Surya Narayana Temple, Magala, Karnataka

Surya Narayana Temple, Magala, Karnataka

Surya Narayana Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Magala Village in Hadagali Taluk in Ballari District in the Indian state of Karnataka. Though the main shrine is dedicated to Venugopala, the temple is famously called as Surya Narayana Temple. This temple is situated at the centre of the village. The temple is located on the banks of Tungabhadra river. This temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple was constructed by Sameyada Garuda Marmmarasa of Magala in 1209 CE during the reign of Hoysala King Veera Ballala II

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and follows Chalukyan style of architecture. The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on north, east and west. The main shrine (western shrine) houses Venugopala / Prasanna Kesava. He is about three feet tall and is four armed. He holds shanka & chakra in upper hands and flute in his lower hands. The  eastern shrine houses a beautiful sculpture of Surya and the northern shrine houses Somanatha.

The doorjambs of the entrance of the sanctum and antrala have five bands of decoration. The base of the doorjambs have carvings of dvarapalas on either side. All the three shrines are connected to the common sabha mandapa via antrala. The ceiling of the sabha mandapa is divided in to twelve parts and each part is divided into twelve compartments. The central ceiling has a large lotus with beautiful ornamentation with a hanging lotus bud at the centre.

The sabha mandapa is connected to the courtyard via mukha mandapa facing towards south.  A parapet wall with kakasanas can be seen running all around the mandapa except the entrance. The walls of the sabha mandapa have niches enshrining images of Hindu deities. The exterior walls are decorated with series of pilasters surmounted by miniature shikaras. There is a Jain temple with an image of Thirthankara situated at about 250 metres from this temple.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 10 Kms from Hire Hadagali, 10 Kms from Hire Hadagali Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Huvina Hadagali, 29 Kms from Mylara, 37 Kms from Guttal, 40 Kms from Harapanahalli Railway Station, 140 Kms from Hubbali Airport and 150 Kms from Ballari. The temple is situated at about 10 Kms from Hire Hadagali towards Tungabhadra River on Huvina Hadagali to Mylara route.

Location