Lakshminarayana Temple
ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನಾರಾಯಣ ದೇವಾಲಯ
- Consecration· ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಕಾಲ
- 1250 CE (13th Century)
- Royal Patron· ಪೋಷಕರು
- King Vira Someshwara
- Sanctum Deity· ಪ್ರಧಾನ ದೈವ
- Lakshminarayana, Venugopala, and Lakshminarasimha
- Territory· ಸ್ಥಳ
- Hosaholalu, Mandya
- UNESCO Heritage· ವಿಶ್ವ ಪರಂಪರೆ
- National Monument (Protected by ASI)
The Lakshminarayana Temple at Hosaholalu is an outstanding trikuta monument renowned for the sheer sculptural density of its exterior walls. With five bands of relief sculpture and over 120 intricately carved deity panels, it rivals the finest work of Belur and Halebidu on a jewel-box scale.
Sanctuary Gallery & Details
Historical Foundations of Lakshminarayana Temple
Built around 1250 CE under King Vira Someshwara, Hosaholalu flourished as an agrahara in southern Karnataka. The three shrines enshrine Narayana, Venugopala, and a striking Lakshminarasimha image. The high quality of its sculpture is widely attributed to the atelier of the master sculptor Mallitamma. The monument is designated as an ASI national monument and remains exceptionally well-preserved.
Architectural Elements & Design
The distinctive sculpture and structural innovations that define the sanctuary layout at Lakshminarayana Temple.
Trikuta floor plan on a raised jagati with stellate projections
Complete central vimana tower topped by an original stone kalasha
Five continuous tiers of running friezes carrying war processions, foliage, and mythical creatures
Over 120 expansive relief sculptures depicting Vishnu's avataras, dancing Shiva, and musicians
Lathe-turned bell-shaped soapstone columns with mirror-smooth surfaces
Deep coffered ceilings carved with rotating floral patterns and guardian dikpalas
Visiting Sanctuary & Access
Operational Schedule & Entry
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry is free. Situated 3 km from Krishnarajapet and 50 km north-west of Mysuru. The temple has a manicured lawn maintained by the ASI; priests perform morning pujas.
Location & Transit Hub
Situated in Hosaholalu, Mandya district (Mandya 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~18.58 kmdirectBrahmeshvara Temple
ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Kikkeri, Mandya
Cross Connection~38.47 kmdirectMallikarjuna Temple
ಮಲ್ಲಿಕಾರ್ಜುನ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Basaralu, Mandya
Cross Connection~59.19 kmdirectBuchesvara Temple
ಬೂಚೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Koravangala, Hassan
Chennakesava Temple
ಚೆನ್ನಕೇಶವ ದೇವಾಲಯ · Somanathapura