Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli – The Temple

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli – The Temple

The temple is facing towards east with a mahadvara. The temple is built on a jagati (platform) that closely follows the plan of the temple. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, navaranga and mukha mandapa. The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, south and west. The western shrine houses Kesava, northern shrine houses Lakshmi Narasimha and southern shrine houses Venugopala.

The central shrine (western shrine) is the most prominent one. This shrine has a antrala (vestibule) that connects the shrine to the navaranga. The vestibule has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The superstructure on top of the vestibule (forming the nose) has only two tiers of decorative roofs. The central shrine is square and pancharatha on plan.

The superstructure (shikara) over the sanctum is of three tiers and is even more ornate than the walls. The central shrine has three devakoshtas at north, south and west housing the images of Sarasvati, Durga and Harihara respectively. The other two shrines are located in navaranga. These two shrines have miniature towers and directly connect to the navaranga without sukanasi.

These two shrines are also pancharatha on plan. The ceiling of the navaranga is supported by four lathe turned pillars. The temple actually looks like an ekakuta temple because the two lateral shrines are simple extensions of the wall of the mantapa. Their towers are a later addition. The mukha mandapa was added at later stage. The eaves runs around the sanctum where the superstructure meets the wall of the shrine.

The eaves projects about half a meter from the wall. Miniature decorative towers can be seen below this eaves. Second eves can be seen below this decorative towers. Friezes of Hindu deities and their attendants can be seen below the second eaves. The sculptures in the panels are mostly attributed to two well-known Hoysala sculptors, Baichoja and Mallitamma. 

A set of six moldings can be seen below the frieze which forms the base of the wall. The six moldings at the base of the wall is divided into two sections. The first horizontal molding from the jagati contains procession of elephants, second contains horsemen, foliage on the third. The second horizontal section starts with depictions from the Hindu epics and puranic scenes, then with friezes of yalis and final with friezes of swans.