Lakshminarayana Temple
Introduction:
Feel your heart chanting the name of Lord as your sole touches the starling sanctum of Sri Lakshmi Narayana at Hosaholalu. Sui generis Hosala architecture of this temple attracts a million per year. Having Lord Narasimha as the prime deity, it also houses other Hindu Gods.
Architecture:
Like a diamond inside the star this temple sits in the center of a majestic star shaped platform, trikutachala (three celled) structures of the temple grooms its beauty to sheer excellence. Behold the breath taking beauty of Navagraha hall; a column of nine lathe turned masts embellished with gracefully dancing girls in stunning poses divides the shrine into nine cells that are marked with extradionary craftsmanship. The base has six stories of pattikas festooned with swans, elephants, leafy vines and scenes from great epics. Bewildered looks of the visitors is the reward of this temple’s architects.
History:
Hoysala architecture was at its apogee during 13th century AD. This temple is their crowning achievement. This temple took is full form in the year 1259 AD under the reign of King Vira Someshwara. Till then this temple hadn’t worn out or crumbled, this is because of crème de la crème architecture.
Fare:
Visitors can explore this piece of art for free.
Timings:
This temple is kept open from 6 am to 8 pm on all days.
Travel
Bus : This temple is located near Mandya town, busses to Mandya is available from all major cities in Karnataka.
Train : Hassan railway station is the nearest station to Hosaholalu, from here you have to take a taxi or local bus to reach the temple.
Airport : Bangalore airport is the neighboring airport.
Places to Visit:
Arkeshwara Temple – Hale Yedatore, Chunchanakatte Falls, Sri Venkata Ramana Temple – Thondandur and Sri Channakeshava Temple – Bherya are some of the nearby tourist spots.