Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Bhadravati, Karnataka

It is so disappointing when you travel all the way to a temple and find it locked. Obviously shows that my planning wasn’t good. In May 2017, I drove from Bangalore to Jog Falls on a temple-focused road trip through Karnataka’s lesser-known Hoysala sites.

My route included stops at the Ishwara Temple in Arasikere, Yoganarasimha Temple in Baggavalli, and the Amrutheshwara Temple in Amruthapura—each demonstrating distinct elements of Hoysala architecture. The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Bhadravathi was my next planned stop, a 13th-century trikuta temple that rarely appears on mainstream tourist itineraries.

– By Indrani Ghose | Last Updated: January 2026

Lakshmi Narasimha – a Trikuta Temple in Bhadravathi

I arrived late afternoon to find the temple closed. Evening hours were still two hours away, and I decided to continue toward Jog Falls rather than wait. This taught me an important lesson: Bhadravathi temple timings are restrictive, typically closing between 1 PM and 4 PM. If you’re planning a Bangalore to Jog Falls temple road trip, schedule your Bhadravathi visit for morning hours to access the interior.

Though I only photographed the exterior, the soapstone craftsmanship visible from outside confirmed this temple’s significance among Shivamogga’s architectural heritage.

Quick Facts: Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Peepal Tree worshipped inside Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Complex. This tree must be more that 100 years old.

The Hidden History: Built by the Hoysalas

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravathi was constructed around 1250 CE during the reign of King Vira Someshwara, a ruler from the later Hoysala dynasty. This trikuta temple in Karnataka features three sanctums (garbhagrihas) housing Venugopala, Lakshminarasimha, and Vishnu-Purushottama—all forms of Lord Vishnu.

The temple exemplifies Hoysala architecture Bhadravathi is known for: intricate soapstone carvings, a star-shaped platform (jagati), and detailed sculptural work that rivals better-known temples in Belur and Halebidu.

Local Legend about the Temple

Bhadravathi’s history blends documented facts with local mythology. Ancient texts refer to the area as Vankipura, named after Sage Vanki who reportedly meditated here. According to regional legend,

Lord Rama stopped at this location while seeking redemption for the sin of killing Vali. He installed a Shiva lingam on the banks of the Tungabhadra River to absolve himself of this burden. Over centuries, the settlement grew around the confluence of the Bhadra River, eventually adopting the name Bhadravathi.

There is an interesting story how this part of Karnataka, Bhadravati was formed.

Lord Vishnu, taking the avatar of Varaha (wild boar), rescued Bhudevi (Goddess Earth) from under the sea where she was held captive, from the clutches of Hiranyaksha demon. When Varaha lifted Earth supported by his sharp tusks, the two trenches formed gave birth to the rivers Tunga and Bhadra. The land around Bhadra came to be known as Bhadravati.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has designated this temple as a Protected Monument, recognizing its historical and architectural value. This protection ensures proper maintenance and prevents unauthorized alterations to the structure.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravathi

For visitors interested in soapstone temples in Shivamogga district, this temple represents an important but undervisited example of mid-13th-century Hoysala craftsmanship.

Architectural Brilliance: The Trikuta and Stellate Plan

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravathi demonstrates classic trikuta temple architecture—a triple-shrine layout where three sanctums share a common mandapa (hall). Each sanctum houses a different form of Vishnu:

1. Venugopala (Krishna as the divine cowherd)
2. Lakshminarasimha (the man-lion avatar)
3. Purushottama (Vishnu as the Supreme Being).

This arrangement allowed Hoysala-era devotees to worship multiple manifestations of the deity in one visit, a theological concept reflected in architectural form.

Image of divine figures on Facade of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Use of Soapstone by Hoysala Architects

The entire structure is carved from soapstone, technically known as chloritic schist. Hoysala architects preferred this material because it’s soft when quarried, making intricate carving feasible, then hardens upon exposure to air.

This property enabled artisans to execute detailed friezes, miniature pillar work, and narrative panels that would be nearly impossible in harder stone like granite. The temple’s grey-green patina visible today results from centuries of weathering, giving the soapstone temples in Shivamogga their characteristic appearance.

Temple on Jagati, a Raised Platform

The temple stands on a jagati—a raised platform approximately 3-4 feet high that encircles the entire structure. This platform serves both ritual and architectural functions. Devotees use it for pradakshina (clockwise circumambulation), a practice central to Hindu temple worship.

Architecturally, the jagati elevates the temple visually, creating a commanding presence and protecting the foundation from monsoon water damage. Most distinctive is the stellate (star-shaped) plan. Instead of simple rectangular walls, the shrine walls project and recede at multiple angles, creating a 16-pointed or 32-pointed star when viewed from above.

Each projection provides additional wall surface for sculptural panels—depicting gods, goddesses, mythological scenes, and ornamental bands. This design maximizes decorative space while creating dynamic light-and-shadow patterns throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.

Exterior view of the Stellate Jagati at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Bhadravathi

These elements—trikuta layout, soapstone material, raised jagati, and stellate geometry—appear consistently across major Hoysala temples like Chennakeshava Temple in Belur and Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu. Their presence in Bhadravathi confirms this temple belongs to the mature phase of Hoysala architecture, despite being in a smaller town.

Even viewing only the exterior, as I did, reveals the sophistication of Hoysala building techniques and the dynasty’s commitment to architectural excellence across all their temple projects, regardless of location.

The “Missed Connection”: Timings and Planning Your Visit

I arrived at the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple around 2:30 PM in May 2017 and found it locked. The afternoon closure is standard practice at ASI-protected temples in Karnataka—the caretaker closes for a midday break, reopening only in the evening.

