Nanjundeshwara Temple

Architecture of Srikanteshwara Temple

It was built in the Dravidian style by the Ganga rulers in the 9th century. Later many changes were made by adding new constructions by the Cholas in the 11th century, by the Hoysalas in the 13th century and later by the Vijayanagar rulers and the Wadiyars of Mysore.

The area of the temple complex is 385 ft long and 160 ft wide. The main entrance (Mahadwara) has seven story gopura which is 120 feet high, on which are seven gold plated Kalasas which are about 10 feet high and two huge horns at the ends of the row of Kalash. The courtyard (Prakara) is spacious and has around 122 images/ sculptures of deities. The temple has huge cylindrical pillars. The sanctum (garbhagruha) of Lord Srikanteshwara is small compared to the courtyard area. The temple encloses idols of Parvathi, Narayana, Sharadhambha, Ganesha, Subramanya, Anjaneya, Chandrashekara, Dakshinamurthy and Chandikeshvara. There are around 66 idols of Shiva and his various manifestations.

The temple underwent many changes and additions during the periods of various rulers. The dancing Ganesha was an addition during the Hoysala period. The idols of Narayana, Sharadhambha, Ganesha, Subramanya, Anjaneya are believed to be installed during the Vijayanagara period. In 1849, Sri Krishnaraja Wadiyar III and his queen Devajammani got the nine story gopura constructed. The idols of Chandrashekara, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeshwara and Shiva and his manifestations were installed in the temple complex. There is a huge bronze idol of Thandaveshwara. There is also a place for the Navagrahas inside the temple complex. There is a 8 ft high huge stone bull in the temple complex. A Tulabhara mantapa was construcetd in front of this built in 1644 by the then Dalavayi Vikramaraya. Most of the new constructions took place druing the period of Krishnaraja Wadiyar III. Hence you can see a stone sculpture of Krishnaraja Wadiyar III with his four wives. He also gifted two wooden chariots in 1819, Silver horse, elephant, Nandi to the temple.