Mavutanahalli Mahalingeswara Temple, Karnataka

Address

Mavutanahalli Mahalingeswara Temple, Karnataka

Arsikere Taluk, Hassan District,

Karnataka 573125

Moolavar

Mahalingeswara

Introduction

Mavutanahalli is a small village in the Arsikere Taluk of Hassan District; Mahalingeswara Temple is a monumental ruined temple during the Hoysala period. Here the primary deity is called as Mahalingeswara and the temple is in dilapidated condition. The temple is built between the 11th and 14th centuries

Puranic Significance

The temple here is the’Mahalingeshwara Temple’ dedicated to Lord Shiva. The exterior of the temple is in a dilapidated condition, with most of its external features either ruined or displaced, while the carvings on the outer walls seem to have completely vanished (except two), giving a very blank look from the outside. The two beautiful carvings that have survived, lets us imagine how beautiful this temple looked when it was intact. As we stepped inside, we realized that the villagers had taken keen interest in preserving our heritage. The temple interiors very well maintained by the people of the village. The temple is of Trikuta type having three cells, with Lord Shiva placed in the form of a Linga in the main cell. His guardian Nandi is situated right in front of him. The ceilings are skillfully and delicately carved. The pillars and door frames are simple compared to the other typical Hoysala style temples. The left cell houses an idol of Lord Hari-Hara, along with their respective vehicles Garuda and Nandi, present at the base of the idol. Guarding them are the dwarapalakas at the door. The lintel of the door frame has a carving of Hari-Hara with their Consorts. The right cell houses a beautiful idol of Lord Narasimha and the lintel has a carving of Narasimha on it. The temple has several beautifully carved images, some of which include Lord Ganesha, Shanmukha, Naga, and Sapthamatrikas.