- Harihareshwara temple
The Harihareshwara Temple at
Harihar inKarnataka state,India , was built in c. 1223–1224 CE by Polalva, a commander and minister of theHoysala Empire KingVira Narasimha II . In 1268 CE, Soma, a commander of KingNarasimha III of the same dynasty made some additions. The temple was consecrated for the deityHarihara , a fusion of the Hindu GodsVishnu andShiva . The image of the deity is a fusion of the right vertical half of Shiva and left vertical half of Vishnu.Cousens (1926), p. 93] The image holds in its right hand, the attributes of Shiva and in the left hand, those of Vishnu.Legend
According to a Hindu legend, a demon named Guha (or Guhasura) once lived in these parts and a considerable surrounding region, from Uchchangi Durga in the east, Govinahalu in the south, Mudanur in the west and Airani in the north was under his control. Guha successfully appeased Hindu god
Brahma with his penance and obtained a boon, by virtue of which, it would be impossible for either "Hari" (Vishnu) or "Hara" (Shiva) to singly kill him. Guha then became a regular tormentor of gods and humans alike. In order to overcome Brahma's boon and eliminate Guha, Vishnu and Shiva together took the form of Harihara (a fusion), came down to earth and killed the demon. The descent of the incarnation on earth is said to be at nearby Kudalur, at the confluence of the riversTungabhadra and Haridra.Rice B.L. (1897), p. 522]Temple plan
The temple is constructed in a staggered square "
mantapa " (hall) plan, typical of Hoysala constructions. Therefore, the outer wall of the "mantapa" shows many projections and recesses.Foekema (1996), p. 22] The wall of the "mantapa" is a parapet wall resting on which are half pillars that support the outer ends of the roof (cornice ).Foekema (1996), p. 24] The ceiling of the open "mantapa" is adorned with artistic decoration such as lotuses. The ceiling is supported bylathe turned full pillars. The material used for the temple issoapstone (also called potstone).Kamath 2001, p. 136] The original tower over the shrine (Vimana) is missing and has been replaced in modern times with one of brick and mortar. Preserved within the temple premises are several old-Kannada inscriptions and hero stones.Notes
References
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*cite book |last= Rice|first= B.L.|authorlink=Benjamin L. Rice|title= Mysore Gazatteer Compiled for Government-vol 2|origyear=1897|year=2001|publisher= Asian Educational Services|location= New Delhi, Madras|isbn= 81-206-0977-8*cite book |last= Kamath|first= Suryanath U.|title= A concise history of Karnataka : from pre-historic times to the present|origyear=1980|year= 2001|publisher= Jupiter books|location= Bangalore|oclc= 7796041|id= LCCN|809|0|5179
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