Stellate vimana (shrine and superstructure) of the Mallikarjuna temple at BasaraluView of the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu from entrance
The temple is highly ornate example of
mantapa) which is unique in that it mixes characteristics of an open and a closed hall. The lateral shrines are connected directly to the hall while the middle shrine has a vestibule that connects the sanctum (cella or vimana) to the hall.[7][8][9]
Since the lateral shrines have no tower over them and are directly connected to the hall without a vestibule and its corresponding tower like projection, they do not appear like shrines from the outside. Rather, they are absorbed into the walls of hall. The central shrine on the contrary is highly visible because of its tower and the sukhanasi that projects prominently from the tower.
linga (the universal symbol of the god Shiva) while the lateral shrines contain an image of surya (the sun) and a pair of nagas (snakes).[10]
The temple stands on a platform called
pradakshinapatha) around the temple. It closely follows the outline of the temple, giving it a good elevated look. It has two flights of steps leading to each lateral entrance of the temple.[4][9][11] The tower over the central shrine and the vestibule (sukhanasi or nose) are intact and highly decorative. The other standard features of a Hoysala temple; the large domed roof over the tower (called "helmet" or amalaka), the kalasa on top of it (the decorative water-pot at the apex of the helmet) and the Hoysala crest (emblem of the Hoysala warrior stabbing a lion) over the sukhanasi are all intact, adding to the decorative look.[9][12] The dome is actually a heavy, well sculptured "helmet" over the tower and is the largest piece of sculpture in the temple (2x2 meters). Its shape usually follows that of the shrine and hence can be either square or star shaped.[12]
Profile of vesara style vimana (shrine and superstructure) in the Mallikarjuna temple at BasaraluClose up of wall relief articulation comprising (from bottom to top) molding friezes, above which is the panel of Hindu deities below the lower eve, and decorative aedicula between lower and upper eves in Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Decoration and sculptures
puranic
figures, mythical beasts (makara) and swans (hansa)
The decorative plan of the walls of the shrines and the
mantapa (hall) is of the "new kind", with two eaves that run around the temple. The wall panel images have the same quality of workmanship seen in the more famous temples at Belur and Halebidu, though the images are smaller and simpler.[10] In the "new kind" of decorative articulation, the first heavy eaves runs below the superstructure and all around the temple with a projection of about half a meter. The second eaves runs around the temple about a meter below the first. Between the two eaves are the miniature decorative towers (Aedicula) on pilasters. Below the second eaves are the wall panel of images of Hindu deities and their attendants in relief.[13]
Below this, at the base are the six equal width rectangular
Kailash, the Pandava prince Arjuna shooting the fish target, and Draupadi rushing forth with garland, and the slaying of the demon Gajasura.[2]
Gallery
Rear of Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Profile of vesara shikhara (tower) and shrine of Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Old Kannada inscription from the Hoysala period (1235 A.D.) at the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Molding frieze articulation in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Wall relief articulation in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Elephant baluster entrance into the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Sculpture of Ganesha in the entrance mantapa in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Relief of Hindu god Brahma with Saraswati in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Panel relief of Hindu deities in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Relief of Hindu deity in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Relief of Hindu deity in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
_of_the_Mallikarjuna_temple_at_Basaralu,_Mandya_district.jpg)
Rear of Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Profile of vesara shikhara (tower) and shrine of Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Old Kannada inscription from the Hoysala period (1235 A.D.) at the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Molding frieze articulation in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Wall relief articulation in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Elephant baluster entrance into the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Sculpture of Ganesha in the entrance mantapa in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Panel relief of Hindu deities in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Relief of Hindu deity in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
Relief of Hindu deity in the Mallikarjuna temple at Basaralu
_and_shrine_of_Mallikarjuna_temple_at_Basaralu,_Mandya_district.jpg)
_in_the_Mallikarjuna_temple_at_Basaralu.JPG)
