Kasi Viswanatha Temple, Budanur, Karnataka

Kasi Viswanatha Temple, Budanur, Karnataka

Kasi Viswanatha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Budanur Village in Mandya Taluk in Mandya District in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is also called as Kasi Visveswara Temple. This temple is considered equivalent to Kasi. Hence, it is called as Dakshina Kasi. This temple is considered as one of the lesser known Hoysala temples of Karnataka. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 13^th century CE by King Narasimha III of Hoysala dynasty. An inscription dated to 1276 CE records the grants made to this temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over raised platform. The temple is stellate in plan. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, navaranga and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by two lathe turned pillars of Hoysala style and two pilasters. The navaranga is a closed mandapa without any windows. The pillars in the navaranga are lathe turned ones with capitals. The navaranga has five niches.

These niches might have enshrined the images of Ganesha, Saptamatrika, Surya and Kumara Vishnu. All these images are kept outside in the navaranga. The ceilings of the navaranga are more ornate. The ceilings might have been painted originally. The remnants of the paintings can be still seen. Nandi can be found in the navaranga facing towards the sanctum. The doorways of the sanctum, antrala and navaranga are ornate and have multiple jambs of decoration.

Dvarapalas can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum on either sides. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Kasi Viswanatha in the form of Shiva Linga. The vimana over the sanctum follows vesara style. The antrala has a superstructure called sukhanasi. It looks like a shorter extension of the main tower. The exterior walls of the temple are devoid of any decoration except the repetitive geometrical design.

Contact

Kasi Viswanatha Temple,

Budanur, Mandya Taluk,

Mandya District – 571 404

Mobile: +91 96116 95091

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Mandya Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Mandya Railway Station, 8 Kms from Mandya, 18 Kms from Maddur, 52 Kms from Mysuru, 66 Kms from Mysuru Airport, 98 Kms from Bengaluru and 138 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. Budanur is situated on the Bengaluru to Mysuru bus route.

Location