Amrutheshwara Temple in Amruthapura, Karnataka
After a brief halt at Yoga Narasimha temple in Baggavalli, we visited Amrutheshwara Temple in Amruthapura. Amrutheshwara Temple is the only place of attraction here for tourists and pilgrims.
At the first sighting of Amrutheshwara Temple, I felt this temple looked more beautiful than Ishwara Temple because of its unique façade. The facade is partially open all around the mantapa and has incredible sculpted work on it.
Amrutheshwara Temple Amruthapura
Amrutheshwara Temple History
Amrutheshwara Temple is counted in the list of finest example of Hoysala architecture. This temple too belongs to the same era as that of Ishwara Temple. It was built in 1196 by Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka under Hoysala King Veera Ballala II. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a Shiva Ling made of saligram, a black variety of stone brought from River Kandikevale which is in Nepal.
Hoysala Architecture in Amrutesvara Temple
The temple is categorized as ekakuta (single shrine) temple. Unlike Ishwara temple this temple has 2 mantapas. One is completely closed; this connects the sanctum housing the idol with a large mantapa which is open. We could offer puja and spend some time inside the mantapas. The shining black pillars here stun you, how the sheen has existed for centuries with no sign of fading away!
Photography is strictly prohibited in the interiors and I could manage to take some pics from outside. Nothing to get disappointed about, because the exterior has such intricate work that it hogs all the attention of the tourists. The wall relief sculptures depict several Gods, Goddesses, mythological creatures and stories. There are a total of hundred and forty panel sculptures with depictions from the Hindu epics we were told.
If you are there give particular attention to south side wall of the temple. This part has stories from Ramayana on seventy panels sculpted in anti clockwise direction. The north side has stories from Krishna’s life in 25 panels and also from Mahabharata in 45 panels. These depictions are in clockwise direction. Such details engraved in them that you can actually tell the stories looking at them. I could explain some of them to my daughters.
A Sculptor and a Poet
Two famous people of their era associated with this temple are a sculptor and a poet.
Ruvari Mallitamma, the well known sculptor and architect is known to have started his career in Amruthesvara temple. He had done extensive work on the domed ceilings in the main mantapa.
As you exit do take a good look at the large stone inscription near the porch. It contains poems composed by medieval Kannada poet Janna who had the title Kavichakravarti (emperor among poets).
Temple Timings and Tickets
Entry to this temple is free.
Open on all Days: 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM (forenoon) and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (afternoon)
Places to visit near Amruthapura
Approximately 30 km from Amruthapura is Bhadravathi which is famous for Sri Venugopala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.
Location of Amrutheshwara Temple Amruthapur
Amrutheshwara Temple is located 67 km north of Chikmagalur town in the Chikkamagaluru district. It is 110 km from Hassan and 35 km from Shimoga on NH 206. This town is 245 km from Bangalore and is situated in the banks of Bhadra River reservoir.
You can reach this place by road in private taxis or state transport services. Since we were on our road trip to Shimoga from Bangalore, it was convenient to make a halt in Amruthapura to have darshan of this temple.
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Pride of Kannada Land..
It is really amazing place . I had visited this few years ago. Another temple of Hoysala Architecture
Amazing Pics. Thanks to you this place is now on our wish list 🙂
Both the temples Amruthapura temple and Ishwara temple are the architechtural and sculptural marvels with such intricate carvings on the ceilings and walls showcase the glory of Hoysala Dynasty . Amazing pics.
Lovely pics and beautiful place
Great Temple and nice pics 🙂
The temple is truly a work of art. You captured the intricate carvings beautifully. Great post Indrani 🙂
Those carvings are indeed intricate. A lovely temple!
Lovely place and pictures.
Lovely pics ma’am.
India is actually an amazing place. So many variations of cultures and variations deep within. Sometimes, it gets amazing to explore more and more.
Lovely pics.
Amazing temple, and detailed carvings. Whenever I look at such work, I always wonder how talented these men must’ve been!
(A big hellow to you, back after a break :))
I have another new amazing place added to my list of destinations 🙂
Wow! the temple looks amazing so do all those sculptures! The Hoysalas really did leave us quite a lot of sculptural wonders, didn’t they?
The detailed workmanship is absolutely stunning!
Very true, the work of intricate is too intense here! Great temple to grab attention entirely and the way stories depicted on stones are quite amazing to think… their records are very strong!
Such beautiful detailed carvings!
Donna@GardensEyeView
and LivingFromHappiness
The Ramayana and Mahabharata stories must have been fascinating!
Your images of the detailed sculptures are excellent.
Amazing pics …book marking this right away for the next long weekend
amazing architecture…on my wishlist:)
Such gorgeous art in these temples…
We have so many hidden gems all around … Beautiful temple …
Marvelous Architecture.. And you have described it doubly well.. Thanks for sharing, Indrani!
The detailed carvings had me mesmerized! Amazing shots and lucky u!
Thanks for posting, a very educative post.
Awesome architecture!
This is such an architecturally beautiful temple. Feeling spiritual after seeing the pictures!
Amazing place. Thanks for sharing!
I always enjoy seeing these amazing places. Thank you for posting about them. Their history is also very interesting.
Glorious details in every temple. I am sure they depict something important.
Beautiful place. I love it.
lovely temple and amazing architecture… I love all of them down south actually… very unique!
Great temple. Brilliant architecture. And you have captured the beauty of sculptures exquisitely.
Amazing work!!
Amazing sculpture, as usual in the classical temples.
Amazing sculptures. It must require immense potential and patience to build something like that. Lovely pictures!
One more Southern India beauty.
Hello, Indrani! Wonderful images of the temple and carvings. The details are always amazing to me. Thanks for sharing your visit. Have a happy new week!
Wonderful , Awesome pics and post.
Nice coverage of the temple. The works look intricate.
Indeed a beautiful temple. I have been hear while coming back from Agumbe trip.
Wonderful place for a visit and walk… Also, amazing architecture of historic buildings. So interesting aspects on wall relief sculptures!
Greetings in january!
Namaste. Thank You
Awesome temples and terrific captures as always, Indrani!! I would love to have an opportunity to visit these in person, although your pics are the next best thing to being there!! Thank you so much for sharing!! I hope you have a great new week!
What an amazing place! I love the details.