Amrutesvara Temple
ಅಮೃತೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
- Consecration· ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಕಾಲ
- 1196 CE (12th Century)
- Royal Patron· ಪೋಷಕರು
- Amruta Dandanayaka under King Veera Ballala II
- Sanctum Deity· ಪ್ರಧಾನ ದೈವ
- Shiva (Amrutesvara)
- Territory· ಸ್ಥಳ
- Amruthapura, Chikkamagaluru
- UNESCO Heritage· ವಿಶ್ವ ಪರಂಪರೆ
- National Monument (Protected by ASI)
The Amrutesvara Temple at Amruthapura is an exquisite ekakuta Shiva sanctuary celebrated for its wide open mantapa and extensive narrative relief carvings. Its outer parapet features continuous sequential stone panels illustrating the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the life of Krishna, carved by legendary sculptor Mallitamma.
Sanctuary Gallery & Details
Historical Foundations of Amrutesvara Temple
Built in 1196 CE by Amruta Dandanayaka, a general under King Veera Ballala II, the temple stands in the Malnad region of Chikkamagaluru district. The temple is especially significant for bearing some of the earliest signed sculptures by the celebrated master artist Mallitamma, who contributed to numerous Hoysala monuments throughout his prolific career. Today, the temple is protected by the ASI and surrounded by lush green coconut palms.
Architectural Elements & Design
The distinctive sculpture and structural innovations that define the sanctuary layout at Amrutesvara Temple.
Ekakuta design with a square sanctum, vestibule, and large open hall (mukhamantapa)
Extensive narrative friezes with 140 carved panels depicting epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata
Signature work of master craftsman Mallitamma on the outer wall panels
Tower (shikhara) adorned with miniature aediculae and kirtimukha gargoyles
Round lathe-turned columns supporting ornate domical ceiling bays
Stone screens (jalis) providing dappled light into the inner navaranga
Visiting Sanctuary & Access
Operational Schedule & Entry
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free. Located approximately 67 km north of Chikkamagaluru and 10 km from Tarikere. Accessible by state highway; visitors are advised to visit during daylight hours.
Location & Transit Hub
Situated in Amruthapura, Chikkamagaluru district (Chikkamagaluru circuit). Accessible via state highways with local taxi/bus links from district headquarters.
Preservation & ASI Guidelines
Protected national monument. Footwear must be deposited at the outer entrance before stepping onto the raised soapstone jagati (platform). Flash photography inside inner sanctums is restricted.
Best Hours of Illumination
Early morning and late afternoon sunlight reveal the deep relief of lathe-turned columns and frieze relief bands with minimum stone heat.
Connected Sanctuaries in the Hoysala Network
Temples linked by geographic proximity and epigraphical trade routes in the regional network.
Cross Connection~58.88 kmdirectVeera Narayana Temple
ವೀರನಾರಾಯಣ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Belavadi, Chikkamagaluru
Sacred Ring Node~60.5 kmdirectLakshminarasimha Temple
ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನರಸಿಂಹ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Javagal, Hassan
Cross Connection~65.21 kmdirectHoysaleswara Temple
ಹೊಯ್ಸಳೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Halebidu, Hassan
Lakshminarasimha Temple
ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನರಸಿಂಹ ದೇವಾಲಯ · Javagal