Amrithapura, a small village situated in the interior of Malnad, was once a popular agrahara with its fine Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Amritheshwara. The temple is an excellent specimen of Hoysala style, with some features which are unique in design and execution. What is especially alluring about Amrithapura is its different look from the Belur and Halebid temples. It has an indefinable, mysterious charm of its own. The entire temple is built using black soapstone quarried from a hillock called Annegudda, 20 km away. The temple is in a remarkably good condition.

   The fine temple was erected in 1197, during the reign of Hoysala King Vira Ballala II. It consists of the sanctum, sukhanasi, navaranga and a mukha mantapa and stands in the middle of an extensive courtyard, enclosed by high stone walls with the mahadwara on the east and west. The entire sculptural work of this temple took 42 years, after which the Amriteshwara Linga was installed in the shrine by Vira Ballala, the grandson of Vishnuvardhana. The deity is named in memory of Amritha Nayaka, the trusted courtier of the country. It is said that this Shiva Linga was brought from River Gandaki in Nepal.

   The sanctum doorway has a figure of Gajalakshmi on the lintel and finely carved dwarapalas at the bottom of the pillars. All the nine ceilings of the navaranga are beautifully executed, while the one in the centre has a fine sculpture of Tandaveshwara. To the right are figures of Ganapathi, Saptha Matrikas, Saraswathi and the Naga couple. To the left are figures of Virabhadra and Subramanya. In all, there are about 30 beautiful ceilings supported by 52 pillars that are highly polished and elaborately ornamented. The north and left sides of the hall have beautifully executed figures from Bhagavata Purana, Ramayana and Mahabharata.

   The parapet above and the tower have fine figures all around. In all three directions, there are rows of protruding figures one over the other from the bottom to the top, surrounded by Simha Lalata or the heads of lion. This is a peculiar feature found in this temple only. In front of the tower is the Hoysala crest, adjoining which is a fine figure of Gajasuramardhana carved out of black stone. The original kalasha having disappeared, a brass one has been substituted. It is said that on Maha Shivaratri day, the rays of the rising Sun fall directly on the Linga.

   Another peculiarity of this temple is the perpetually burning oil lamp in the sanctum sanctorum. This lamp is said to have been constantly burning for the last 200 years. This lamp is filled with oil everyday.
How to reach
   Amrithapura village is only 11 km from Tarikere and 20 km from Chikmagalur. The village can be easily reached from Tarikere, preferably by a taxi or auto rickshaw, which are available at the bazaar.

   Tarikere is a rail station also, and is well connected by bus routes from many places in the State. Good lodges and rest houses are available at Tarikere for an overnight stay.