Venugopalaswamy Temple – Devanahalli

About

The architectural intricacies of the Venugopalaswamy Temple with its pillars and frescoes decorated in the Hoysala tradition. It is a miniature version of the mega-complexes that the temples in Belur and Halebid are, and is as detailed as the other two in its carvings and statues. There are two statues of Lord Vishnu at the sides of the gopuram which are believed to be of the Ganga era.

Though the Venugopalaswamy Temple is relatively small, the Rayagopuram is tall with the two statues of Lord Vishnu on both sides carrying distinctly different tools and weapons and with different expressions that provide a startling contrast.

This Venugopalaswamy Temple, despite its size, has a spacious inner Prakara and also has a navaranga, Mukhamantapa, and a typically small Garbhagriha. The Prakara has niches adorned with intricate stucco work that are very popular with tourists and a must-see to any visitor. The Mukhamantapa’s pillars are beautifully decorated with intricate carvings. The outer walls of the temple, made of stone, are cover in the frieze, depicting various scenes from the Ramayana. The northern and southern walls narrate the entire Balakandam.