The Vidyashankara Temple – An Architectural Marvel
The Vidyashankara Temple was built
in the year 1338 A.D. It is a unique monument built entirely of stone combining
both Hoysala (Chalukya) and Dravidian architectural styles. The structure
stands on a high plinth and commands a magnificent view from the hills and
their slopes all round. On the western side is the Garbhagriha, with Vidya
Ganapati on one side and Durga on the other side of the entrance. On the other
three sides of the Garbhagriha are shrines to Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara
with their consorts. In the eastern half of the structure is a mantapa with
twelve pillars, huge monoliths carrying large figures and carrying heavy projecting
corbels on top. These twelve pillars are marked by the twelve signs of the
zodiac in their regular order. The central ceiling is an exquisite piece of
workmanship with lotus and pecking parrots.
Magnificient Car Festival
Vidyatirtha Rathotsava is celebrated on a grand scale during kartika Shukla paksha. The festival spans for seven days from Tritiya to Navami. On the Saptami day His Holiness performs special Puja. Also the Aradhana of Sri Vidya Shankara is performed on shasti, saptami and ashtami. This temple is under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India owing to its architectural marvel.