The Mallikarjuna Temple Basaralu is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an ancient Hoysala architecture located in Basaralu, a small town in Karnataka’s Mandya district. Basaralu is close to Nagamangala and about 65 kilometres from Mysore, a culturally significant city. The temple was built around 1234 A.D. by Harihara Dhannayaka during the reign of Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II.

This temple has been designated a national monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Mallikarjuna Temple in Basaralu is well known for its ancient architecture. It has well-known sculptures that elevate the Hoysala architecture to the level of art.

Overview of Mallikarjuna Temple Basaralu

This 13th-century temple is an excellent example of mature Hoysala architecture. ASI appears to be moving things around and reassembling things to ensure the monument’s preservation. The raised platform on which the temple is built is square, whereas most other temples from the same period are built on star-shaped platforms. The main temple complex has five layers, each with friezes of elephants, horse riders, lions, makaras, and swans.

Basaralu is well-known for the exquisite architecture of its two temples. These temples are reminiscent of Hoysala architecture. The complex contains two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva: the Chandikeshwara temple and the well-known Mallikarjuna Temple.

History of Mallikarjuna Temple Basaralu

The Mallikarjuna Temple Basaralu was built in 1234 CE by Harihara-dandanayaka during the reign of Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Harihara and his two brothers dedicated the god Mallikarjuna to their father. They also built a tank nearby in memory of their mother.

The village is famous for its temple, which has a rich architectural history and contains old sculptures and hero stones. The Archaeological Survey of India protects and maintains this temple. A lot of work on the walls has eroded over time and some drastic steps should be taken to preserve them.

The Architecture of Mallikarjuna Temple Basaralu

The Mallikarjuna Temple Basaralu is well known for its ancient architecture. It has well-known sculptures that elevate the Hoysala architecture to the level of art. The temple has three shrines. A mantapa connects all three shrines in this area. Only the central shrine has a tower on top, making it visible from the outside. The adjacent shrines lack a tower and are internally linked to the hall, which is not visible from the outside.

Hoysala temples use a platform called jagati, on which this temple stands. This platform serves as a walkway for devotees and adds visual appeal. The temple’s top features an emblem of a Sala killing a lion, which is typical of Hoysala architecture. Six pattikas at the temple’s base depict war elephants, horse riders, scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagvata, and swans at the end.

The cella in the central shrine has a shivlinga (the universal symbol of the god Shiva) while the lateral shrines contain an image of Surya (the sun) and a pair of nagas (snakes). The decorative plan of the shrines’ and mantapa’s (hall’s) walls is of the “new kind,” with two eaves that run around the temple. The wall panel images are of the same quality as those seen in the more famous temples of Belur and Halebidu, albeit smaller and simpler.

Important Facts About Mallikarjuna Temple Basaralu

• Mallikarjuna Temple in Basaralu is an ancient Hindu temple in Karnataka’s Mandya District. Lord Mallikarjuna, a form of Lord Shiva, is the primary deity worshipped here.
• The Mallikarjuna temple Basaralu was constructed in 1234 AD. This temple was constructed by King Veera Narasimha II.
• Trikuta is the name of the temple. The three shrines are linked by a common hall that has both open and closed hall characteristics.
• Elephant balustrades can be found at the hall’s entrance.
• There are incredible sculptures depicting scenes of sixteen-handed Shiva dancing on the head of the demon Andhakasura, dancing images of a twenty-two-armed Goddess Durga and Goddess Saraswati, King Ravana lifting Mount Kailash, and Prince Arjuna shooting the fish target.
• The Archaeological Survey of India has designated this temple as a national monument.
• Like all Hoysala temples, the base has six layers of decorative mouldings depicting elephants, horse riders, lions, swans, leafy scrolls, various gods and goddesses, and scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Shiva, Durga with twenty-hands, Mahishasuramardini, Vitthala, Surya-Narayana, Shiva as Tripurantaka, Sarasvati, Gajasamharamurti, Arjun, Hayagriva, Krishna, and Vamana are among the sculptures in the temple’s midsection.
• To the east of the temple is a 16-foot-tall pillar with a male and female figure atop it. Only a female figure has survived. This pillar is uninscribed, but it resembles a pillar in the Hoysaleshvar temple at Halebidu.
• The main festival celebrated here is Maha Shivaratri. During the festive season, the temple attracts a large crowd of devotees who come to pray.

Best Time to Visit Mallikarjuna Temple Basaralu

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and 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.

Famous Festivals In Mallikarjuna Temple Basaralu

• 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. Priests and the temple committee arrange a Grand Celebration.

How to Reach Mallikarjuna Temple Basaralu

The Mallikarjuna Temple Basaralu is an ancient Hindu temple located at Basaralu in the Mandya district of Karnataka.

By Air: The nearest airport to Basaralu is Bangalore which lies at a distance of 130 km.

By Rail: The nearest railhead lies in Bangalore and Mysore which lie at a distance of 130 kms and 65 kms respectively.

By Road:  Basaralu has an extensive road network. It is accessible from Bangalore and Mysore. Several buses travel from Mandya to Mysore.

Also Read – Chennakeshava Temple Belur