LAKSHMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE, VIGNASANTHE

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Vignasanthe Village in Tiptur Taluk in Tumkur District, in  Karnataka. This temple is considered as one of the lesser known Hoysala temples of Karnataka. The Temple is protected by the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

HISTORY

The Temple was built in 1286 AD by three brothers namely Appaya, Gopala and Madhava, who were military generals of the King Narasimha III of Hoysala Dynasty.

The temple is constructed in Trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west. The western shrine connects to the navaranga via vestibule while the other two shrines connects directly to the navaranga. The navaranga is preceded by an open mukha mandapa. The mukha mantapa is supported by lathe turned half pillars and parapets on either side.

The exterior of the parapet wall, the domical ceiling, the lintel over the entrance and the pillars are profusely decorated. The ceiling of the navaranga (closed hall) is supported by four lathe turned pillars which divide the ceiling into nine decorated bays. The central shrine (western shrine) is the most prominent one. This shrine has a antrala (vestibule) that connects the shrine to the navaranga.

The tower over the central shrine and the vestibule are intact & decorative. The tower over the sanctum is crowned with kalasa on top. The tower is divided into tiers with each tier diminishing in height and culminating in an umbrella like structure. The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The Hoysala crest (emblem of the Sala stabbing a lion) over the sukhanasi is missing.

The lateral shrines are without towers and sukanasis. The inner wall of the shrine is square and plain whereas the outer wall is stellate (star shaped) with numerous recesses and projections that are used for decorative relief. The outer wall of the vestibule is decorative but inconspicuous because it appears like a short continuation of the shrine outer wall.

CONNECTIVITY

The Temple is located at about 16 Kms from Turuvekere and 17 Kms from Tiptur.