Hosaholalu in Karnataka is a small village which is not very famous. However the village has a beacon of Hoysala Architecture which is worth a visit. Karnataka is famous for its unique artistic temples especially built by Hoysala Kings. The beauty of Halebidu and Belur does not end seeing it for even a lifetime.
There are many Hoysala temples, which are elegant and artistic, but not well known. The Hosaholalu Lakshmi Narayana Temple is one of them. Lakshmi Narayana Temple is in Hosaholalu Village, Mandya district in Karnataka. It is one among the top temples not to miss in this variegated state.
Hosaholalu Lakshmi Narayana Temple – Trikutachala
Lakshmi Narayana Temple in Hosaholalu was built by King Veera Someshwara of the Hoysala Empire in 1250 AD. It is a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture. The beautifully carved sculptures, grand temple interiors and the design of this shrine are the most added attractive features.
The Hosaholalu Temple is constructed in Vasara style, with a combination of Dakshinatya (Dravida) and Ottareya (Nagara) styles. Like all other Hoysala temples, this temple is built on the Nakshatra (Star Shaped) type of foundation. This platform is raised and has a pillared hall or Navaranga in the centre and the three shrines around it.
Built out of a soap stone, this is the Trikutachala temple with three-sanctum sanctorum. The temple is also carved out of cinnamon stone, like other Hoysala temples. It has fine carvings on the outside like that of Warriors, Horse Riders, Elephants, Sharabha, Darpanasundari, Shukabhashini, Kapikupita, Madanikeyaru, Vishakanya, Natyasaraswathi, Veenasaraswathi, Narayana, Adishakti, Brahma etc.,
Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Bhagavatam narratives are beautifully carved which attracts not only art lovers but also philosophers, philanthopists, explorers and most importantly devotees from all around the world.
The interior of the temple consists of a closed hall (Navaranga) of modest size with four polished lathe-turned pillars supporting the roof. The four central pillars divide the hall into nine equal ‘bays’ (compartments) and nine decorated ceilings. Each pillar is carved with beautiful sculptures of young dancing girls in various graceful and elegant poses.
The main sanctum has elegant Dravidian style peaks and Sukhanasi. The garbha-griha is spacious. There is only one Navaranga which unites the three sanctums.
The pillars inside the temple are artistically designed and incredibly attractive. These are the typical pillars of 16 angles, 32 angles, and 64 angles. They also have beautiful sculptures of Shantala and Madanikeyaru. Particularly there is a sculpture of a thumb sized Anjaneya (Hebattu Anjaneya) drinking tender coconut demonstrating the skill of artists.
The midsection of the temple is richly decorated with sculptures of various Gods, incarnations of Lord Vishnu, dancing Saraswathi, Brahma, Ganapathi, Yoga – Madhava, and many other deities. And most of the sculptures and images at the Lakshmi Narayana temple are intact and have been very well preserved.
Another attraction inside the temple is the beautiful Bhuvaneshwari. The sculpture of Kalingamardana Sri Krishna, engraved on a bud in a Bhuvaneshwari, is incredible and is particularly appealing. Similarly, the carving of the swan in Bhuvaneshwari is also noteworthy. Similarly, beautiful wheel carvings are also appealing. Although the temple is Trikutachala, there is only one vimana atop the central garbha-griha.
The vigrahas of Lakshmi Narayana Temple, Hosaholalu
There are three vigrahas in the temple which are still being worshiped. The Chaturbhuja form of Lord Lakshmi Narayana along with Sridevi and Bhu-devi is seen in the main garbha-griha in the center. The Deity is also known as Lord Nambi Narayana due to the belief of the king that Lord Narayana will never break devotees’ trust.
North side of Navaranga there is a garbha-griha of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. Here the Deity of Prahlada is also present. Hence He is known as Sri Prahlada Lakshmi Narasimha. Lakshmi Devi can be seen with Her foot resting on the lotus flower. A pot nectar called as Amrita kalasha can also be seen near Her feet. She is lovingly holding Her husband and seated on His lap.
In the southern garbha-griha there is Sri Venugopala Swamy. This Deity is very charming and the pratibhu of the original vigraha. In fact Lord Krishna can be seen stood under the Kalpa-vriksha and with His associates.
The Hosaholalu Lakshmi Narayana temple is a magnificent piece of art. Inside, and outside it is exceptionally beautiful. There is a well known statement that says ‘See Belur from inside and Halebidu from outside’ but Hosaholalu temple must be seen from inside as well as from outside.
Festivals Celebrated in Lakshmi Narayana Temple Hosaholalu
In the honor of Anjaneya, during the Month of April every year, a fair called the Rangada–habba is held in the Hosaholalu temple complex. It is an overnight event where the people from the surrounding villages come wearing colourful disguises, dance and sing praises. This fair is like Holi as the people spray saffron water on each other.
Temple Timings of Lakshmi Narayana Temple Hosaholalu
Hosaholalu Lakshmi Narayana temple is open throughout year every day from morning 9:00 AM to evening 6:00 PM
How to reach Lakshmi Narayana Temple Hosaholalu?
The best way to reach Hosaholalu Temple is to join Tirtha Yatra and get your tour organized.
By Road: Hosaholalu Lakshmi Narayana temple is 160 km from Bengaluru, 58 km from Mysuru. Taxis are available from these locations.
By Rail: Mysuru railway station is the nearest railway station. It is well-connected by important towns of India, apart from that near railway station is Hosa Agrahara where railway connectivity is less.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Bengaluru. Buses and private taxies are available from these airport location
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