Lakshminarasimha Temple, Haranhalli
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple of Haranhalli | |
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Harnahalli | |
State | Karnataka |
Country | India |
Geographic coordinates | 13°14′48.2″N 76°13′26.0″E / 13.246722°N 76.223889°E |
Architecture | |
Type | Hoysala |
Creator | Heggade brothers |
Completed | c. 1234 CE |
The Lakshminarasimha temple at Haranhalli, sometimes referred to as Lakshmi Narasimha temple of Haranhalli, is one of two major historic Hindu temples that have survived in Haranhalli, Karnataka, India. It is triple-shrine temple dedicated to Vishnu, while the other – Someshvara Temple, Haranhalli few hundred meters to the east – is dedicated to Shiva. Both temples reflect a Vesara-style Hoysala architecture, share similar design ideas and features, and were completed in the 1230s by three wealthy brothers – Peddanna Heggade, Sovanna and Kesanna.[1][2]
According to the inscriptions found near the temple and in the village, the temple was originally dedicated to and named after Kesava – also Vishnu, but over its history was renamed as the Lakshminarasimha temple. The temple is notable for its artwork and for including architectural features typically found in late Chalukya and early Hoysala periods.[2]
The Lakshminarasimha temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.[3]
Location and date
Haranhalli, – also referred to as Harnahalli, Haruvanahalli or Hiriya Somanathapura in historic inscriptions – is located about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Halebidu and about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Hassan city in Karnataka state, India. It is connected to India's highway network with NH 73 and SH 21. The Lakshminarasimha temple is located towards the west-center of the village, and it is about 300 meters to the west of the Somesvara temple.[1][2]
Architecture
The Lakshminarasimha temple at Harahalli is a trikuta (three sanctum) shrine set within a mature
The upper space and structure is set in three storied bhadravalokanas, a variant of the style seen in Hoysalesvara temple in Halebidu. The temple has a gudha-mandapa that starts after the kapili, then the two side shrines, followed by the ranga-mandapa.[2] Outside on the walls are panels of Hindu deity-related panels at the talajangha, in turreted niches. These are mainly from the Vaishnava pantheon.[2]
The Lakshminarasimha temple plan is similar to that found in the temples at Hosaholalu, Nuggihalli and Javagallu. While its decorative ornamentation is simpler, it has a more original look.[1] The temple plan is that of a trikuta (three shrined),[4] with a strong focus on the middle shrine which has a superstructure (tower or shikhara) and a sukhanasi (nose or tower over the vestibule).[7][5]
The three shrines are connected by a common hall (
Decoration and sculptures
The sanctum of the three shrines contain an image of the Hindu god
The decorative plan of the walls of the shrines and the hall reflects the Hoysala style (with two eaves that run around the temple).
Gallery
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The mantapa outer wall, and vimana
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Close up of Vimana and the aedicula
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Close up of shikhara (superstructure)
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Lathe turned pillars, decorative door jamb and lintel
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Closed mantapa facing a sanctum
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Outer wall articulation and horizontal frieze treatment
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Decorative door jamb and lintel at entrance to sanctum
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Deorative pilaster
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Domical ceiling in the closed mantapa
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Horizontal frieze treatment to moldings
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Shrine outer wall relief and molding
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Ornate pillars inside mantapa
References
- ^ a b c Foekema (1996), pp. 67–70
- ^ ISBN 978-81-86526-00-2.
- ^ "Protected Monuments in Karnataka". Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India. Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
- ^ a b Foekema (1996), p25
- ^ a b c d e f Foekema (1996), p68
- ^ Kamath (2001), p135
- ^ Foekema (1996), p22
- ^ Foekema (1996), p21
- ^ a b c Kamath (2001), p134
- ^ a b Foekema (1996), p69
- ^ Foekema (1996), p27
- ^ Foekema (1996), pp28-29
- ^ Foekema (1996), p29, p69
Bibliography
- Gerard Foekema, A Complete Guide to Hoysala Temples, Abhinav, 1996 ISBN 81-7017-345-0
- Kamath, Suryanath U. (2001) [1980]. A concise history of Karnataka: from pre-historic times to the present. Bangalore: Jupiter books. OCLC 7796041.