Lakshminarasimha Temple
ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನರಸಿಂಹ ದೇವಾಲಯ
- Consecration· ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಕಾಲ
- c. 1250 CE (13th Century)
- Royal Patron· ಪೋಷಕರು
- King Vira Someshwara
- Sanctum Deity· ಪ್ರಧಾನ ದೈವ
- Lakshmi Narasimha (Vishnu)
- Territory· ಸ್ಥಳ
- Javagal, Hassan
- UNESCO Heritage· ವಿಶ್ವ ಪರಂಪರೆ
- State Protected Monument (ASI Protected)
The Lakshminarasimha Temple at Javagal is a classic mid-13th century trikuta (three-shrine) temple dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha. Located on the rural Hassan countryside circuit, it features an ornate vimana with stellate projections, exquisitely detailed outer wall reliefs, and fine miniature aediculae showcasing mature Hoysala craftsmanship.
Sanctuary Gallery & Details
Historical Foundations of Lakshminarasimha Temple
Built around 1250 CE during the reign of the Hoysala King Vira Someshwara, Javagal was a significant provincial centre in the kingdom. The temple's sanctum enshrines an imposing four-armed deity of Lakshmi Narasimha flanked by smaller shrines for Venugopala and Lakshmi. The monument is designated as an ASI protected site, retaining its authentic countryside setting and tranquil ambiance.
Architectural Elements & Design
The distinctive sculpture and structural innovations that define the sanctuary layout at Lakshminarasimha Temple.
Trikuta plan featuring three sanctums connected to a common closed hall (navaranga)
Elevated star-shaped platform (jagati) providing an unobstructed circumambulatory path (pradakshinapatha)
Well-preserved southern stellate tower over the central sanctum
Richly carved outer walls with depictions of Vishnu's avatars, dancing celestial nymphs, and mythological episodes
Basal decorative bands with galloping horses, charging elephants, and floral scrolls
Lathe-turned soapstone pillars supporting intricate coffered ceiling panels inside
Visiting Sanctuary & Access
Operational Schedule & Entry
Open daily roughly from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free. Situated around 50 km from Hassan and 20 km from Halebidu; best reached via private vehicle or taxi. Visitors are requested to remove footwear before entering the temple compound.
Location & Transit Hub
Situated in Javagal, 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.
Sacred Ring Node~5.94 kmdirectVeera Narayana Temple
ವೀರನಾರಾಯಣ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Belavadi, Chikkamagaluru
Cross Connection~11.4 kmdirectHoysaleswara Temple
ಹೊಯ್ಸಳೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Halebidu, Hassan
Cross Connection~22.16 kmdirectIshvara Temple
ಈಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Arasikere, Hassan
Veera Narayana Temple
ವೀರನಾರಾಯಣ ದೇವಾಲಯ · Belavadi