The Mallikarjuna temple, built by Harihara Dhannayaka around 1234 A.D during the rule of the Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II, is a well known one dedicated to God Shiva. Located in Basaralu, a small town (65 km from the culturally
mportant city of Mysore ) in the Mandya district of Karnataka state, India, it is recognized as an important protected monument by the ASI.
Though, small in size, every part of the temple is richly decorative; it is simply splendor and beauty frozen in stone - a mere exposition of the architectural grandeur of the Hoysala rulers. The entrance doorway of the porch is flanked by two fine elephants with animated appearance.
Above image: Close up of wall relief articulation comprising (from bottom to top) molding friezes, above which is the panel of Hindu deities below the lower eaves, and decorative Aedicula between lower and upper eves in Mallikarjuna temple.........
Built in the style of Hoysala architecture which is characteristic of ornate stone work in eaves and friezes , this temple has three shrines connected by a common hall (mandapam) that is partly open and partly covered with roof. The middle shrine that has gopura (tower) has direct access to the garbhagraha (sanctum) through a sort of vestibule. Shiva Linga is enshrined in the sanctum. Whereas the lateral shrines have direct access to the common hall without a vestibule. These shrines have an image of Surya (the sun) and a pair of Nagas (serpants). The small Navaranga, in front of the main garbagraha, has four niches in which are adorned the exquisitely carved images of Ganesha, Saraswathi and Mahishamardini.
An important feature noted here is the temple stands on a ''Jagati,'' a raised platform or terrace that can be accessed through steps and this significant style of Hoysala is found in many temples. This platform has enough space for devotees to go round the temple - Pradhakshna patha.
The temple tower and the vestibule have excellent decoration. Yet another Hoysala feature called Amalaka, a large domed structure above the tower is very much here. The kalasas containing holy water are fixed on the dome as per Temple Agama Sastra. The crest with Hoysala emblem depicting the Hoysala warrior stabbing the lion is observed here.
The walls in the main shrine and the mandapam are highly ornate and the artistic articulation and workmanship on the wall panels are amazing and on par with those at Belur and Halebidu. The first heavy eaves ( edge of a roof that meets or overhangs the walls of a building mainly to drain out rain water) run all around the temple with a projection of half a meter. The second eaves run below the first one. Between the two eaves are the miniature decorative towers (Aedicula) on pilasters. The images of Hindu deities and their attendants in relief forms are observed. Below them are well spaced friezes ( a band of decorative sculptures) and each of them contains the images of birds and animals. Scenes from epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are beautifully depicted in the 3rd friezes. Other decorative features noted in the other friezes are stories from Sri Krishna, various dances of Shiva, etc.
A visit to this ancient temple will be a new experience for a visitor as the intricate stone works done by highly skilled artisans several centuries ago will make a lasting impression on you.
Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallikarjuna_Temple,_Basaralu
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| Mallikarjuna temple, Basaralu,Karnataka, www.panoramio.com |
mportant city of Mysore ) in the Mandya district of Karnataka state, India, it is recognized as an important protected monument by the ASI.
Though, small in size, every part of the temple is richly decorative; it is simply splendor and beauty frozen in stone - a mere exposition of the architectural grandeur of the Hoysala rulers. The entrance doorway of the porch is flanked by two fine elephants with animated appearance.
 |
| Mallikarjuna temple. en.wikipedia.org/wiki |
Above image: Close up of wall relief articulation comprising (from bottom to top) molding friezes, above which is the panel of Hindu deities below the lower eaves, and decorative Aedicula between lower and upper eves in Mallikarjuna temple.........
Built in the style of Hoysala architecture which is characteristic of ornate stone work in eaves and friezes , this temple has three shrines connected by a common hall (mandapam) that is partly open and partly covered with roof. The middle shrine that has gopura (tower) has direct access to the garbhagraha (sanctum) through a sort of vestibule. Shiva Linga is enshrined in the sanctum. Whereas the lateral shrines have direct access to the common hall without a vestibule. These shrines have an image of Surya (the sun) and a pair of Nagas (serpants). The small Navaranga, in front of the main garbagraha, has four niches in which are adorned the exquisitely carved images of Ganesha, Saraswathi and Mahishamardini.
An important feature noted here is the temple stands on a ''Jagati,'' a raised platform or terrace that can be accessed through steps and this significant style of Hoysala is found in many temples. This platform has enough space for devotees to go round the temple - Pradhakshna patha.
 |
| Mallikarjuna temple (1234 A.D.),Basaralu,Mandya district. en.wikipedia.org. |
The temple tower and the vestibule have excellent decoration. Yet another Hoysala feature called Amalaka, a large domed structure above the tower is very much here. The kalasas containing holy water are fixed on the dome as per Temple Agama Sastra. The crest with Hoysala emblem depicting the Hoysala warrior stabbing the lion is observed here.
The walls in the main shrine and the mandapam are highly ornate and the artistic articulation and workmanship on the wall panels are amazing and on par with those at Belur and Halebidu. The first heavy eaves ( edge of a roof that meets or overhangs the walls of a building mainly to drain out rain water) run all around the temple with a projection of half a meter. The second eaves run below the first one. Between the two eaves are the miniature decorative towers (Aedicula) on pilasters. The images of Hindu deities and their attendants in relief forms are observed. Below them are well spaced friezes ( a band of decorative sculptures) and each of them contains the images of birds and animals. Scenes from epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are beautifully depicted in the 3rd friezes. Other decorative features noted in the other friezes are stories from Sri Krishna, various dances of Shiva, etc.
A visit to this ancient temple will be a new experience for a visitor as the intricate stone works done by highly skilled artisans several centuries ago will make a lasting impression on you.
Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallikarjuna_Temple,_Basaralu
