Saturday, September 2, 2017

Hoysala Temples 21: Harihareshwara Temple, Harihar

Date: 25th Aug 2017

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi, Muthusamy, Vijayalakshmi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timing: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Distance: 300Kms one way.

Parking: Available. Roadside.

Food: Available.

Photography: Allowed.

Other attractions nearby: Ranebennur black buck Sanctuary.

Harihareshwara temple in Harihar is an ancient temple built in 1223 AD by Polalva a general in Hoysala king Narasimha II. The place and the temple came under many rulers over the period. Though some of the art work on the outer wall is destroyed the ornate interiors still remain intact. As the name suggest the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The main Idol is the fusion of both Hari and Hara. The story behind this is that the area was once the stronghold of the giant guhasura. He tormented the people as he had got the boon from Lord Bhramha that neither Vishu nor Shiva can kill him. To protect the people both the god came as one and destroyed the demon.

Front view of the main temple.

Total fifty six lathe turned pillars supporting the roof.

The 4ft Idol of Harihara inside the garbagriha. The left side represent Vishnu with Chakra and Sanku and right side represent Shiva with Trisul. Photography allowed.

Carvings of elephant, bull, horse on the roof.

Ornate doorjamb in the inner hall.

Aesthetic designs on the roof of outer mantapa.

Closer look at the doorjamb.

Few more roof designs.

Another shrine in the complex. Dedicated to goddess lakshmi.

Another view of the temple.

Huge stones with Kannada inscriptions preserved in the temple.

More pictures from the place.

Defaced outer wall.

There are two lamp post inside the temple. Each has Nandi and Garuda sitting facing the main temple.

We were here.

Another beautiful Hoysala temple that needs to be visited.

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