one can insert a small pin behind the corners and also on the top of
it, one can see the intricate design work being executed and the hollow behind
the work is simply amazing.
One will be really excited to take a walk along the Pradakshin patha on the pedestal. The whole Pradakshina Patha is covered with intense details of Bhagavatha,
Ramayana and Mahabharatha in great depths on the railings. The images of
Vishnu, Lakshmi, Parvathi, Shiva, Brahma, Ganapathi, etc., along with other
dieties can be found across the temple.
This is one place where great details regarding the Ramayana and
Mahabharatha epics are present.
The Samudra Manthana image is
very intact and it is well preserved.
Although the temple complex is small, one can get greater details as one
zooms in. The Astha Bhuja Lakshmi is
a very rare occurance, Mandakini who is completely dressed is also a rare
occurance which can be observed at this temple.
A grand car festival is held during Phalguna maasa and a number of
devotees witness the event.
Location
The temple of Sri Lakshmi Narayana at Hosaholalu is another master piece of Hoysala art. The temple is situated at a distance of 2 kms from Krishna Raja Pete in Mandya District.