Aghalaya Malleswara Temple, Karnataka

Address

Aghalaya Malleswara Temple, Karnataka

Aghalaya, Mandya District,

Karnataka 571436

Moolavar

Malleswara (Lord Shiva)

Introduction

“Aghalaya”housesa magnificent Malleswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the Aghalaya village, in Mandya district, Karnataka. The temple is situated in between Melukote and Shravana Belagola. Here the Presiding deity is called as Malleswara (Lord Shiva).

Puranic Significance

Aghalaya means destruction of sins (Agha = Sin, Laya = Destroy). Nothing much is known about the temple’s history, except that it was built by the Hoysalas during the12th Century. This temple covers a large area compared to many other Hoysala temples. It is a Trikuta temple, having three Chambers or Gribhagriha, all facing East. It is similar to the Govindanahalli temple (which is a Panchakuta temple, having five chambers). The interiors and exteriors set a good example of the Hoysala architecture. Another interesting feature was that though the outer carvings were of Lord Vishnu, the deity worshiped in the temple was Lord Shiva. This temple was renovated by the Govt of Karnataka with the help of the Dharmasthala Trust. But now the temple is not in worship.