Amrutesvara Temple – Chickmagalur

About

Amrutesvara temple’s main deity is Lord Shiva and the shiva linga at the temple is a 300-year-old Trimurti brought from the River Kandikevale in Nepal. The idol of Sharadha Devi sits next to the shiva linga. Some of the important rituals performed at the Amrutesvara temple include Bilva Archana and Kumkuma Archana.

The temple was constructed in the 12th century by the commander Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka, during the rule of Veera Ballala II, the Hoysala King. The rise of the Hoysalas also coincided with the spread of this certain design philosophy which can to this day be seen across the state of Karnataka. One of Karnataka’s most famous sculptors was Mallitamma, and it is believed that he started his artistic career at Amruthapura, suggesting the beginning of a golden architectural age.

Aksharbhyasam is also another ritual that can be performed at this temple. The temple is located close to the reservoir of the Bhadra River. Many experts describe this temple as part of the older Hoysala style of architecture.

The oldest parts of the Amrutesvara Temple are the porch, Garbhagriha, Sukhanasi, and the Navaranga, and as time progressed there were more additions and embellishments made. The wide hall or mantapa is one of the important parts of a Hoysala-style temple. The mantapa of the Amrutesvara Temple has many impressive pillars, ornate and lathe-turned.

He open and closed mandapas feature many inner-ceiling structures that have detailed floral designs. The square shrine sits below a superstructure of shikhara. The shikhara of the Amrutesvara Temple is decorated with intricate carvings of demon faces and mini-towers.