Ishvara Temple
ಈಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
- Consecration· ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಕಾಲ
- 1220 CE (13th Century)
- Royal Patron· ಪೋಷಕರು
- King Veera Ballala II
- Sanctum Deity· ಪ್ರಧಾನ ದೈವ
- Shiva (Ishvara / Chandramouleshwara)
- Territory· ಸ್ಥಳ
- Arasikere, Hassan
- UNESCO Heritage· ವಿಶ್ವ ಪರಂಪರೆ
- National Monument (Protected by ASI)
The Ishvara Temple at Arasikere (also called the Chandramouleshwara temple) is acclaimed for possessing the most complex 16-pointed star-shaped open mantapa in all of Hoysala architecture. The domical star-ceiling and lathe-turned columns represent a supreme pinnacle of medieval stone geometry.
Sanctuary Gallery & Details
Historical Foundations of Ishvara Temple
Constructed in 1220 CE under the prosperous rule of Hoysala monarch King Veera Ballala II, Arasikere ('Queen's Lake') was an important urban centre of the kingdom. The temple features an ekakuta layout with an extraordinary stellate open assembly hall that resembles a giant faceted stone jewel. Conserved by the ASI, it draws architecture enthusiasts and visitors exploring the northern Hassan temple circuit.
Architectural Elements & Design
The distinctive sculpture and structural innovations that define the sanctuary layout at Ishvara Temple.
Extraordinary 16-pointed stellate open assembly hall (mukhamantapa) with a faceted perimeter
Complex corbelled ceiling with an inverted lotus pendant suspended inside the dome
Ekakuta vimana with an intricately preserved multi-tiered stone shikhara
Lathe-turned soapstone pillars with lustrous mirror-like finishes
Symmetrical Nandi pavilion placed facing the main Shiva linga sanctum
Miniature decorative towers and guardian figures adorning the exterior niches
Visiting Sanctuary & Access
Operational Schedule & Entry
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Free entry. Located in Arasikere town, around 45 km north-east of Hassan. Arasikere is a major railway junction with frequent train and bus connectivity. The temple is situated in a well-maintained garden.
Location & Transit Hub
Situated in Arasikere, Hassan district (Hassan 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~22.16 kmdirectLakshminarasimha Temple
ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನರಸಿಂಹ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Javagal, Hassan
Cross Connection~28.01 kmdirectVeera Narayana Temple
ವೀರನಾರಾಯಣ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Belavadi, Chikkamagaluru
Cross Connection~30.81 kmdirectHoysaleswara Temple
ಹೊಯ್ಸಳೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Halebidu, Hassan
Amrutesvara Temple
ಅಮೃತೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ · Amruthapura