Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Haranhalli, near Hassan, is a sculptural magnificence that draws heritage lovers, devout pilgrims and casual travellers alike. The significance of the temple is that it is dedicated to three different forms of Lord Vishnu housed in separate sanctums. They are Keshava, Venugopala and Lakshmi Narasimha, respectively. The Lakshmi Narasimha temple stands in Haranhalli town, about 8.6 km from Arsikere and 36 km from Hassan in Karnataka. Apart from the Narasimha temple, Haranhalli also hosts the Someshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
History of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Haranhalli
In history, three illustrious brothers, Nijeswarabhatta, Sankanna and Gopanna, in 1234 CE, constructed the Haranhalli Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Records also state that the brothers obtained free lands from the natives to build this temple. Furthermore, King Narasimha II, the Hoysala ruler, granted the brothers more lands to develop the temple further.
In addition to the above information, inscriptions also state that the Narasimha temple of Haranhalli was initially called the Keshava temple and later was known as the Venugopala temple. It acquired its name, Lakshmi Narasimha temple, when King Veera Narasimha built the shrine to the addressed deity after winning a war. These details are found on the display board by the Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage, Mysore, at the temple entrance.
Architecture of the temple
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Haranhalli, boasts of the Vesara-style of Hoysala architecture. The temple flaunts three sanctums, though, from the exterior, it appears to house only one. Keshava, Venugopala and Lakshmi Narasimha, all being the forms of Lord Vishnu, are enshrined in the three different sanctums. The Narasimha temple of Haranhalli is built like the other Narasimha temples in Karnataka at Nuggehalli, Hosaholalu and Javagallu.
The noted sculptor Mallitamma has also employed his magnificent sculpting skills in this temple apart from working on the Hosaholalu, Nuggehalli and Somanathapura temples. Though bearing a simple appearance in ornamentation compared to the others, the Narasimha temple of Haranhalli displays originality.
The Narasimha temple has its base on a platform, which imparts a visual appeal and serves as a path for devotees to circumambulate the temple. Of the three flights of steps of the platform, one leads to the hall’s entrance, while the other leads to the platform itself. The walls of the shrines and the halls are decorative, reflecting the Hoysala style of architecture.
The Narasimha temple of Haranhalli is just about 300 metres west of the Somesvara temple. Also, the temple comes under the governance of the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Haranhalli timings
Tourists can visit the Lakshmi Narasimha temple of Haranhalli between 9 AM and 6 PM. Also, the entry to the temple is free of cost.
How to reach Lakshmi Narasimha shrine, Haranhalli
The Haranhalli Lakshmi Narasimha temple is located about 200 metres off the Arsikere – Hassan Highway. It is about 36 KM from the city of Hassan, 30 KM from Halebidu, 135 KM from Mysore, and 194 KM from Bangalore. Arsikere railway station is the nearest to reach Haranhalli Narasimha temple by train. NH 73 and SH 21 connect Haranhalli to India’s highway network, allowing road access.
In conclusion, the Narasimha temple in Haranhalli is worth visiting in terms of leisure touring, heritage travel, and pilgrimage.