I faced a choice: wait approximately 90 minutes for the 4 PM reopening or continue toward Jog Falls while daylight remained. I chose to proceed, meaning I never saw the interior sanctums.

Standard temple timings:

• Morning: 6 AM to 1 PM
• Evening: 4 PM to 8 PM

These hours can vary slightly during festivals or on maintenance days, so calling the ASI Shivamogga office or local temple administration before visiting is advisable if you’re making a dedicated trip.

Missing the interior was disappointing, but the exterior photography compensated partially. The late afternoon sun at a low angle created strong shadows that emphasized the stellate plan’s projections and recessions.

Late visit and we saw the doors shut

The soapstone’s surface texture became more visible in angled light—something not as apparent in harsh midday sun or dim morning light. If you arrive when the temple is closed, use the time to photograph architectural details: the jagati’s carved edges, miniature pillars on the outer walls, and decorative bands running horizontally across the shrine walls.

Planning tip for Bangalore to Jog Falls temple road trip

Schedule Bhadravathi for morning hours (9–11 AM works well). This gives adequate time to view interiors, then continue to temples near Amrutheshwara Temple or proceed toward Jog Falls with daylight remaining. Don’t replicate my timing mistake—plan around the afternoon closure to fully experience this Hoysala architecture Bhadravathi showcases.

How to Reach

Bhadravathi is located 255 km northwest of Bangalore and 20 km from Shivamogga city. The most direct route follows NH 48 through Tumakuru and Arsikere, then connects to NH 69 toward Shivamogga. Average driving time is 5.5-6 hours depending on traffic conditions leaving Bangalore.

The temple sits within Bhadravathi town limits, easily located using GPS coordinates or by asking locals for “Lakshmi Narasimha Temple” near the old town area.

Once you are in Bhadravathi, you can avail any local transport to reach to this temple.

Best visiting season: October through February

I visited in May 2017 during peak summer when afternoon temperatures exceeded 35°C, making outdoor temple photography uncomfortable and causing heat haze that reduced photo clarity.

The October-February window offers temperatures between 20-28°C—ideal for walking around the jagati, examining exterior carvings, and photographing architectural details without harsh shadows or heat distortion.

Young trees getting grip of the temple – a shocking sight

Nearby Attractions

A visit to the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravathi can be enriched by exploring several nearby attractions in Shivamogga district. The following table outlines key sites worth including in your itinerary:

Pairing Bhadravathi with Amrutheshwara Temple creates an excellent heritage trail focused on Hoysala soapstone architecture. Nature enthusiasts can extend their journey to Jog Falls via the scenic Bangalore to Jog Falls temple road trip route, which passes through lush forests and small temple towns.

FAQ for Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravathi

Q1. What is special about the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravathi?

It is a 13th-century Hoysala Trikuta temple, built by King Vira Someshwara, with sanctums dedicated to Venugopala, Lakshmi Narasimha, and Purushottama.

Q2. What material is the temple built from?

The temple is constructed from soapstone (chloritic schist), allowing artisans to carve intricate details that have survived centuries.

Q3. What are the temple timings?

The temple is generally open from 6 AM to 1 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid missing the interiors.

Q4. How far is Bhadravathi from Bangalore?

It is about 255 km from Bangalore and 20 km from Shimoga, accessible via NH 69 or NH 48.

Q5. What other attractions can be combined with this visit?

Nearby sites include Amrutheshwara Temple, Jog Falls, Tunga Anicut Dam, and Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary.

Q6. Can I visit Bhadravathi temple along with other Hoysala temples?

Yes, Bhadravathi works excellently in a Hoysala temple circuit. Recommended combinations include: Ishwara Temple in Arasikere (165 km from Bangalore), Yoganarasimha Temple in Baggavalli (195 km), Amrutheshwara Temple in Amruthapura (235 km), and Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Bhadravathi (255 km). This route showcases architectural diversity across soapstone temples in Shivamogga and surrounding districts, creating a comprehensive heritage experience.

Q7. What is a trikuta temple in Karnataka?

A trikuta temple features three separate sanctums (garbhagrihas) sharing a common mandapa or hall. “Trikuta” literally means “three peaks” in Sanskrit. This architectural form allowed devotees to worship multiple deities or different forms of the same deity in one visit.

Final Thoughts

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravathi may not be as famous as Belur or Halebidu, but it embodies the same Hoysala architectural brilliance. My own experience—arriving in the late afternoon and finding the temple closed—was a reminder that heritage travel requires careful planning. Yet even from the outside, the temple’s stellate plan, soapstone carvings, and raised Jagati left a lasting impression.

For travelers, Bhadravathi offers a unique blend: an industrial town with a hidden cultural gem. Linking it with Amrutheshwara Temple and other Hoysala sites creates a fulfilling circuit that balances history, architecture, and natural beauty.

In the end I will say one thing, if you’re planning a Bangalore to Jog Falls road trip, make time for Bhadravathi. It’s a stop that rewards both the casual visitor and the dedicated heritage explorer.

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About the Author

Indrani Ghose is a cultural travel writer and heritage documentation specialist with over 15 years of experience exploring and writing about temples across India and Southeast Asia. Having visited over 150 sacred sites, she brings both scholarly depth and personal narrative to heritage travel writing.

Her work has been published in Lonely Planet, The National (UAE), Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald, and various architecture and heritage journals.

Indrani believes that travel writing serves as a bridge — helping readers experience places more deeply by providing context, answering questions, and sharing both practical logistics and emotional resonance.

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