Mallikarjuna Temple
ಮಲ್ಲಿಕಾರ್ಜುನ ದೇವಾಲಯ
- Consecration· ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಕಾಲ
- 1234 CE (13th Century)
- Royal Patron· ಪೋಷಕರು
- Harihara Dandanayaka under King Vira Narasimha II
- Sanctum Deity· ಪ್ರಧಾನ ದೈವ
- Shiva (Mallikarjuna)
- Territory· ಸ್ಥಳ
- Basaralu, Mandya
- UNESCO Heritage· ವಿಶ್ವ ಪರಂಪರೆ
- National Monument (Protected by ASI)
The Mallikarjuna Temple at Basaralu is an impressive 13th-century trikuta Shiva sanctuary famed for its exuberant exterior wall sculptures and narrative battle reliefs. Sculpted by the master artist Mallitamma, its outer panels contain dramatic depictions of heroes, warriors, and 16-armed dancing deities.
Sanctuary Gallery & Details
Historical Foundations of Mallikarjuna Temple
Consecrated in 1234 CE by Harihara Dandanayaka, a celebrated military general under Hoysala ruler Vira Narasimha II, the temple was built in memory of the general's family. A prominent inscription near the entrance documents its foundation and confirms the involvement of the master sculptor Mallitamma. The monument is conserved as a national monument by the ASI.
Architectural Elements & Design
The distinctive sculpture and structural innovations that define the sanctuary layout at Mallikarjuna Temple.
Trikuta layout set upon an elevated star-shaped jagati terrace
Fine single central tower rising over the principal Mallikarjuna sanctum
Six horizontal frieze tiers running along the base of the entire monument
Dramatic narrative panels illustrating the Samudra Manthana, Ramayana, and Mahabharata
Rare, monumental 16-armed dancing Shiva sculpture and Bhairava panels on the exterior walls
Intricately carved navaranga ceilings displaying multi-layered lotus rosettes
Visiting Sanctuary & Access
Operational Schedule & Entry
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission is free. Located in Basaralu village, 25 km from Mandya and 65 km from Mysuru. Easily reachable by road from Mandya city.
Location & Transit Hub
Situated in Basaralu, 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.
Cross Connection~38.47 kmdirectLakshminarayana Temple
ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನಾರಾಯಣ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Hosaholalu, Mandya
Cross Connection~39.49 kmdirectBrahmeshvara Temple
ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Kikkeri, Mandya
Sacred Ring Node~49.69 kmdirectChennakesava Temple
ಚೆನ್ನಕೇಶವ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Somanathapura, Mysuru
Chennakesava Temple
ಚೆನ್ನಕೇಶವ ದೇವಾಲಯ · Aralaguppe