Anekannambadi Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – Karnataka

Address

Anekannambadi Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – Karnataka

Anekannambadi, Holenarasipur Taluk, Hassan district,

Karnataka 573210

Moolavar

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy

Introduction

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Anekannambadi Village in the Holenarasipur Taluk of Hassan District, in the Indian state of Karnataka.

Puranic Significance

The Anekannambadi temple is notable for its historical significance and architectural features. Here are some key details about this temple:

Agraharam and Inscription: Anekannambadi was an Agraharam, which was essentially a Brahmin settlement known for its cultural and religious activities. An inscription dated to 1244 CE provides evidence of this historical aspect, shedding light on the temple’s past as a center of Brahmin life and culture.
Construction Era: The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century CE, placing it within the historical context of the Hoysala dynasty’s rule in the region. This period was known for its patronage of art, architecture, and temples.
Orientation: The temple faces east, a common orientation for Hindu temples, symbolizing the rising sun and the direction of new beginnings and enlightenment.
Trikutachala Style: The Anekannambadi temple is constructed in the trikutachala style, characterized by three sanctums (shrines) aligned in a row. Each of these sanctums houses a deity, with Keshava in the north, Lakshmi Narasimha in the south, and Gopalakrishna in the west.
Temple Structure: The main shrine, which is dedicated to Gopalakrishna, consists of the typical elements of a Hindu temple, including the sanctum (garbhagriha), antrala (vestibule), navaranga (main hall), and mukha mandapa (entrance hall).
Shikara: While the original shikara (tower) may have been lost or altered over time, the temple currently features a newly built shikara that adorns the sanctum. The shikara is a prominent architectural feature of many Hindu temples.
Idols: In addition to the primary deities, the temple houses idols of Ganapathi (Lord Ganesha) and Mahishasura Mardini, which contribute to the temple’s religious and cultural significance.

The Anekannambadi temple stands as a historical and architectural relic, reflecting the rich heritage of the region during the Hoysala dynasty’s reign. Its trikutachala style and cultural associations make it a valuable piece of Karnataka’s temple heritage.