The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple with Hoysala architecture in Nuggehalli village, Hassan district, Karnataka, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, who is said to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The Trikuta Vaishnava complex is dedicated to Keshava, Lakshmi Narasimha, and Venugopala. It was built in 1246 CE by Bommanna Dandanayaka, a commander in the Hoysala Empire under King Vira Someshwara.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha but also contains statues of other gods and goddesses. The main temple features a statue of Lord Narasimha in the northern sanctum, images of Kesava in the western sanctum, and images of Venugopala in the southern sanctum. The temple is known for its Vaishnava reliefs, Shaiva reliefs of Harihara, Dakshinamurti, Chandikesvara, and Ganesha, Shakti reliefs of Durga Mahisasuramardini, dancing Lakshmi and Saraswati, and Vedic deities such as Surya and Brahma.

Significance of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Nuggehalli

The historical temples of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha and Sadashiva at Nuggehalli were built in the 13th century by the Hoysalas. The sculptures in the temple entice the mind with their beauty, which lingers for ages.

These wonderful temples are under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and they have classified them as “Living Temple – Monument” (which are very few) where the pooja to the Almighty has been performed continuously since day one.

This classification is given to approximately 50 temples in India. Karnataka is truly fortunate to have many temples with a rich and storied history.

History of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Nuggehalli

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Nuggehalli was built in 1246 CE by Bommanna Dandanayaka, a Hoysala Empire commander during King Vira Someshwara’s reign. Nuggehalli was originally known as Vijaya Somanathapura and rose to prominence as an agrahara (place of learning) during the reign of Bommanna Dandanayaka.

The temple is maintained by the people who live in the temple area known as Agrahara, which was donated to Brahmins by the ruling people to maintain and perform poojas in the temples that they built.

The architecture of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Nuggehalli

This temple is an excellent example of a lavishly decorated Hoysala temple. It has three towers, including the vimana, which has intricately carved wall sculptures. From the outside, the temple appears to be an ekakuta (single tower and shrine) temple, as the two lateral shrines are simple extensions of the mantapa wall.

The towers are a later addition. This is an excellent example of a trikuta (three shrines and towers) that resembles an ekakuta. Later on, a large open hall with tall pillars was added, giving the original porch and closed mantapa the appearance of the temple’s interior.

The material used is soapstone, and the temple is built on a jagati (platform) that closely resembles the temple’s plan. The central shrine has five projections per side, and the tower is complete except for the kalasha (decorative structure at the top). Because the shrine is square in plan, the topping roof (a helmet-shaped sculptured stone) follows the same pattern.

The main tower’s body is made up of three tiers of decorative smaller roofs, each with its kalasa. The two lateral shrines have five projections on each side. The tops of these shrines, as well as the mantapa’s wall, are crowned with a row of decorated roofs, similar to the main shrine.

The images in the panels are predominantly Vaishnava in nature and are attributed to two well-known Hoysala sculptors, Baichoja and Mallitamma. However, as with many Hindu temples, other traditions are present. There are a few images of the god Shiva as Bhairava, along with his consort Bhairavi.

Facts about Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Nuggehalli

• The Nuggehalli Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Channarayapatna taluk of Hassan district, Karnataka, is a magnificent example of Hoysala architecture.
• Lakshmi Narasimha Temple was constructed in the 13th century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar, with Goddess Lakshmi at his side. The temple represents Karnataka’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
• The Nuggehalli Lakshmi Narasimha Temple was built in 1246 AD by Bommanna Dandanayaka, a commander serving under Hoysala King Vira Someshwara.
• During their reign, the Hoysala dynasty, which was known for its patronage of art and architecture, commissioned several temples with intricate carvings and detailed sculptures.
• The temple was built with soapstone, which allows for intricate carvings. It has a star-shaped base, which is typical of Hoysala temples and gives it a distinct visual appeal.
• The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple exterior is decorated with intricate carvings of various deities, mythological scenes, and motifs.
• The walls are covered with friezes depicting stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Purana.
• The intricate sculptures depict gods and goddesses, celestial beings, and animals, all carved with remarkable precision.
• The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Narasimha and Goddess Lakshmi. The deity is exquisitely carved, demonstrating the skill of the Hoysala sculptors.
• The interior walls and ceilings are also decorated with intricate carvings, which add to the temple’s grandeur.
• Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a major pilgrimage destination for Lord Vishnu devotees. The temple is active, with daily rituals and special festivals held with great enthusiasm.

Festivals Celebrated in Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Nuggehalli

• Dussehra: During this festival, the iconic deity of Lord Narasimha is paraded around the city. This festival is held during the Hindu month of Ashvin, which falls between September and October.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Navratri – The Navaratri Festival is celebrated with great pomp and glitz at the temple complex. This festival is usually held a couple of times a year. Once between March and April, and once between September and October.
• Chitra Poornima is also a major occasion for celebration in the temple.
• Diwali – Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin (according to the Amanta tradition) and Kartika, which fall between mid-September and mid-November. The celebrations typically last five to six days.

Best Time to Visit Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Nuggehalli

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple 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.

How to reach Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Nuggehalli

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is located in Nuggehalli Village of Channarayapatna taluk of Hassan district, Karnataka.

By Air: Bengaluru Airport is the nearest airport which is 136 kilometres away from the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. From here, one can drive down or take a taxi to the temple.

By Railway: Channarayapatna is the nearest railway station which is 20 kilometres from the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Buses and taxis travel frequently from the station to the temple.

By Roadways: Nuggehalli is well-connected to Channarayapatna via road. KSRTC buses run on a regular schedule from here. Alternatively, taxis are available.

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