Amrutesvara Temple, Chikmagalur -An Epitome of Hoysala Architecture

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Amruteshvara temple, also known as “Amrutesvara” or “Amruteshwara”, is located in the city of Amruthapura, 67 km north of Chikmagalur town in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka state, India. 110 km from Hassan and 50 km from Shimoga on NH 206, The temple was built in 1196 C.E. by Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka (lit, “commander”) under Hoysala King Veera Ballala II.

History of the Amruteshvara Temple, Chikmagalur

The temple was built in the 12th century by Commander Amruteshwara Dandanayaka during the rule of King Hoysala Veera Ballala II. The emergence of Hoysala also coincided with the spread of this defined design philosophy that can be seen to this day in the state of Karnataka. One of Karnataka’s most famous sculptors was Mallitamma, and it is believed to have started his artistic career in Amruthapura, suggesting the beginning of a golden architectural era.

Deity and Rituals of the Temple

The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva and the Shivalinga in the temple is a 300-year-old Trimurti brought from the Kandikevale river in Nepal. Sharada Devi’s idol sits next to the shiva linga. Some of the important rituals performed at the Amrutesvara temple include the Bilva Archana and the Kumkuma Archana.

Aksharbhyasam is also another ritual that can be performed in this temple. Devotees visit the temple for many reasons, including concerns about money and illness. It is also believed that those whose children suffer in education can come here and pray. Some of the thanksgiving Gifts left in the temple include the sari.

Amrutesvara temple architecture

The temple is located in a quiet place near the Bhadra river reservoir. This 12th century structure was built following various distinctive features of Hoysala architecture. Many experts describe this temple as part of the ancient Hoysala style of architecture.

The oldest parts of the Amrutesvara temple are the porch, the sanctum sanctorum, the Sukhanasi, and the Navaranga, and more ornaments were built as time went on. The wide hall or mantapa is one of the important parts of a Hoysala-style temple. The mantapa of the Amriteshwara temple consists of several impressive pillars, ornate and lathe-turned.

The open and closed mantapa consists of various interior ceiling structures with elaborate floral designs. The square is located under a superstructure of the pilgrimage peak. The top of the Amrutesvara temple is decorated with intricate carvings of demon faces and mini-towers.

In one of the temple’s towers, the symbol of Hoysala, the Sala battling a lion, can be found. At the Sukhanasi Tower, visitors can also find a large panel depicting Shiva slaying Gajasura. The relief on the temple wall gives visitors a look at important Hindu beliefs and stories that defined the spiritual leanings of the Hoysala dynasty.

How to Reach Amrutesvara Temple, Chikmagalur

By Air

The closest airport by distance is in Mangalore, 220 kilometres away.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to the temple is located 11 kilometres away in Tarikere. From the railway station it is a short 20 minute journey to the temple via NH206.

By Road

From Bangalore city, the best route to reach the temple by road is via the NH79 and SH24, stops which include Tumkur. It is 260 kilometre journey and should take close to 5 hours to complete.