Papanasi Temples, Alampur – The Temple

Papanasi Temples, Alampur – The Temple

The Papanasi Temples are built in Nagara, Dravida and Phamsana styles.  The temples were built roughly at the same time as the Navabrahma temples. There is a large Maha Dwara at the entrance of the complex with images of Ashta Lakshmis, Lakshmi, Kubera, Vinayaka and Hanuman. The Papanasi group of temples forms a cluster of small temples, with striking similarity to the ones in Aihole. The temples vary in shape and size but are built in a similar architectural style. The group consists of two main temples and remaining are sub-shrines.

 

The Papavinasesvara Temple is the largest of Papanasi group. The Temple consists of a large pillared Mukha Mandapam, Antrala and sanctum. The sanctum houses a Shiva Lingam. The Shivalinga appears in green color. It has a square plan, a phamsana superstructure with a brahmachchanda griva sikhara, and plain outer walls. There are shrines of Lord Vidya Ganapthy and Saptamatrikas in one side of the temple.

Other side of the temple has shrine of Mahishasura Mardini. This shrine has latticed windows. This temple has intricate carvings like Narasimha slaying Hiranyakasipu, Vamana Avatara, Ashtadikpalakas, Mahishasura Marthini, Ramayana scenes, Lingodbhava, Gajasura episodes, Lord Shiva in dancing posture, etc. A 10^th Century inscription can be seen on one of the pillars.

Gurulingesawra Temple is the second biggest temple in the complex. It is situated on the left side of main Temple. The Temple consists of Mukha Mandapam, Antrala and Sanctum. The entrance has Dwarapalakas on either side. The sanctum is of same type of reddish stone as the main temple. The Mandapam and pillars have blackish stone and the carvings on these pillars are better preserved. Miniature carvings like Samudra Madhana, Marriage of Lord Shiva & Parvathi and scenes from Ramayana can be found in the pillars in the Mukha Mandapa.

The ceiling has the relief work of Lord Shiva with Ashtadikpalakas and Lord Vishnu in different avatars. The remaining shrines are considerably small and house shivalingas. There are totally 18 Shivalingas in the complex in different sizes and colors. There is an east facing shrine housing an idol of Surya in the sanctum in the temple complex.