The Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu is a 13th-century Hindu temple in Hosaholalu, Mandya district, Karnataka, India, with Hoysala architecture. This three-shrine monument dedicated to Vishnu is notable for its finely carved plinth (adhisthana) with panels from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana.

It was constructed in the 13th century AD by King Vira Someshwara. According to local legend, glittering gems were discovered buried beneath the ground during the construction of the temple, and thus the village was named Hosa Haralu (Haralu in Kannada means Gems), and as time passed, it became popular as “Hosaholalu.”

Significance of Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu

This temple is of the Trikuta style, with three shrines and a single central tower. The temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshminarayana, and there are sculptures of Lakshminarasimha and Venugopala in the other two shrines. These sculptures are exemplary of Hoyasala art.

It has one of the most ornately decorated Hoysala tower projections (sukanasa), which combines Dravida motifs with asta-bhadra Bhumija motifs from central India. The polish and jewellery-like carvings inside the temple’s mandapa are also noteworthy. The Lakshmi Narayana temple epitomises this distinct architectural style. This temple has been compared to the famous temples of Javagal, Nuggehalli, Somananthapur, and Aralukuppe due to its intricate artwork and beautiful sculptures.

History of Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu was built in 1250 A.D. by King Vira Someshwara. Hoysala architecture was at its peak at this time. The temple has been very well maintained and has not been harmed by the many decades it has seen. One or two of the idols were remade in the 1950s, but the rest are original.

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu lacks a foundation inscription. The temple’s dating is based on the style of the sculptures and architecture, which compares favourably to contemporary Hoysala monuments at Javagal, Nuggehalli, and Somanathapura.

The architecture of Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu is a trikutachala and is built on a platform shaped like a star. This platform is raised, with a pillared hall or navaranga in the centre and three shrines surrounding it. The main shrine, which houses Lakshminarayana’s idol, is the only one with a sukhanasi, a tower, and the most ornate interiors. The entire temple is made of soapstone and incorporates the traditional Hoysala jagati, which elevates the temple by a metre above the ground.

The navaranga is the first thing you’ll notice as you enter the temple, and it features four beautiful lathe-turned pillars that divide the hall into nine cells. Each pillar is intricately carved with sculptures of young dancing girls in graceful and elegant poses. Each cell has a distinct ceiling design that showcases the sculptor’s true talent and imagination.

Sri Venu Gopala Swamy’s statue was built more recently. The Sri Lakshmi Narayana idol is a magnificent work of art with tiny intricate detailing that adds to its allure. Between the Lakshmi Narayana and the last Lakshmi Narasimha idols, there is an idol of Parvathi with her foot on Mahishasura’s chest, causing it to cave in. Like all Hoysala temples, the base has six layers of decorative pattikas depicting swans, elephants, horse riders, leafy scrolls, various gods and goddesses, and scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu central section is richly decorated with sculptures of various Gods, the most prominent of which is Shiva, who has over 120 images of him in various forms, dancing Saraswathi, Brahma, Ganapathi, Yoga – Madhava, Kalinga – Mardhana, dancers, musicians, and many other deities. Unlike other temples of this type, the majority of the sculptures and images at the Lakshminarayana temple are intact and well-preserved.

Facts about Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu

• The Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu is an ancient Hindu temple located at Hosaholalu in the Mandya district of Karnataka,  55 kilometres from Mysore, and 69 kilometres from Hassan.
• This temple is one of Karnataka’s lesser-known Hoysala temples and one of the best places to visit in Hosaholalu.
• In 1250 CE, King Vira Someshwara of the Hoysala Empire constructed the Lakshminarayana Temple in Hosaholalu.
• The Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is not as well-known as the other temples in Karnataka, but it is a mysterious place.
• The most appealing features of this shrine are the beautifully carved sculptures, grand temple interiors, and overall design.
• Sri Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu is a magnificent example of a trikuta vimana (three shrines) temple, though only the central shrine has a tower on top.
• The lateral shrines are built squarely, with five projections and no special features.
• The temple is built on a star-shaped jagati (platform). This platform is elevated, with a pillared hall or navaranga in the centre and three shrines surrounding it.
• The temple’s interior consists of a small closed hall (navaranga) with four polished lathe-turned pillars supporting the roof.
• The hall is divided into nine equal ‘bays’ (compartments) and nine decorated ceilings by four central pillars. Each pillar is intricately carved with sculptures of young dancing girls in graceful and elegant poses.
• The main shrine houses the idol of Lakshminarayana, while the garbhagrihas to the north and south face Sri Venu Gopala Swamy and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, respectively.
• This temple contains one hundred and twenty panels of artwork, the majority of which are related to the Hindu Vaishnavism tradition.

Famous Festivals In Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu

• Rangada  Habba– Every year in April, in honour of Anjaneya, a fair called the Rangada – habba is held in the temple complex.
• Krishna Janmashtami – Lord Krishna was born on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Hindu month of Bhadra. The celebrations at the Temple begin early in the morning and continue until late at night.
• Holi – This festival is celebrated in the month of  Phalgun (Feb – March). During the celebration, people celebrate with colours and also celebrate and enjoy in temples complex.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Chitra Poornima is also a major occasion for celebration in the temple.

Best Time to Visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu

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 Narayan Temple Hosaholalu

By Air: The nearest airport is Bangalore Airport which is 181 Km From the Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu.

By Rail: Hassan railway station is the nearest station to Hosaholalu, from here you have to take a taxi or local bus to reach the Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu.

By Road: This Lakshmi Narayan Temple Hosaholalu is near Mandya town; buses to Mandya run from all major cities in Karnataka.

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