Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon – The Temple

Kamala Narayana Temple, Degaon – The Temple

The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines in a row. The temple is facing towards east and rectangular is shape. The temple consists of three shrines in row with its respective sukhanasi and a common sabha mandapa for all the three shrines. The sabha mandapa is supported by intricately carved pillars. The sabha mandapa is covered with low parapet walls with kakasanas on the interior.

The themes of Krishna Leela, Dashavatara, Madanikas and a few erotic scenes are engraved on the walls of the Kakshasana. The door jambs of the sukhanasi are carved with creepers designs, surrounded by ornamental windows. The dedicatory block on the lintel of the sanctum has carving of Gajalakshmi. The first shrine enshrines an image of Maha Lakshmi. She is depicted in standing posture. She is four armed and holds a mace in her upper right hand.

The second shrine enshrines an image of Lakshmi Narayana, with the Goddess Lakshmi seated on the lap. Garuda and Hanuman can be seen standing on either side of this image. The third shrine enshrines an image of Kamala Narayan with two attendants on either sides. The shikaras over the shrines are lost completely. However, the shikara is believed to be of Kadamba Nagara style. The interior roof of the temple has an exquisitely carved gigantic lotus in an inverted form.

The pillars and the spaces between them are covered with various decorative friezes. The temple is decorated with floral motifs, scroll works, figurines of animals, reptiles, deities, and nymphs. The walls of the temple are adorned with niches having plasters surmounted by terraced pyramidal towers in the Kadamba style crowned with a Kalasha on the parapets surrounding the sabha mandapa. The stone panels along the façade of the temple have emblems of the Kadamba dynasty and other figures.