Hirenallur Mallikarjuna Temple – Karnataka

Address

Hirenallur Mallikarjuna Temple – Karnataka

Hirenallur, Kadur Taluk,

Chikkamagaluru District,

Karnataka 577550

Moolavar

Mallikarjuna

Introduction

Mallikarjuna Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Hirenallur Village in Kadur Taluk in Chikkamagaluru District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is considered as one of the lesser known Hoysala temples of Karnataka. Presiding deity is called as Mallikarjuna in the form of Lingam. The monument is protected by the Karnataka state division of Archaeological Survey of India. . The Temple is situated on Kadur to Hosadurga route.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to have been built by the Gangas during the 8th century CE as per an inscription recently found here. Later, the temple was extensively renovated by Hoysala king Ballala II during the end of 12th century CE. He might have added two shrines and converted the Ekakuta Shrine to Trikuta Shrine. The monument which was in a state of dis-repair was renovated around 2004 by the Sri Dharmasthala Manjunathaeshwara Dharmothana Trust, with assistance of the Department of Culture, Government of India.

The temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of Sanctum, Sukhanasi, Navaranga and Mukha Mandapa. The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three sanctums, one each on north, south and west. The central shrine enshrines the presiding deity, Mallikarjuna in the form of Shiva Linga. The other two shrines are situated on Navaranga and enshrine Keshava and Surya. All the three shrines are crowned with shikaras. Sculptures of Ganesha and Sapta Matrikas can be seen in the Navaranga.