Vignasanthe Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Karnataka

Address

Vignasanthe Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Karnataka

Vignasanthe, Tiptur Taluk,

Tumkur District,

Karnataka 572224

Moolavar

Lakshmi Narasimha

Introduction

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Vignasanthe Village in Tiptur Taluk in Tumkur District, in the Indian state of Karnataka.

Puranic Significance

The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west. The Temple was built in 1286 CE by three brothers namely Appaya, Gopala and Madhava, who were military generals of the King Narasimha III of Hoysala Dynasty.

Special Features

The temple complex consists of three shrines, with the western shrine connecting to the navaranga (closed hall) via a vestibule, while the other two shrines directly connect to the navaranga. Before reaching the navaranga, there is an open mukha mandapa (entrance hall). This mukha mandapa is supported by lathe-turned half pillars and features parapets on either side. The exterior of the parapet wall, the domical ceiling, the lintel over the entrance, and the pillars are all intricately adorned with decorative elements.

Within the navaranga (closed hall), the ceiling is upheld by four lathe-turned pillars that divide it into nine beautifully decorated bays. The central shrine, often the most prominent one, has an antrala (vestibule) that connects it to the navaranga. The tower over this central shrine and the vestibule is well-preserved and adorned with decorative details. The tower over the sanctum is crowned with a kalasa at the top. This tower is divided into tiers, with each tier gradually decreasing in height and culminating in an umbrella-like structure. Notably, the Hoysala crest, depicting a Sala warrior stabbing a lion, is missing from the sukhanasi (superstructure) of the vestibule.

In contrast, the lateral shrines do not have towers or sukhanasis. The inner wall of the shrine is square and plain, while the outer wall is stellate (star-shaped), featuring numerous recesses and projections that serve as a canvas for decorative relief sculptures. The outer wall of the vestibule is also decorative, but it blends inconspicuously with the shrine’s outer wall, appearing as a short continuation of it.

References

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2022/05/lakshmi-narasimha-temple-vignasanthe-karnataka.html