Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapuraअमृतेश्वर मंदिर, अमृतपुर

About Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapura

The Amrutesvara Temple stands in the village of Amruthapura, about 10 km from Tarikere in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, on the road towards Shivamogga. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Amrutesvara, "lord of the nectar of immortality", and is one of the better preserved temples of the Hoysala period outside the famous centres of Belur and Halebidu. It is protected as a monument of national importance and is a rewarding stop for anyone interested in temple art.

According to its inscriptions, the temple was built in 1196 CE by Amrutesvara Dandanayaka, a commander serving the Hoysala king Veera Ballala II, and it takes its name from him. A large stone inscription near the porch contains verses composed by Janna, the celebrated Kannada poet of the Hoysala court who bore the title Kavichakravarti. Art historians also connect the temple with the sculptor Mallitamma, who later worked on several great Hoysala temples and is thought to have begun his career on the ceilings here.

The temple has a single shrine with its original tower, a closed hall and a large open pillared hall. The shining, lathe-turned pillars and the deep domed ceilings decorated with floral designs are typical Hoysala features. The great highlight is the parapet of the open hall, carved with about 140 relief panels that are larger than usual for this style. On the south side, the Ramayana unfolds in an unusual anti-clockwise direction, while the north side shows scenes from the life of Krishna and from the Mahabharata. The Hoysala emblem of Sala fighting a lion appears above the vestibule. Take time to read the panels slowly, as each one tells a part of the story.

Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapura timings & aarti

Usually open from about 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the sanctum sometimes closed in the afternoon. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapura

Festivals at Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapura

• Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
• UgadiMar/Apr
• Kartika Somavara (Kartika Mondays)Nov/Dec

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest clothing is recommended; remove footwear before entering the temple.

Entry

Free; it is a protected monument.

• Visit in good daylight to study the carved panels; morning light is best for photographs.
• Follow the Ramayana panels anti-clockwise on the south side to read the story in order.
• Facilities are limited in the village, so carry water and snacks.
• Combine the visit with the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary or the hills of Kemmangundi.

Places to visit near Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapura

• TarikereNearest town, about 10 km away
• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (Lakkavalli)Forest and reservoir, about 25 km away
• KemmangundiHill station with gardens and waterfalls, about 45 km away
• ShivamoggaCity on the Tunga river, about 45 km away

Frequently asked questions