Mallikarjuna Temple, Basaralu, Karnataka

Mallikarjuna Temple, Basaralu, Karnataka

Mallikarjuna Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Basaralu, a small town in the Mandya district, Karnataka state, India. The Mallikarjuna temple facing east located at the flank of the tank called “Gujjavve Kere” situated in the boundary of the village on the road to Nagamangala is a small temple but a significant structure among the Hoysala temples in respect of sculptures. The temple was built by Harihara Danda Nayaka around 1234 A.D. during the rule of the Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II. This temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple was constructed in 1234 CE at the behest of Harihara Danda Nayaka, a minister under the Hoysala king Narasimha II. Harihara and his two brothers consecrated god Mallikarjuna in the name of their father. They also constructed a tank nearby, in the name of their mother. In one inscription, there was a reference of a certain Chikka-jiya who had gone to Sriparvatha to bring god Mallikarjuna. This Chikka-jiya might be a priest who went to Sriparvata to get the idol of the god which probably was executed at that site. “Jiye” in his name and reference to Sriparvata suggests Kalamukha association of this temple.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2019/01/mallikarjuna-temple-basaralu-temple.html

Festivals

The specialty of this temple is the festival of fire crossing, called Bhairava Konda, held on a Monday prior to Ugadi Festival (mostly in March). One more attraction during this festival is Kiccha Masti ritual performed in memory of Masti.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 17 Kms from Nagamangala, 26 Kms from Mandya, 26 Kms from Mandya Railway Station, 29 Kms from Melukote, 51 Kms from Srirangapatna, 70 Kms from Mysuru, 116 Kms from Bengaluru and 157 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. Basaralu is close to Nagamangala and about 65 km from the culturally important city of Mysore. Basaralu has a well-connected road network. It can be reached from Bangalore and Mysore. There are various buses plying towards Mysore and pass through Mandya. You will be required to take a right from the Mandya Chikki and travel an additional 6 kms before turning left and driving another 20 kms to reach the Basaralu village.

Location | Photos