Yoga Narasimha Temple, Baggavalli, Karnataka

Yoga Narasimha Temple, Baggavalli, Karnataka

Yoga Narasimha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Baggavalli village in Tarikere Taluk in the Chikkamagaluru District of Karnataka state, India. This Temple is considered as one of the lesser known Hoysala era temples in Karnataka. The Temple is protected by the Karnataka state division of Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was built during the reign of Hoysala King Ballala III in 1239 CE. Baggavalli was known as Bhargavapura during Hoysala rule as per the inscriptions.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of Sanctum, Sukhanasi, Navaranga and Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa has three entrance porches on the east, north and southern side. The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three sanctums, one each on north, south and west. Only the main sanctum, in the west, is provided with Sukhanasi, the rests directly opens into the common mandapa (Navaranga).

The Mukha Mandapa connects the Navaranga to the outer courtyard. Though the temple is popularly called as Yoga Narasimha temple, the sanctum houses Kesava. The idol is about 1.52 metres tall. The shikara over the sanctum follows vesara style. The temple has a star shaped plan. It stands on a raised platform called jagati. The pillars supporting the roof of the Navaranga, Mukha Mandapa and entrance porches were simple.

Yoga Narasimha along with Lakshmi and Lakshmi Narayana can be found in the other two shrines. The exterior of the temple is richly decorated with mythological sculptures and floral motifs. Idols of Shanmuka, Ganesha, Sharadamba, Chenna Mallikarjuna Swami and Anjaneya can be seen in the temple premises. These idols depict the finest work of carving.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Ajjampur, 8 Kms from Ajjampur Railway Station, 14 Kms from Birur, 21 Kms from Kadur, 22 Kms from Tarikere, 62 Kms from Shivamogga, 246 Kms from Bengaluru and 265 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on Birur to Ajjampur route.

Location | Photos