The Amruteshvara Temple also known as Amriteshvara Temple is located in Amruthapura, 67 km north of Chikmagalur town in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, India. It is 67 kilometres from Chikmagalur, close to the Bhadra River reservoir. It is a 12th-century temple that embodies the essence of South Indian temple architecture and draws visitors from all over the country. Amruteshwara is a Shaivite temple with a Shiva linga installed from the River Gandaki in Nepal.

The beautiful architecture of this temple distinguishes it as one of the most notable examples of Hoysala architecture. Under Hoysala King Veera Ballala II, Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka a commander built the temple in 1196 CE. Hoysala temple architecture is distinguished by its attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship. The sculptures in the Hoysala temples highlight delicate craftsmanship while depicting feminine beauty and grace.

Overview of Amruteshvara Temple Amruthapura

The Amruteshvara Temple’s main deity is Lord Shiva, and the Shiva linga is a 300-year-old Trimurti from the River Kandikevale in Nepal. Sharadha Devi’s idol sits next to the Shiva Linga. The Amruteshvara Temple’s original outer wall is adorned with unique, evenly spaced circular carvings.

Amruteshvara Temple has an ekakuta design, which means it only has one vimana (a shrine and a tower). The temple also has a closed mantapa (hall) that connects the sanctum and a larger open mantapa. While some of the sculptures in the temple are dilapidated, the architecture is still striking.

History of Amruteshvara Temple Amruthapura

The temple was built in the 12th century by commander Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka during the reign of Veera Ballala II, the Hoysala King. The rise of the Hoysalas coincided with the spread of a particular design philosophy, which can still be seen throughout the state of Karnataka.

Mallitamma, one of Karnataka’s most famous sculptors, is thought to have begun his artistic career in Amruthapura, indicating the start of a golden architectural age.

The Architecture of Amruteshvara Temple Amruthapura

The temple is built in Hoysala style, with a large open mantapa (hall). The temple’s outer wall is original and features unique, equally spaced circular carvings. The temple has one vimana (shrine and tower) and is thus an ekakuta design, with a closed mantapa (hall) connecting the sanctum to the large open mantapa.

It is a medium-sized Hoysala temple with a mantapa structure and size similar to that of the Veera Narayana Temple in Belavadi. The open mantapa has twenty-nine bays, while the closed mantapa has nine bays and a side porch leading to a separate shrine on the south side.

The shrine is square and features the original superstructure (shikhara) adorned with sculptures of Kirtimukhas (demon faces) and miniature decorative towers (aedicule). The usual Hindu deity panel beneath the superstructure is missing. According to art critic Foekema, the wall’s base has five mouldings in an “older Hoysala style”. The sukanasi, the tower on top of the vestibule that connects the sanctum to the closed mantapa (it resembles the nose of the superstructure), bears the original Hoysala emblem of “Sala” fighting the lion.

The mantapa’s ceiling is supported by rows of shining lathe-turned pillars, a Hoysala-Chalukya decorative idiom. The mantapa features numerous deeply domed inner ceiling structures adorned with floral designs. The open mandapa’s outer parapet wall is covered in one hundred and forty-panel sculptures depicting Hindu epic scenes. Unlike many Hoysala temples, which have small panels and miniature carvings, these panels are relatively large.

The Ramayana is sculpted on the south side wall in seventy panels, with the story told in an unusual anti-clockwise direction. The depictions on the north side wall are all clockwise, which is typical of Hoysala architectural articulation. Twenty-five panels depict the life of the Hindu god Krishna, while the other forty-five panels depict scenes from the epic Mahabharata.

Important Facts About Amruteshvara Temple Amruthapura

• The Amruteshvara Temple is situated in a peaceful setting near the Bhadra River reservoir in the Malnad region of Amruthpura, Karnataka.
• The temple’s main deity is Lord Amrutheshwara. The sanctum sanctorum houses a Shiva Linga, and the temple complex includes shrines dedicated to various deities.
• The Amruteshvara Temple was built by Hoysalas Rulers In 1196. It was built by Amrutesvara Dandanayaka, a Hoysala Army commander under King Veera Ballala II. The famous Hoysala sculptor Ruvari Mallitamma began his career at this temple.
• This temple, designed in the Hoysala style, is exquisite. The exterior walls are covered in circular designs. This temple is in the ekakuta style and has a single vimana.
• The porch, Garbhagriha, Sukhanasi, and Navaranga are the oldest parts of the Amrutesvara Temple, with further additions and embellishments added over time.
• A wide hall, or mantapa, is an important feature of a Hoysala-style temple. The Amrutesvara Temple’s mantapa features many impressive pillars that are ornate and lathe-turned.
• Scenes from the Epic Ramayana are sculpted on the south side wall in 70 panels, with the story told anticlockwise, which is unusual. All depictions on the north side wall are clockwise, as is typical of the Hoysala style.
• The Amruteshvara Temple exemplifies the Hoysala architectural style, with intricate carvings, detailed sculptures, and ornate pillars. The temple’s exterior walls are adorned with beautiful artwork depicting various historical themes.
• One of the most notable aspects of Amruthapura Temple is its well-kept temple tank (Kalyani), which adds to the overall charm of the site.
• The Amruteshvara Temple celebrates various Hindu festivals, attracting both devotees and tourists. During festivals, the temple comes alive with cultural activities and religious rituals.

Best Time to Visit Amruteshvara Temple Amruthapura

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. The best time to visit this temple, however, is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

Famous Festivals In Amruteshvara Temple Amruthapura

• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual that takes place in the last week of February. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. A Grand Celebration is arranged by priests and the temple committee.

How to Reach Amruteshvara Temple Amruthapura

By Air: The Amruteshvara Temple is located 220 km from Mangalore International Airport and 282 km from Bangalore International Airport. You can take local cabs/ taxis to reach the temple.

By Rail: The nearest station is Tarikere Railway Station which is 11 kilometres away from the Amruteshvara Temple. It will take 20 minutes to reach the temple from there.

By Road: Chikmagalur district is one of the most picturesque in the beautiful state of Karnataka. The best road route from Bangalore to the temple is via NH79 and SH24, with stops in Tumkur. The journey is 260 kilometres long and should take about 5 hours to complete. One can also take a direct bus to Shimoga and then use local transportation to get to the temple.

Also Read – Bhutanatha Temples Badami