Arakeshvara Templeअर्केश्वर मंदिर

About Arakeshvara Temple

The Arakeshvara Temple is a Shiva temple in the village of Hole Alur in Chamarajanagar district, in the far south of Karnataka. It is one of the few surviving temples of the Western Ganga dynasty, which ruled much of southern Karnataka for several centuries, and it is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance. It is a quiet village shrine rather than a busy pilgrimage centre, but it rewards visitors interested in early South Indian art.

According to historians, the temple was built around 949 CE by the Ganga king Butuga II, an ally of the Rashtrakuta emperor Krishna III, to mark victory in the battle of Takkolam, in which the Chola crown prince Rajaditya was killed. Carvings in the temple are thought to show scenes from that campaign. The building appears to have been repaired and renovated in later centuries, but it keeps much of its original form and sculpture.

The plan is simple and typical of Ganga work: a sanctum, a vestibule, a closed pillared hall and, outside, a separate raised pavilion for Nandi facing the shrine. The decoration is restrained but full of charm. Tall panels on either side of the entrance show male drummers and dancers performing with an ensemble of drums, flute, veena and other instruments, a rare record of folk performance in a temple of this age. The rounded pillars of the halls carry reliefs from the epics and of battle, and the ceiling of the closed hall has a grid of the guardians of the eight directions around a dancing Shiva. Free-standing images include Mahishasuramardini, Dakshinamurti and the Saptamatrikas.

Arakeshvara Temple timings

Usually open from morning to evening. Check locally before visiting.

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

How to reach Arakeshvara Temple

Festivals at Arakeshvara Temple

• Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
• Kartika month observancesOct/Nov
• World Heritage WeekNov

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering the shrine.

Entry

Generally free; the site is protected by the ASI. Check locally for any ticket requirement.

• Facilities are minimal; carry water and snacks.
• Look closely at the panels beside the entrance for the rare folk-dance carvings.
• Combine the visit with Chamarajanagar and the Biligiri Rangana hills.
• Ask locally whether the shrine is open before travelling far, as it is a small village temple.

Places to visit near Arakeshvara Temple

• Chamarajeshwara Temple, ChamarajanagarWodeyar-era Shiva temple, about 10 km away
• Gaurishankara Temple, YelandurOld Shiva temple with fine stone work, about 15 km away
• Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy TempleHilltop Vishnu temple in a wildlife reserve, about 40 km away

Frequently asked questions