Arasikere Ishvara (Chandramouleswara) Temple, Karnataka

Address

Arasikere Ishvara (Chandramouleswara) Temple, Huliyar Rd, Muzawar Mohalla, Hassan district Arsikere, Karnataka 573103

Diety

Ishvara (Chandramouleswara)

Introduction

The Ishvara Temple in Arsikere, Karnataka, India, is an exceptional example of early Hoysala architecture, dating back to the early 13th century. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated for its distinctive features, intricate artwork, and unique architectural design.

Architectural Brilliance:

The Ishvara Temple is renowned for its architectural uniqueness, with a rotating circular plan, a domed mandapa with a 16-pointed star shape, and a five-tiered vimana.
The temple features a galaxy of artwork that portrays aspects of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Vedic legends of Hinduism.
It is considered one of the most notable Hoysala temples and is highly regarded for its intricate design and detailed sculptural work.

Historical Background:

The temple was part of a complex of many temples in Arsikere, although most of these, along with their artwork, were destroyed or mutilated in or after the 14th century.
In addition to the Ishvara Temple, there is a double temple (Shivalaya) located immediately north of the Ishvara Temple within the current compound. This double temple features red-stone pillars.

Temple Architecture:

The temple was constructed using soapstone, and its design is characterized by a 16-pointed star-shaped mantapa and a stellate shrine with distinctive corners.
The temple’s open mantapa is supported by 21 pillars, with the central eight pillars being intricately decorated.
The interior of the temple consists of a closed gudha-mantapa, a square sanctum (garbhagriha) housing a Shiva linga, and a vestibule with a beautifully carved doorway featuring sculptures and intricate patterns.

Exquisite Artwork:

The temple’s outer and inner walls are adorned with sculptures depicting various deities, legends, and traditions of Hinduism.
Notable reliefs include those of Shiva, the Saptamatrikas (seven mother goddesses), Vishnu’s avatars, Ganesha, Surya, Parvati, Lakshmi, and Sarasvati, among others.
The walls of the temple display a total of 120 reliefs, showcasing both male and female figures.

Contemporary Changes:

The temple has undergone some modern-era modifications and additions, including a stuccoed figure of a seated Nandi made of bricks, which is unusual for the temple’s original material of choice.

Other Monuments:

Near the Ishvara Temple, there is a double temple with two sanctums dedicated to Lord Shiva and a shared hall supported by red stone pillars.
A Jain temple, known as the Sahasrakuta Jinalaya, lies about 200 meters southwest of the Ishvara Temple and features a mountain icon with 1000 Jina. It dates back to around 1220 CE.

The Ishvara Temple in Arsikere is a treasure trove of architectural and artistic marvels, reflecting the rich heritage of Hoysala architecture and Hindu traditions. It is an important monument of national significance protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.