JOIN USOne of the finest examples of Hoysala temple architecture, Amrutapura temple at Amrutapura, dates back to the 12th century. Located in Chikmagalur district, Amrutapura is just 35 km from Shimoga and about five km from Tarikere which is well-connected by buses and trains.
The temple at Amrutapura is well-maintained and set in an idyllic atmosphere. Coconut trees, paddy fields and lush green manicured gardens surround the temple. The striking feature of this temple is the repeated wall relief sculpture of shikharas, which are carved intricately.
The Amruteshwara temple has a single vihara which houses a single deity — Amruteshwara and is hence, an ekakuta temple. There are two mantapas, an open larger one and a smaller closed one.
The smaller mantapa connects the outer open mantapa to the sanctum which houses a linga. The smaller mantapa also houses an idol of Sharada Devi. The unique feature of this idol is that unlike in places like Sringeri, Sharada Devi does not hold a veena. The roofs of both the mantapas are typically Hoysala style.
Scenes from the ‘Mahabharata’, ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Bhagavata Purana’ have been carved delicately on the walls of the mantapas.
Episodes depicting Krishna dancing on Kalinga and Arjuna burning the Kandava forest are some of the interesting ones. The Hoysala lion figures in almost every panel. A beautiful sculpture of Sala slaying a lion adorns the main shikhara, though Sala’s head in the sculpture is decapitated. The shikhara is adorned beautifully with sculptures of gods, goddesses, demons and gargoyles. The outer wall of the temple is quite low and some simple motifs carved on a circular background have been placed at regular intervals. No two motifs are the same.
Do visit Amrutapura to lose yourself in the marvels of Hoysala temple architecture and to relax in the serene green surroundings. The temple is open from 6 am to 6 pm. The nearest town is Tarikere which can be reached easily by bus or train from Shimoga. From Tarikere, you can reach Amrutapura either by hiring an autorickshaw or boarding a private bus.